More than a decade after the museum’s last exhibition showcasing India’s riches, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is coming back with a new exhibition exploring the art and culture of even earlier emperors. 

The VMFA gave the media a sneak peak Wednesday inside the latest exhibition – India’s Great Mughals: Art, Power and Opulence. 

The art comes from the era of the Mughal Empire, a powerful and wealthy Islamic state that spanned from the early 1500s to mid 1800s ruling India. Part of what arose from the empire is the wondrous Taj Mahal. 

“The Mughal Court was not just a site of power, but a place of scientific inquiry, of rational thought – a place of ambition, imagination and an enduring commitment to India,” said Emily Hannam, curator for South Asia at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. Hannam curated alongside VMFA’s curator for South Asian and Islamic art, John Henry Rice. 

The exhibit is organized by the London museum and is the third collaboration between the two art institutions.

Luxurious textiles, jewels, paintings, metalwork, inscribed architecture and about 200 other objects presented show the taste of the regime’s most celebrated emperors – Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.  

“We really strive to connect our visitors with incredible and beautiful works of art from around the world. And it is an absolute pleasure for you to have it,” said Caprice Bragg, VMFA’s executive deputy director and chief administrative officer.

As part of the summer show, the VMFA will offer scholarly talks, wine tasting and traditional Indian music performances. 

The immersive experience will run from May 9 to Aug. 23, and tickets are available online. Members can visit free, non-member adult tickets are $12.

Contact Reporter Victoria A. Ifatusin at vifatusin@richmonder.org