VMFA visitors get final look before 10-month hiatus

For many people, yesterday was just a normal day as they strolled through the collections at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

But for the museum itself, it was the last day of normalcy for nearly a year as the galleries closed in preparation for the completion of a $150 million expansion that almost doubles the amount of gallery space.

As the minutes ticked down to its 10-month closure, the museum was bustling with visitors on its final weekend. Nearly 500 visitors walked among the different galleries this weekend -- some unaware of the closing, while others slipped in for one final look.

Wes Milholen and Ashley Williams, both of Charlottesville, were two of the nearly 260 people who visited the museum yesterday afternoon. While they weren't aware of the museum's plan to close, they were passing through Richmond and decided to visit.

For Danielle Crisp and her father, Matt, the trip to the art museum was a part of her 25th-birthday celebration. While not an artist herself, Danielle Crisp said, "I have a strong appreciation for artists."

She said she wasn't aware the museum is closing for 10 months, but once it reopens, she plans to return because "I just enjoy art," she said.

Alex Nyerges, the museum's director, said last week that the closure is necessary for the safety of the art collection as well as the visitors.

Even though the museum is closed to visitors, employees will be working to prepare for the May 1, 2010, reopening. Suzanne Hall, the museum's chief communications officer, said about 19 employees are affected by the closure and are being moved to other areas.

"The museum has many needs throughout the organization. So we're pleased that we're able to find places for these employees," Hall said.

Douglas D'Urso, head of the docent committee at the VMFA, said the museum is entering an exciting time. Even though the museum is closed, there is no rest for the docents as they begin developing and implementing new tours, he said.

"I don't think it's a time of rest. I know for the docents, I think we're really excited about getting into the preparation mode to make sure that we are ready, so when the doors open, our job is to guide, to tour, to interpret and to share those stories that people bring to this place," D'Urso said.

The new James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Wing features a 40-foot glass wall overlooking the Boulevard and allowing those outside a glimpse at what the museum has to offer within. When it reopens, it will have 165,000 square feet added to the existing 380,000 square feet. A 600-space parking deck opened in 2007, and green space will be added with the 4½-acre Robins Sculpture Garden.

"It opens itself to the community . . . and welcomes people in," Hall said. "It's not an expansion; it's a transformation."

Contact Jeremy Slayton at (804) 649-6861 or .