9 Incredible Ways To Experience Art and Culture in Virginia Beach
Cruising the
1. The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art
Photo: Visit Virginia Beach
The
But whenever you visit, make sure to check out the permanent work called Mille Colori, or “One Thousand Colors,” in the Rodriguez Pavilion. It’s a 14ft Chihuly glass chandelier, composed of 520 hand-blown glass pieces (and you thought those wine-and-paint parties demonstrated artistic commitment…).
2. The ViBe Creative District
Photo: Visit Virginia Beach
Just a few blocks from the Oceanfront is the eclectic
If you’ve timed your visit wisely, you’ll be able to hit up one of ViBe’s First Fridays, when businesses host art pop-ups and events on the first Friday of each month. Pretty much all of the district and beyond is abuzz with pedestrians, shoppers, wine tastings, colorful displays, and the energy only hundreds of artists can create.
Pro tip: The ARTS + EATS ViBe Walking Food Tour has all the insider knowledge on local artist hotspots, plus a dip into Va Beach’s foodie scene.
3. The Oceanfront murals
Photo: Visit Virginia Beach
There are some incredible murals easily accessible from the Oceanfront…if you know where to look. The first one to keep an eye out for is painted on two buildings between 19th and 20th Streets on Pacific Avenue. It’s titled “Great America Number 1: Our Fallen Heroes” and was created by local artist Sam Welty. The mural was unveiled for Memorial Day, 2017, in remembrance of fallen military and first responders.
Other murals honoring the brave (this is a military town, after all) can be found on Pacific Avenue at 5th and 6th Streets, and on 16th Street between Pacific and Atlantic Avenues. A police dog mural is located on 21st Street and Atlantic Avenue, and you’ll notice some colorful sealife behind Barr’s Pharmacy on 17th Street and Atlantic Avenue. Several murals live on the corner of 22nd Street and Atlantic Avenue, as well — scavenger hunt, anyone?
4. King Neptune (and his cronies)
Photo: Visit Virginia Beach
The crown jewel on the Boardwalk is the statue of King Neptune — you can’t miss it. Sculptor Paul DiPasquale created the intimidating 12-ton, 34ft-tall bronze sculpture in 2005, and it’s been standing guard over the sea at 31st Street ever since. You can’t visit Virginia Beach and not take a selfie with the mythical god.
While you’re at it, look for these other sculptures near the Boardwalk:
- Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, 35th Street
- Delight, 33rd Street
- Norwegian Lady, 25th Street
- Monument to Naval Aviation, 25th Street
- Mallards, between 11th and 12th Streets
- Anticipation, JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park
5. Sandler Center for the Performing Arts
Photo: Visit Virginia Beach
Practically no two nights are the same at the
Pro tip: Arrive early to visit the art gallery on the second and third floors — the exhibits change twice per month and will likely feature an in-state artist.
6. The local theater scene…
Photo: Stacy Pryce / Cute E’s Photography
Right next door to the Sandler Center, you’ll find the smaller
Then there’s the
7. …and the laughs, too.
Photo: Visit Virginia Beach
Town Center’s
Arrive early either way, or you might be waiting in quite the line to be seated. Having said that, once the main seating fills up, they open the balcony upstairs. It’s usually less crowded and has a great view, though it’s a gamble as to whether you’ll be seated in the front rows or towards the back. The adventure is the thrill, right?
8. Summer events and festivities on the Boardwalk
Photo: Visit Virginia Beach
When the weather warms up, the festivities begin on the
One of the coolest events during the summer is the annual Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion. Artists — and gonna-be artists — use the Boardwalk as their canvas to create masterpieces with nothing but sidewalk chalk. Three entire blocks explode with color in ways that would totally embarrass your stick figures and smiley faces, so watch where you step. Then there’s the
The 31st Street Stage is another great spot to hang out in summer, as it’s one of the many venues for the free concert series along the Oceanfront. While you could stake out a spot on the grass or sand, arrive early to snag a table on the patio at
9. The Tar Roof
Photo: Visit Virginia Beach
When you’re ready, take a break from the coast and head to the countryside. The Tar Roof in Va. Beach’s Pungo farming community features the works and handmade goods of over 30 local artists within the walls of a 160-year-old farmhouse; and as if that weren’t enough, there’s free coffee.
The Tar Roof reminds us that Virginia Beach is so much more than just another coastal city. So when people ask you about the Boardwalk or the brunch scene, tell them, “But you’ve heard about the art scene, too, right?”
