Looking for a romantic and unique way to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Richmond? The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) offers an unforgettable experience with breathtaking art collections and a top-rated restaurant, Amuse. This museum houses a variety of unique pieces including a 3rd-century sarcophagus, a 19th-century Indian garden pavilion, and the largest collection of Fabergé in the US.
And all of it for FREE!!!! Here’s what to expect when you visit!
Rumors of War, artist Kehinde Wiley’s largest work, sits outside the front entrance to the VFMA. We’ve driven by it a few times, but not until closer inspection did we realize what the statue actually was. In our minds, we continued to see a Native American astride a horse, but neigh(get it)… It’s an African American teen with dreads and Nikes. It was erected as a response to the controversial Confederate monuments that no longer line Monument Ave.
Must-See VMFA Art Exhibits
I’m not sure what I loved more, the art collections on display or the museum’s design and layout.
In one wing, ultra-modern steel and glass elements led to ancient plaster statues.
In another hall, large marble columns flanked grand entries to rooms painted complementary colors.
There were no boring, stark white galleries. Instead, beautiful black and maroon walls provided a quiet ambiance that allowed the pieces to pop.
I’m not much of a jewelry gal, but I was floored by Rachel Mellon’s collection. The story of the lifelong collaboration between her and designer Jean Schlumberger is also an interesting read.
The odd sketches, shown below, are part of a larger collection drawn by Italian artist Francesco Clemente on pages from an ancient Persian text. They’re pretty small, so at first, it was easy to pass by without realizing exactly what the subjects were doing.
The sketches aren’t titled, so I made up names for them (see caption). Zoom in and tell me in the comments what you’d title these peculiar works.
The museum also has a substantial collection of American art, including gems like historic African American portraits, which are incredibly rare.
Dining at Amuse – A Romantic Meal
We had reservations at Amuse, the museum’s restaurant, which provided a nice intermission to our museum tour.
The cocktails at Amuse were absolutely delicious.
The Café Amuse, their signature coffee, was warm and chocolatey with a citrus twist. In addition to a splash of orange flavoring (not sure if it’s orange juice or liqueur), the drink had a tasty candied orange peel poking through the whipped cream.
We like to try She-crab soup anywhere that it’s offered, and this place was no exception. Their version was different from any I’d had before- it contained crisp sweet potato chunks.
Unfortunately, the taste of the sweet potato was a bit overpowering. It was an interesting combination, but this is not a dish I’m likely to get again.
I tried the seasonal quiche (broccoli, mushrooms, parmesan), while Jason opted for the ribeye topped with sunny-side-up eggs.
Like the soup, Jason’s meal also featured sweet potatoes, but this time they were a savory complement. They were cut into large disks, and the outer layer was crispy and lightly salted. 10/10 and they seem simple enough for me to replicate them at home.
Why You Should Visit VMFA in Richmond
With its diverse and thoughtfully curated collection, the VMFA offers an incredible experience for anyone looking to explore art, history, and culture without spending a fortune. The museum’s free general admission gives visitors access to an impressive range of exhibits, from classical masterpieces to contemporary works, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and casual explorers alike. Plus, with a reasonably priced café serving delicious food in a scenic setting, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full-day outing without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re visiting for a date, a solo adventure, or a casual afternoon with friends, the VMFA delivers a high-value, enriching experience that’s well worth checking out.
Roses are Red,
💚 💚 💚
Violets are Blue.
We visited VMFA,
So should you.