VMFA will add a new cafe facing Grove Ave. as part of upcoming expansion
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts unveiled renderings of its expansion project, the museum's largest ever, on Tuesday night.
The renderings, available in full on the museum's website, were presented during a virtual "State of the Museum" address.
Among the additions will be a new restaurant, the museum's fourth, with an entrance facing Grove Ave.
The new wing, which was originally slated for a 2025 opening, has been pushed back to 2029. Director Alex Nyerges told the Times-Dispatch the museum wanted to focus on getting it right rather than worrying about a schedule.
Nyerges told the newspaper the new restaurant will be bistro-style, a mix between the upscale Amuse and the Best Cafe's cafeteria format.
"It will have a bar, music, open at night," he said. "It will be something really special with the wall of glass overlooking the garden."
At five stories high, the new wing will overlook the museum's sculpture garden and courtyard.
The total cost for the expansion was previously announced at $261 million.
"These design plans envision an architectural expression of VMFA's ongoing commitment to being an open, dynamic space that welcomes all," according to the museum's website.
The VMFA expects to break ground on the expansion this summer.
Contact Michael Phillips at mphillips@richmonder.org.
