VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (September 3, 2025)–The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (Virginia MOCA) has achieved reaccreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition afforded to the nation’s museums. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. Virginia MOCA has been accredited since 2010. All museums must undergo a reaccreditation review at least every 10 years to maintain accredited status.

AAM’s Accreditation Commission congratulated the Museum on its visionary, future expansion and upcoming relocation to the campus of Virginia Wesleyan University. The move will create new opportunities to strengthen and deepen educational offerings and to operate from a more centrally located, purpose-built facility designed to support the innovative exhibition program that the Museum is known for.

AAM Accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 50 years, AAM’s museum accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation, and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable to provide the best possible service to the public.

“I’m thrilled that our museum has been awarded reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. This is a direct testament to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our staff and board of trustees,” said Alison Byrne, Virginia MOCA executive director. “This reaccreditation signifies that our museum continues to meet the national standards and best practices for U.S. Museums. It proudly reaffirms our place within a distinguished community of institutions that are publicly committed to excellence. This is a significant milestone that validates our commitment to excellence in all that we do, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community and uphold the highest standards of the museum profession.”

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, roughly 1,100 are currently accredited. Virginia MOCA is one of 58 accredited museums in Virginia—alongside the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, which also earned reaccreditation this year.

Accreditation is a rigorous but highly rewarding process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. AAM’s Accreditation Commission, an independent and autonomous body of museum professionals, considers the self-study and visiting committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

“Accreditation is a monumental achievement,” said Marilyn Jackson, AAM President & CEO. “The process demonstrates an institution’s commitment to best practice and is flexible enough to be accomplished by museums of any size.”

ABOUT THE VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, Virginia MOCA is a non-collecting contemporary art museum presenting locally relevant and nationally resonant exhibitions that invite visitors to explore our shared humanity through contemporary art. Driven by the belief that art can inspire, challenge, and connect us, the Museum features artists of international renown alongside exceptional regional talent. Through rotating exhibitions, dynamic programming, and special events, Virginia MOCA strives to spark conversation, inspire connection, and build a vibrant community. For more information, visit virginiamoca.org or follow the Museum on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN ALLIANCE OF MUSEUMS

The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) is the only organization representing the entire museum field, from art and history museums to science centers and zoos. Since 1906, we have been championing museums through advocacy and providing museum professionals with the resources, knowledge, inspiration, and connections they need to move the field forward. For more information, visit aam-us.org.