As its “History Matters Campaign: The Story of Virginia for all Virginians” continues, and major construction proceeds, the Virginia Museum of History & Culture (VMHC) is preparing for a dramatically expanded and renewed museum experience. This is all part of the most transformative capital and programmatic improvement plan in its nearly 200-year history.

“Our Commonwealth,” a new multi-million-dollar, long-term exhibit, will serve as a centerpiece of the museum’s new offerings and a complementary experience to its existing long-term exhibit, “The Story of Virginia.” Opening along with the museum’s grand reopening in Spring 2022, this extensive exhibit will provide an in-depth, multi-sensory exploration through the five major regions of Virginia. It will feature stories and artifacts from partner organizations and cultural institutions throughout the state.

The exhibit will be divided into galleries for Central Virginia, Northern Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, Southwest Virginia, and Tidewater Virginia, taking guests on a memorable journey. Scenic elements and large-scale, slowly changing digital projections called “living murals” will frame the narrative footprint of each region.

Also, unique soundscapes will complete the effect, immersing visitors as they discover the arts, culture, food, music, industry, and people that make each region unique. Objects, archival materials, images, and personal stories will explore key historical moments and regional themes.

To further the VMHC’s goal of enhancing its statewide reach and doing more to serve and reflect all Virginians, the museum has forged new local museum and non-profit partnerships in each of the five regions of the state. This hallmark exhibit is made possible by the generous support of donors to the museum’s ongoing $35 million “History Matters Campaign.”

“‘Our Commonwealth’ is completely unique, as this approach to exhibition development has created a network of local and statewide museums and non-profits who are contributing to a state history museum project as a united body,” said VMHC President and CEO Jamie Bosket. “This collaborative curatorial effort is an incredible first for us all, and it gives us great pride to host this exhibition at the VMHC.”

The museum has been working with two esteemed companies to complete this multi-sensory immersive exhibition experience. The PRD Group, founded in 1988 in Chantilly, Virginia, will provide planning, research, and design services for the creation of “Our Commonwealth,” as well a major renovation of the other areas in the VMHC. Past projects of note from this company include “The World of 1607” for the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Visitor Education Center, and “The American Experience” at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Donna Lawrence Productions, a company specializing in motion picture work for cultural institutions, will create a film for the museum’s new immersive orientation theater. Past work of this company includes “New Birth of Freedom,” a film featuring Morgan Freeman at the Gettysburg National Battlefield; the film “Freedom Rising” at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia; and the films “Revolution” and “Washington’s War Tent” at the Museum of the American Revolution, also in Philadelphia.

The Virginia Museum of History & Culture is owned and operated by the Virginia Historical Society, a private, non-profit organization established in 1831. The historical society is the oldest cultural organization in Virginia and one of the oldest and most distinguished history organizations in the nation. The historical society cares for a collection of nearly nine million items representing the ever-evolving story of Virginia.

This abridged article and the accompanying images were provided courtesy of the VMHC. They are located at 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard in Richmond’s Museum District. Hours are Monday-Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the galleries and museum shop, and Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for the research library. For more information, call 804-340-1800 or visit www.VirginiaHistory.org.