The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts announced it has achieved reaccreditation from the American Association of Museum Accreditation Commission. After year-long self-study by VMFA and an outside peer review of all museum operations, VMFA has become one of only 779 accredited museums in the United States.
Reccreditation is a self-motivated process that recognizes a museum’s commitment to excellence and professional standards of operation. It signifies that a museum meets and often exceeds the Standards and Best Practices of the museum field. To ensure that accredited museums maintain their level of professional performance, museums must undergo periodic reaccreditation reviews.
“I am proud and thrilled to say that after nearly four decades, and three successful accreditation reviews during those years, we have been granted accreditation once again.” stated Alex Nyerges, Director.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts was first granted accreditation from AAM in 1972, during the time when the first museums in the country were being granted the honor. At the time the committee report stated, “There is obviously no question about accreditation for the Virginia Museum, which is one of America’s outstanding art institutions.” Now as one of the top ten art museums in the country, the final report stated that many of VMFA’s successful programs could be used as national models.
Just 4.5 percent of the estimated 17,500 museums in the country are accredited. These museums encompass the breadth of America’s museums and VMFA is privileged to be a part of this elite group. VMFA is a model for a public-private partnership with a statewide mission.
Accreditation is often integral to: loans of objects from other museums, particularly international loans; funding from many philanthropies and foundations; and support from local, municipal and state government. It is therefore fitting that VMFA is preparing to be the only East Coast venue for the landmark exhibition Picasso: Masterpieces from the Musée National Picasso, Paris which opens February 19, 2011.
Image: The newly-expanded Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Photography by Bilyana Dimitrova © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
About the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
With a collection of art that spans the globe and more than 5,000 years, plus a wide array of special exhibitions, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) is recognized as one of the top comprehensive art museums in the United States. The museum’s permanent collection encompasses more than 22,000 works of art, including the largest public collection of Fabergé outside Russia and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is home to acclaimed collections of English Silver and Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, British Sporting and Contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan and African art. In May 2010, VMFA opened its doors to the public after a transformative expansion, the largest in its 74-year history. Programs include educational activities and studio classes for all ages, plus fun after-hours events. VMFA’s Statewide Partnership program includes traveling exhibitions, artist and teacher workshops, and lectures across the Commonwealth. General admission is always free. For additional information, telephone 804-340-1400 or visit www.vmfa.museum