VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Officials broke ground at Virginia Wesleyan University as the new location for the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art.
Discussions about the move started back in June 2022.
VWU President Scott Miller spoke about why the university was the best choice for the relocation.
“Virginia Wesleyan has long been dedicated to fostering an environment where the arts can thrive,” Miller said. “The fine and performing arts are central to the tradition of liberal arts education, which is the cornerstone of our Virginia Wesleyan mission.”
The museum, also known as MOCA, is currently located at the Oceanfront.
But Executive Director Alison Byrne said the relocation to VWU will make the museum more accessible to residents and visitors.
She explained the opportunities the new location will offer.
“The new Virginia MOCA will be a catalyst for community engagement and enrichment,” Byrne said. “It will be a platform for artists to showcase their work, for students to learn and find inspiration and for visitors of all ages to experience the transformative power of art.”
She also said the museum will be one of the region’s largest art classrooms and creative hubs.
“The new building will expand our exhibitions and education space by 20%, bringing engagement and learning to the forefront and allowing us to host a range of exhibitions in a versatile and interesting space,” Byrne said.
She believes the move represents a bright future, and “one where art illuminates our lives, sparks imagination, and connects us all. At Virginia MOCA and Virginia Wesleyan University art lives here.”
The museum will stay at its original location up until the new building is built.
The new location is expected to open in 2026.
