Richmond, Virginia will be debuting a robust calendar of arts and cultural programming throughout 2022 that will address the city’s diverse communities and conversations. Whether it’s commemorating the 100th anniversary of The Poe Museum, spotlighting the $30 million renovation of the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, or pushing meaningful conversations forward on Black Lives Matter, visitors will have numerous opportunities year-round to take part in educational experiences that can only be found in Richmond.
Artist Hamilton Glass created this transformational and healing public art project that brings together artists from different cultural backgrounds in creating vibrant, emotional murals around the Richmond region that address where we are now in society as well as how we can move forward through understanding and collaboration. These murals dispersed throughout the region offer a cerebral, powerful lens on conversations around Black Lives Matter as well as the subjects of race, status and experiences. Four new murals were recently added, with each pair of artists collaborating with a different local non-profit organization that work within critical areas in which communities of color have historically been harmed including food justice, mental health, criminal justice reform and housing, to yield conversations and offer insights to shape the mural. Glass’ vision has allowed artists to instill a profound dose of empathy and healing to the community. Apart from volunteering opportunities and panel discussions, a map for self-guided tours on Mending Walls are also available, in addition to a new guided mural bike tour with Bike and Brunch Tours.
Located in Virginia’s oldest building dating back to 1737, this museum offers the world’s largest collection of artifacts, letters and manuscripts related to lauded American writer, Edgar Allan Poe. In 2022, The Poe Museum will celebrate its 100th anniversary with an expansive calendar of events taking place from April to October, including a Poe-Rade, a “Masqued Ball’ honor of Poe’s short story, The Masque of the Red Death, and the acclaimed monthly UnHappy Hours. The museum has also received a major gift of Poe artifacts for the occasion which will be unveiled in early 2022.
Virginia Museum of History and CultureSet to unveil a $30 million renovation project in spring 2022, the building will offer visitors an enhanced understanding of the state’s history and cultural contributions. Brand new additions to the facility will include multiple exhibition spaces; an immersive orientation theater; an interactive learning space; a comprehensive research library with a state-of-the-art rare book and manuscript suite, and various education/meeting rooms. Additionally, renewed community and event spaces include a new great hall as well as an outdoor event lawn for large and intimate gatherings. To celebrate the opening, a new exhibit titled Our Commonwealth will debut, a multi-sensory exploration through Virginia’s five regions with artifacts from cultural institutions highlighted within. The museum’s present exhibit, Partners in History, is a collection in tandem with the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of VA, which features iconic historical pieces including a desk used by civil rights attorney, Oliver W. Hill.
Apart from a rich arts and culture scene, Richmond will continue to tout its sprawling outdoor activities, including kayaking or white water rafting on the James River, exploring breathtaking city views at Floodwall Park, riding an electric bike on the Virginia Capital Trail and much more.
