Frequently Asked Questions¬

• We were in the Parks Avenue location for many decades, and this was a great opportunity to have a purpose-built, state-of-the-art building that anchors us to fulfill our mission and allow for future growth.
• Our new building serves as a cultural landmark for the region, a vibrant gathering place where people of all walks of life experience contemporary art in deeper and more interdisciplinary ways.
• The central Hampton Roads location makes Virginia MOCA even more accessible, allowing the Museum to better connect with the cultural and educational fabric of our region.
• We already work closely with schools in Virginia Beach and are now able to build and expand upon that work with students from across the region and the university.

The City of Virginia Beach owns the property will determine next steps for the building. Learn more about the 2200 Parks Avenue Advisory Panel here.

• University art museums and galleries have been shown to foster an environment for interdisciplinary learning and object-based inquiry and offer a training ground for the nation’s next generation of cultural leaders.
• Both of our institutions are fundamentally committed to education and, in particular, experiential education.
• The generous philanthropists supporting the project have long been supporters of both Virginia MOCA and BU. Their leadership on this project will play a crucial role in advancing the missions and initiatives of both organizations.

• This decision is the result of a multi-year strategic planning process with key stakeholders, consultants, members, staff, and partners convening to answer the question: how do we ensure the future of Virginia MOCA for the next 50 years?
• Of the many options evaluated, working with BU ensured we would continue to educate, connect, and serve our community through locally relevant, nationally resonant contemporary art.
• It’s a unique model and a groundbreaking partnership in that we’ll be one of the first, if not the first, wholly independent, accredited non-collecting contemporary art museum to call a university campus home.

The new Virginia MOCA is visible and easily accessible from Wesleyan Drive just off of I-64. It is located directly next to the Susan S. Goode Fine and Performing Arts Center and across the way from DeFord Manor, the residence VWU President Dr. Scott D. Miller.

No. Virginia MOCA continues to operate as an independent non-profit entity separate from BU. Virginia MOCA continues to be led by its own CEO, who continues to report to the Virginia MOCA Board of Trustees. Our affiliation with BU is as long-term tenants in the new facility, and as collaborators enriching the artistic and educational landscape of Virginia.

The new building encompasses over 35,000 square feet, including 6,640 square feet of gallery space, marking a 21% increase over the our prior exhibition space. Learn more about the new building here.

Tymoff+Moss Architects of Norfolk are the lead architects with assistance from M. Goodwin Museum Planning, Inc., a national leader in consulting services for museums and cultural nonprofits. Hourigan of Richmond is the general contractor.

Yes, Mille Colori by Dale Chihuly is displayed prominently and proudly at the new museum at the end of our sunlit corridor.

Yes. We’re honoring our legacy and connection to the Virginia Beach Oceanfront by continuing to present the annual Boardwalk Art Show. We also continue to organize exhibitions for our Satellite Gallery at Towne Pavilion II, just a few blocks from the Oceanfront in the ViBe Creative District.

If you have any other questions about, please reach out to Linda Koller, director of marketing and special events, by emailing linda@virginiamoca.org