Virginia MOCA operates as a non-collecting institution, meaning every exhibition cycle brings entirely new works to the space.
The museum organizes the annual Boardwalk Art Show, one of the oldest and largest outdoor fine art festivals in the eastern United States.
The institution hosts a robust studio school that provides over 300 art classes annually for children and adults.
The museum building was designed by Sasaki Associates and features a high-ceilinged atrium intended to accommodate large-scale installations.
The art library contained within the facility is an educational resource specifically curated for students and researchers of contemporary art.
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) is the Commonwealth of Virginia’s only museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary art. It maintains a non-collecting status, focusing entirely on rotating exhibitions rather than a permanent display. The facility features three distinct galleries, an art library, and an education wing hosting community classes. Exhibition themes frequently rotate to highlight national and international artists working in diverse mediums, including installation, sculpture, and photography. The museum serves as a regional cultural anchor by hosting major seasonal events like the Boardwalk Art Show. Its mission prioritizes fostering direct engagement between visitors and living artists. The building architecture is designed with modern minimalist aesthetics to minimize distraction from the art. It serves as a hub for both creative education and avant-garde visual displays in the Virginia Beach area.
The expansive, sunlit atrium often houses massive temporary installations that provide a striking backdrop for photography.
Check the museum's exhibition calendar online before visiting to ensure a new show is not currently being installed.
Engage with the gallery guides, who are trained to explain the conceptual narratives behind the current abstract installations.
Do not mistake it for a history museum; the focus is exclusively on contemporary, living art, which may be abstract or conceptual.
Typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Photography is generally permitted for personal, non-commercial use without flash; do not touch the artwork.
