The Richmond Region’s arts and culture scene is as bold and diverse as the region itself — from world-class museums to intimate playhouses and community art spaces. Whether you’re looking to catch a thought-provoking exhibition, take in a live performance, or explore a creative hub that uplifts new voices, you’ll find it here. We’ve rounded up some of the region’s standout cultural spots — each offering a unique way to experience and connect with the arts.
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA)
200 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA
Open 365 days a year with free general admission, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents a world-class collection that spans 6,000 years, from Fabergé treasures to French Impressionists to contemporary global art, plus major traveling exhibitions and dynamic programs year-round. Whether you’re exploring the galleries, catching a lecture, or just enjoying the sculpture garden, VMFA is where art meets inspiration. A transformative expansion is underway through 2028, adding 173,000 square feet to the 718,000 square foot museum, making it the fourth largest comprehensive art museum in the United States.
Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU
601 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
At the gateway to Virginia Commonwealth University, the ICA is where art meets today’s conversations. The building itself, designed by Steven Holl Architects, is a work of art — and inside, you’ll always find something new. With no permanent collection, the ICA keeps things fresh with rotating exhibitions, performances, films, and programs. Part of the nation’s #1 public art school, it’s a place to see, talk about, and be inspired by contemporary art.
(Photo courtesy of Perkinson Center's website)
Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education
11810 Centre Street, Chester, VA
As Chesterfield County’s first newly built arts center in over a century, the Perkinson Center is a true gem. Inside its 20,800-square-foot space, you’ll find the Jimmy Dean Theater, the Perkinson Art Gallery, classrooms, and an education center, buzzing with performances, exhibitions, and creative programming. The Perkinson Center is a place where culture, creativity, and community come together.
Richmond Triangle Players
1300 Altamont Avenue, Richmond, VA
Since 1993, Richmond Triangle Players (RTP) has grown from fringe theater to a beloved home for bold, queer-centric storytelling in its own Robert B. Moss Theatre. RTP stages new works, world premieres, and daring productions that open doors, challenge perspectives, and spark conversation, all while uplifting LGBTQ+ voices and experiences.
Swift Creek Mill Theatre
17401 U.S. Route 1, South Chesterfield, VA
Step into history and great entertainment at Swift Creek Mill Theatre, fondly known as “The People’s Playhouse” for over 45 years. Housed in a 350-year-old gristmill (and a national historic landmark!), the theater pairs live performances with an optional Virginia-style buffet dinner before every Mainstage show. With its rich past, Civil War Trails marker, and a full season of productions, this gem offers a one-of-a-kind blend of culture, history, and regional spirit.
Virginia Repertory Theater
November Theater: 114 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA
Hanover Tavern: 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road, Hanover, VA
As one of Central Virginia’s largest professional nonprofit theaters, Virginia Rep brings stories to life in the City of Richmond and Hanover County, reaching more than half a million audience members each year. From big musicals to intimate dramas and family-friendly productions, their season offers something for everyone, plus a strong educational program that inspires the next generation of theater lovers.
Visual Arts Center of Richmond
1812 West Main Street, Richmond, VA
For over 60 years, the Visual Arts Center of Richmond has been a place where creativity thrives, offering more than 1,000 classes a year across every medium imaginable — from clay and glass to painting, photography, and writing. Housed in a renovated 30,000-square-foot historic dairy building, VisArts also features the True F. Luck Gallery, a rotating exhibition space that spotlights contemporary artists and their process. With workshops, camps, and community programs touching more than 45,000 people annually, VisArts is both a hub for learning and a destination for discovering fresh, inspiring art.
(Photo courtesy of Chromophore Art Space's website)
Chromophore Art Space
309 North Adams Street, Richmond, VA
Located in Richmond’s Arts District, Chromophore Artspace is more than a gallery — it’s a hub for artists and makers of color. Founded by mixed media artist Ayah Davis-Karim, the space blends exhibitions, retail, workshops, and events to uplift underrepresented voices in the art world. With rotating shows, curated gifts, and local programming, Chromophore offers a welcoming place to discover bold new work, connect with artists, and celebrate the power of color and creativity.
Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen
2880 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, VA
The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen is a 50,000-square-foot hub for the arts, featuring galleries, performance spaces, classrooms, and even outdoor venues. From art exhibits and concerts to weddings and community gatherings, it’s a go-to destination where creativity and culture come together.
Altria Theater
6 North Laurel Street, Richmond, VA
With its iconic minarets and grand design overlooking Monroe Park, the Altria Theater is one of RVA’s most recognizable landmarks and one of its busiest stages. Hosting everything from Broadway productions and concerts to lectures, comedy, and special events, the 3,500-seat venue is known for its excellent acoustics and historic charm. Since its restoration in the mid-1990s, the Altria has continued to draw some of the biggest names in entertainment, making it a must-visit spot for live performances in the city.
From museums to music, theater to community spaces, the Richmond Region has it all!
Find your next cultural experience on our Arts & Culture page.
