21
I was really impressed with the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA. I ended up at VMFA because I was lucky enough to be in town for their Friday Art & Wine night. Every Friday, the museum stays open late, from 5pm-8:30pm, and offers discounted beer and wine in their cafe. It’s a very popular event in town.
Loads of people turned out for a glass of wine and a few extra hours to look at the art. Best part of all is that this event is free! There is an extra charge to get into special exhibits, but the museum collection has plenty to see. At VMFA you’ll find a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and more “traditional art.”
You’ll also find a huge collection of artifacts and objet d’art from every corner of the world. It’s like an art museum and history museum rolled together.
This guy was my favorite. It was really easy to get sainted in medieval times.
On Friday nights VMFA staff offer guided “mini-tours” at 7pm and 7:30pm. The tours are of different areas of the museum every week. When I was there, I got to take an extra look at the Egyptian section.
As you can see, their collection of Egyptian art and artifacts is pretty impressive. They even have a mummy! The mini tour only last half an hour, but was very informative. The guide was great and very knowledgeable about Egyptian history and the pieces in the museum.
I love that photos are allowed too! The only downside is that you can’t take your wine into the galleries. I suppose I can understand the reasoning behind that with all of these priceless artifacts around, but come on… I’m an adult! At least there are comfy chairs in the lobby for enjoying your wine.
Friday Wine and Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a must if you’re in Richmond, VA. It’s free, so you’ve got nothing to lose, and how often do you get a club stamp from an art museum?
I love museums that have events like this!
I had never been to one before… but it’s my new favorite thing!
What a fun way to visit the museum. We have a similar event in San Diego and it’s always a big event. A wonderful way to see the art with a glass of wine in your hand as well!
Elaine J. Masters recently posted…Visiting Tijuana – Treasures of culture and food
I always love art, but I definitely love art more when I’ve had wine!
Museum good, wine good. Museum plus wine – better!
Jen recently posted…Experiencing Rome’s Food On Foot
I like that math!
A happy hour at a museum has to be the best thing I have ever heard!
Dave from Daves Travel Pages recently posted…How To NOT Learn Greek In 10 Easy Steps
Right?! I just wish it were closer. I’d be there every weekend!
Very nice! I love that sort of thing. We have something similar where I am at but it is only once a month at best. Safe Travels!
It really needs to be every day at every museum in the country if you ask me!
This whole happy hours thing in a museum is such a cool concept! It’s a great way to get more people to come out and discover the amazing treasures that lie within!
Revati recently posted…Comment on The Blue Mosque, Istanbul – Of intricate splendour by Marie @mariestravels.com
The old bait and switch. Lure them in with wine, the expose them to the culture!
If nothing else works wine is always a great way to get people in the door! I love the idea of a museum date at happy hour:)
Mary recently posted…5 Money Saving Tips For Nomads
Certainly, I can’t imagine they packed people in like that during the day.
I love that there are displays of collections from all over the world. Looks like a great way to spend a day, thanks for the feature!
Meg Jerrard recently posted…Top Tips for Handling Sickness or Injuries on Your Summer Vacation
Of course, I had to share the wealth. I just wish more places had events like this!
this looks awesome!
It really really was Lindsay!
A good red wine and some culture sounds like a good night to me :D.
Ben recently posted…6 Places to Eat in Antigua for Cheap
Wine at the museum? Sounds fabulous!!
Francesca @onegrloneworld recently posted…San Francisco: Does Every City Deserve a Second Chance?
I don’t drink so a happy hour wouldn’t make much difference to me 🙂 but I would still love to visit the museum even if it’s just for the Egyptian section. Looks interesting! Being able to take photos inside is a plus too!
RaW | Ramble and Wander recently posted…Malaysia: Perdana Trail – A Heritage & Historical Walk in Kota Bharu (Part 2)
I’m a wine lover, so the combination of a free museum entry and discounted wine sounds like a very good plan to me!!
Shere recently posted…The best place to see sea turtles in costa Rica without spending a fortune
Art and wine – a combination I could definitely try out! This place looks good and your photos are brilliant. Thanks for sharing
Such a great way to keep things lively and the museum a social destination – which they should be! Impressive collection considering the size of the community.
Betsy Wuebker | PassingThru recently posted…Serenity at the Silken Park Hotel San Jorge
View lovely art while enjoying a glass of wine – sounds like a plan!
Jen recently posted…Tossa De Mar Fisherman’s Stew
Very cool post…I want wine at the museum!
Got to get myself there.
Cheers – Will
Will recently posted…THE MOST EXPENSIVE MEAL IN THE WORLD
What a great idea to get people through the museum door.
Bethaney – Flashpacker Family recently posted…20 Things I’m Most Looking Forward to About Europe
Oh, i wish more museums had a happy hour! Not idea why they wouldn’t do that – it would attract such a big audience!
Olga recently posted…7 Cafés in Berlin That You Will Love
This looks like so much fun!!
Learning about art and happy hour sounds like a perfect combination!
Looks like a fun experience and what a gorgeous building, was this someone’s home before?
noel recently posted…Spending a perfect day in Paris
Looks fun! I’m not a huge fan of museums, but when there is wine involved, I can often be convinced. 🙂
Christy recently posted…10 Aerial Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Wales