Museum Policies

Please help us protect the art and make the museum a pleasant experience for all visitors by following these simple rules:

Cameras and videos are permitted in our permanent collection areas only. Sorry, no tripods, flash, or artificial light allowed. No photographs or video are permitted in special exhibition galleries, with the exception of Chihuly at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 

Visitors, volunteers, and staff are not to touch any works of art in the museum. Even the slightest fingerprint contains destructive chemicals that endanger even the hardest surfaces.

Shopping bags, backpacks, backpack baby carriers, umbrellas, and all purses, briefcases, or packages measuring greater than 8"x13"x16" must be checked at the Coat Room (off the Main Lobby) before entering the galleries.

Food, beverages, candy, and gum are not allowed in the galleries.

Sketching in the Galleries
Individual artists, classes, or groups of up to 50 people are welcome to sketch in our permanent collection galleries only. Sketching is not allowed in special, temporary, or loan exhibitions. Use pencils only, on drawing boards and pads no larger than 18"x24". Gallery stools are available free of charge. Special permission required for painting. Please phone 804.340.1419 for more information and to schedule a time. Reservations must be made at least three weeks ahead.