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Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art and 91·çÔÂÂ¥ Break Ground on New State-of-the-Art Museum
Scheduled to open in early 2026, the project unites the institutions’ shared commitments to the arts
University News | August 19, 2024
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) and 91·çÔÂÂ¥ (VWU) broke ground for a new, state-of-the-art museum on the VWU campus on August 19 at the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center. The collaboration between Virginia MOCA and VWU unites the two institutions with shared commitments to the arts, arts education and accessibility, and community engagement.
VWU President Scott D. Miller addressed the members of the community gathered for the auspicious occasion. He introduced special guests, including members of the Virginia Beach City Council, Virginia delegates, members of the VMOCA and VWU Boards, as well as project architect Michael Schnekser of Tymoff and Moss and CEO of Hourigan Construction Mark Hourigan.
“Today, we celebrate not just the next steps in this highly-anticipated project, but the forging of a dynamic partnership that promises to enrich our community, inspire creativity, and foster a deeper appreciation for contemporary art,” said President Miller during his opening remarks. “As we break ground on this new museum, we are not just constructing a building; we are creating a legacy. This museum will stand as a testament to the power of collaboration, the importance of art in education, and the vibrant cultural landscape of our region.”
Dr. Miller recognized and thanked the esteemed philanthropists who made the project possible.
“Jane Batten, Joan Brock, and Susan and David Goode once again identified a community need and provided the visionary leadership to make it happen!”
The new site for the museum will make it more accessible to residents and visitors. Scheduled to open in early 2026, the new museum expands programmable space by 20 percent, bringing art, education, and engagement experiences to the forefront. Enhanced galleries will accommodate larger and more diverse exhibitions, allowing for dynamic and extensive art displays; and Virginia MOCA’s cutting-edge educational space, ARTLab, is designed to engage visitors of all ages with hands-on art experiences and interactive learning opportunities.
The new building is a key component of Virginia MOCA’s strategic vision to evolve into a leading regional educational resource nexus of creativity and innovation. It will be one of the largest art classrooms in the region and a creative hub for K-12 students, university students, and the broader community. Moreover, it will allow for live performances, lectures, and cultural events, enriching the local cultural landscape. Flexible art studios for workshops and educational programs will provide opportunities for learning and artistic development.
“As we break ground today, we embark on a journey that will culminate in a magnificent new home for Virginia MOCA,” said Virginia MOCA Executive Director Alison Byrne, “A space where art, education, and community will converge; a place where visitors will be inspired, artists will be empowered, and the boundless possibilities of human creativity will be celebrated. At Virginia MOCA and 91·çÔÂÂ¥, art lives here!”
For more information and updates on the Virginia MOCA at VWU collaboration and the construction of the new facility, visit the official websites of Virginia MOCA () and 91·çÔÂÂ¥ ().