The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) announced today that Commonwealth of Virginia employees and preschool and K–12 teachers (public and private schools) will receive free admission to the museum’s exciting new exhibition Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller. Active-duty military personnel and their immediate families will also receive free admission to special exhibitions through the museum’s year-round participation in the Blue Star Museums program. The exhibition is on view at VMFA through August 4, 2024.
“The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts welcomes schoolteachers and our colleagues from the commonwealth to take advantage of free admission to see these spellbinding works of samurai artistry and experience this spectacular once-in-a-lifetime exhibition,” said Director and CEO Alex Nyerges. “Visitors will be captivated by these extraordinary suits of Japanese armor and other implements, created during one of the most fascinating periods in world history.”
Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller offers visitors a rare personal encounter with samurai culture and tradition spanning more than 700 years of Japanese history. More than 140 stunning examples of attire and objects, including 17 full suits of armor, weapons and equestrian equipment, and more than 50 helmets and masks, all made between the 14th and 19th centuries are showcased in the exhibition.
Commonwealth employees and educators should call (804) 340-1405 to make their reservations and show their employee IDs or badges at the Visitor Services Desk in the museum when picking up their tickets. One free ticket is available per badge. Reservations for tickets to the exhibition can also be made in person at the Visitor Services Desk.
Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller is organized by The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, Dallas, where, for more than three decades, collectors Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller have been amassing their astounding collection of exquisitely crafted samurai regalia.
The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is open 365 days a year with free general admission. For more information about the exhibition Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, visit www.VMFA.museum.
