Why Richmond has the best arts and music scene

Richmond may be one of the most historically significant cities in the United States, but its free-spirited creative scene places it firmly in the modern day. From eclectic art galleries housed in pre-war buildings to a year-round lineup of art-filled festivals and events, the city seems to run on creative energy. Ready to be inspired? Here’s how to explore the cultural side of Virginia’s dynamic capital.

Visit the Museum District (and beyond)

Courtesy of Visit Richmond

Richmond’s museum culture is strong – so much so that the city has a neighborhood called the Museum District. In the historic heart of the city, this area boasts several notable museums flanked by tree-lined streets and colorful Victorian homes.

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is a local favorite thanks to free admission 365 days a year. It is also one of the largest art museums in the country, with more than 50 thousand works of art spanning 6 thousand years of history. Highlights include the most extensive public collection of Fabergé and Russian decorative arts in the U.S., as well as an extraordinary collection of art nouveau, art deco, and contemporary American art.

Next door, the Virginia Museum of History and Culture tells the state’s ever-evolving story through engaging exhibits. A Lego-inspired transportation expo coincides with the toy company’s new local factory and runs from October 19, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Unlinkedan exploration of free black Virginians before the Civil War, premieres June 14, 2025 and runs through July 5, 2026.

The Science Museum of Virginia, housed in a sprawling neoclassical building that was once a train station, offers fun interactive exhibits, giant-screen Dome shows, labs, maker spaces and more. It is also home to the 29 ton Big Kugelthe world’s largest kugel ball (a spherical stone sculpture that floats on a thin film of water).

In addition to the Museum District, you’ll find the Virginia Black History Museum and Cultural Center, the Valentine, the American Civil War Museum, the Poe Museum, and the Virginia Holocaust Museum, to name a few. The Keystone Truck & Tractor Museum in Colonial Heights, the Hanover Museum of History and Culture, and the Henricus Historical Park in Chesterfield are nearby, just outside city limits.

Go stroll through the galleries

Richmond’s passion for the visual arts is proudly on display to the public, with more than 150 murals by regional and international street artists that make the city feel like a living canvas. You can use this map to create your own walking or cycling tour of Richmond’s murals.

The RVA First Fridays Art Walk is the ideal opportunity to experience the city’s artistic talent while soaking up the youthful energy of the creative community. It is held on the first Friday of each month in the downtown Arts District, conveniently near Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), which is regularly ranked among the nation’s top art schools, and its ultramodern Institute of Contemporary Art.

Many of Richmond’s more than 70 galleries are contemporary, such as Ada Gallery, Quirk Gallery, and the artist-led nonprofit 1708 Gallery. Other reliable stops include the Anderson, an exhibition space for up-and-coming VCU students and faculty, and Gallery5, a visual and performing arts center inside a former fire station dating to the 19th century.

Discover Richmond’s world-class arts scene

Courtesy of Visit Richmond

You don’t need to leave the city to see Broadway-quality shows, comedy attractions and dramatic works – all of this takes place in the city’s theaters, concert halls and cultural centers. The historic Altria Theatre, notable for its mosque-like architecture, hosts some of the biggest names passing through the city, from traveling musicals like the Book of Mormon to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in concert, featuring the Richmond Symphony Orchestra.

For a more local flavor, Triangle Players is an LGBTQ-friendly troupe that produces programming rooted in queer experiences. The Virginia Repertory Theater presents everything from comedies and dramas to musicals and family-friendly shows.

West of the city, the Glen Allen Cultural Arts Center hosts cultural events such as outdoor concerts and film screenings, theater, performances by artists such as the Richmond Symphony and Gaelic Storm, maker’s markets, and visual arts exhibitions. Head north of town to catch live performances, concerts and movies at the Ashland Theatre.

Attend a music festival

Courtesy of Visit Richmond

From bluegrass and brass bands to chamber concerts and raucous house shows, the Richmond region’s packed lineup of music festivals offers something for every type of music lover. The Richmond Jazz and Music Festival brings big names like Saint Paul and the Broken Bones, Herbie Hancock and the Roots in the summer.

In autumn, the riverside Richmond Folk Festival takes place, attracting hundreds of thousands of revelers with an impressive lineup of free outdoor concerts and events. Also free, the 2nd Street Festival celebrates the vibrant history of the Jackson Ward neighborhood with a full lineup of jazz, blues and hip-hop performances. Ongoing series like Music at Maymont, Friday Cheers and Pocahontas Premieres keep the music going year-round with a diverse lineup of performances in outdoor venues that showcase Richmond’s pleasant weather and stunning natural beauty.