All contemporary art museums to visit in Virginia

Experience the cutting-edge world of contemporary art at 14 museums in Virginia. These museums showcase works by modern artists, exploring current themes and innovative techniques.

Are you a fan of contemporary art? These are the best contemporary art museums in Virginia:

  1. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts1

    Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

     Richmond, VA
    Admission to the VMFA is free, making it accessible to all visitors. However, there may be a charge for special exhibitions. This allows everyone to enjoy the diverse collections and exhibitions that the museum has to offer.
  2. Chrysler Museum of Art2

    Chrysler Museum of Art

     Norfolk, VA
    The Chrysler Museum of Art, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is a public institution that operates with private support. It is named after Walter P. Chrysler Jr., the owner of the famous automotive company and a well-known collector. The museum was founded in 1939 and has continued to grow and develop since then, particularly after the significant donation from the Chrysler family in 1971.
  3. Taubmann Museum of Art3

    Taubmann Museum of Art

     Roanoke, VA
    The Taubman Museum of Art, previously known as the Art Museum of Western Virginia, is a significant cultural institution located in downtown Roanoke, Virginia. The museum's striking architecture, designed by Randall Stout, is a notable feature of the city's skyline.
  4. Torpedo Factory Art Center4

    Torpedo Factory Art Center

     Alexandria, VA
    The Torpedo Factory Art Center, located in Old Town, Alexandria, Virginia, is a unique blend of history and art. This former naval munitions factory was converted into an art center in 1974, offering a unique space for artists and art enthusiasts alike. The center's location on the banks of the Potomac River adds to its charm and appeal.
  5. Gallery55

    Gallery5

     Richmond, VA
    Gallery5 is a multifaceted arts center located in Richmond, Virginia. It serves as a museum, gallery, venue, and community space, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Whether you're interested in exploring art exhibits, attending events, or engaging with the local community, Gallery5 provides a unique platform for all.
  6. The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia6

    The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia

     University of Virginia, VA
    The Fralin Museum of Art is located at the University of Virginia, housed in the historic Thomas H. Bayly Building on Rugby Road in Charlottesville, Virginia. This museum is a significant part of the university's cultural landscape, offering a diverse collection of art pieces from various periods and regions.
  7. Muscarelle Museum of Art7

    Muscarelle Museum of Art

     Williamsburg, VA
    The Muscarelle Museum of Art is a university museum located in Williamsburg, Virginia. It is affiliated with the College of William & Mary, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United States. The museum is a significant part of the university's cultural and educational offerings, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore a diverse collection of artworks.
  8. 8

    Piedmont Arts

     Martinsville, VA
    Piedmont Arts, located in Martinsville, Virginia, is a nonprofit art museum and educational outreach center. It is a place where art and education come together, offering a variety of exhibits and programs for visitors of all ages. The museum is dedicated to promoting and fostering the arts in the community, providing a platform for local and international artists to showcase their work.
  9. 9

    Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

     Virginia Beach, VA
    The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, also known as Virginia MOCA, is situated at 2200 Parks Avenue. This location is conveniently close to the oceanfront resort area in Virginia Beach, Virginia, making it an accessible destination for tourists. The museum is part of a landscaped campus that is adjacent to the eastern terminus of Interstate 264, near the Virginia Beach Convention Center and the Virginia Beach Tourist Information Center.
  10. 10

    Workhouse Arts Center

     Lorton, VA
    The Workhouse Arts Center, located in Lorton, Virginia, is a 55-acre hub for arts and arts education. The center has creatively repurposed the existing structures on the land of the former Lorton Reformatory. This transformation from a reformatory to an arts center is a testament to the power of adaptive reuse and the commitment of Fairfax County to the arts.
  11. 11

    Maier Museum of Art

     Lynchburg, VA
    The Maier Museum of Art, located at Randolph College, is a showcase of American artistry spanning three centuries. The museum's collection includes a diverse range of works from the 19th to the 21st centuries, offering visitors a comprehensive look at the evolution of American art over time. The museum's collection includes paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs, providing a diverse and rich exploration of American artistic expression.
  12. 12

    Arts Herndon

     Herndon, VA
    Herndon ArtSpace is a multifaceted cultural hub located in downtown Herndon, Virginia. It serves as an art gallery, arts lab, and performance space, offering a diverse range of artistic experiences. Whether you're interested in visual arts, media, music, drama, or film, ArtSpace provides a platform for all these forms of art.
  13. 13

    William King Museum of Art

     Abingdon, VA
    The William King Museum of Art (WKMA) is a visual arts and cultural heritage museum situated in the charming town of Abingdon, Virginia. This museum is a hub for both contemporary and historic art, showcasing a variety of works from the region and around the world.
  14. 14

    The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio

     Charlottesville, VA
    This place is truly one-of-a-kind! Feel free to make your own glass creations over here and admire the works of others.