VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A new, state-of-the-art museum will be added to the Virginia Wesleyan University(VWU)'s campus, according to a joint press release from spokespeople from VWU and the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA).
The museum is a collaboration between the two institutions to further their commitments to the arts, arts education, community engagement and accessibility.
“The new museum is a testament to our commitment to academic and cultural enrichment.," said VWU President, Dr. Scott D. Miller. "It will be a cornerstone of creative and educational exploration for our campus and the entire Coastal Virginia region.”
According to the release, the new building is part of Virginia MOCA's strategic creativity and innovation vision. It will feature one of the largest art classrooms in the region, expand existing programmable space by 20%, enhance galleries, be a creative hub for K-12 students, university students, and the broader community and allow for live performances, lectures, cultural events and flexible art studios for workshops.
“This initiative strengthens our ability to educate and collaborate with the community while presenting even more exceptional, locally relevant, and nationally resonant contemporary art,” said Alison Byrne, Virginia MOCA Interim Executive Director. “By working together, we can unlock Virginia MOCA's full potential as a vibrant creative hub.”
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new museum will take place on Monday, August 19 at 10:00 a.m. at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center.
The museum is scheduled to open in early 2026.