Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art

A spectacular new chapter for Virginia MOCA. Their newer, bigger, and brighter building on the Batten University campus (formerly VWU) is fantastic. The space features two large galleries of contemporary art and an interactive ARTlab. As a non-collecting museum, the changing exhibitions are always fresh, with the beautiful exception of a permanent Dale Chihuly glass sculpture that hangs prominently at the end of the main corridor. The building also hosts an educational component, with art classrooms on the second floor. ​I recently attended the Art+Design Convening conference here on June 13 and had a wonderful time experiencing the museum and connecting with so many talented local artists. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful too. Admission is completely free for Virginia residents!

The new location sings! The re-opening exhibits are energetic and compelling. The Art Lab is a great opportunity to create after such inspiring art. Free for Virginia residents!

Loved the museum, especially onsite artist room actually doing artwork prices for you to sit and watch and ask questions. They also had an interactive room for personal participation..Great concept. Enjoyed the theater area for watching documentaries on various artists within the area and present in the museum.

It was okay. Not the best museum ever. I loved the fabrege section and Romanov photos though.

What a beautiful new space. Very open bright and welcoming. The instructors for the paint class are soo kind and patient. I recommend not just visiting but joining some of their classes or hosting a class.

Great place to spend an afternoon. When we visited, we enjoyed an exhibit that had school-aged kiddos' work on display (Included our favorite pieces in my attached pics). The other exhibits were interesting. They were mainly focused on climate changes and the environment. The museum is large and also has a theater within it where I watched a commentary about the pieces on display. They also sell food and beverages which are not permitted in the exhibits.

A lovely collection of contemporary art, including local artists. I’ll keep this on my “must see” list for future visits to VB. Easy parking, free entry, and friendly staff and volunteers. Photography (no flash) is allowed. The space was bright and airy and felt much larger that it looked from the exterior. I loved the benches and chairs tucked here and there, great spaces to enjoy the exhibits or sit with your sketch pad and create. The museum is the anchor to the ViBe Creative District.

A nice little museum with a great interactive kids exhibit called The Art Lab. There’s a room with local student artwork that offers great inspiration for kids.