That’s right! The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ special exhibition titled “Tiffany: Color and Light” has closed. But, did you know that many of the lamps and other decorative arts pieces are part of the permanent collections of the VMFA. Many of the lamps, and many others not part of the special exhibition, are part of the Sydney and Frances Lewis collections and are on permanent display here at VMFA in Richmond, Virginia. The sculpture garden at VMFA is currently featuring the huge ceramic works of Jun Kaneko, including a 9 1/2 foot tall bright blue face. Were you aware that the VMFA has one of the top 3 collections of Himalayan and Tibetan art? That collection was featured in a blog post here in early Spring. The VMFA collection of Indian art is ranked in the top 5. And, of course, there is the fabulous collection of Faberge. So in addition to first class permanent collections, the museum has scheduled special exhibitions into 2011. Just because Tiffany has closed – that’s no reason to scratch the Virginia Museum of FIne Arts off your to-do list; there’s plenty more to see and experience.

Proudly connecting both the historic Fan District and Richmond’s Museum District, the VMFA has just been newly expanded and renovated. Even the architecture is a sight to see! So, while our Tiffany Glass special has expired, we invite you to book a stay at our Fan District Bed and Breakfast, called by a recent guest “the Tiffany of Inns” on TripAdvisor, enjoy southern hospitality at its finest and indulge in our hearty gourmet breakfasts. As for on-going specials, we do offer a military discount special and a discount for a two-night stay on weekdays in our posh Regency Room with its private en-suite bathroom and whirlpool tub. Start planning now!

Tiffany: Color and Light’s closing is imminent – just 3 weeks away on August 15th!  Have you seen the glass master’s exhibit at Richmond’s Virginia Museum of Fine Arts? Better make your plans now.

Don't Miss the wonder of Tiffany's Glass

The Richmond VMFA is the only museum in the US to feature this exhibition and, once it closes, the items will be dispersed back to their owners: museums from around the world. Drawing on the finest collections in Europe, North America, and Russia, the exhibition presents Tiffany as an artist of international stature and significance. Curated by the world’s leading scholars, the exhibition focuses on his primary achievements – the innovative techniques and artistry he developed to achieve original and spectacular effects in glass. Among the exhibition’s more than 180 objects are examples of the leaded-glass windows and lamps for which he is best known as well as blown-glass vessels and decorative objects such as mosaics, jewelry, bronzes, paintings, watercolors, architectural elements, and silver. Eight newly restored windows from the Erskine and American United Church in Montreal – considered one of his most spectacular commissions – have never before been shown in the United States and will form a dazzling and memorable centerpiece to the presentation.  And, save your ticket stubs for the exhibition to take advantage of our special: stay at our inn for two nights Monday through Thursday, present your used ticket stubs, and we will refund your admission fees by applying a credit to your invoice! Subject to Conditions.

To round out your Tiffany-focused trip, don’t forget to check out the Tiffany Driving Tour.  Focusing on glass works, make time to explore Hans Godo Frabel’s Glassworks in the Garden at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Richmond is rich in its art – don’t miss it!

Can a restaurant be a work of art? Take time to check out Amuse, the restaurant in the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts that overlooks the the sculpture garden. A recent review by Dana Craig was very positive and limited hours make reservations hard to get. The secret: Plan ahead!

Guest rooms at our historic Fan District Bed and Breakfast have been upgraded with new HVAC units that are more energy efficient.  Each room retains its individual thermostat allowing our guests the utmost in individual comfort. Though our systems were relatively new, they had developed leaks that were impossible to locate and replacement was the only answer. Our thanks go out to Chuck and his helpers who endured the heat of our attic to make the swap in Richmond’s heat spell.

Don’t let the predictions of summer heat keep you from planning a trip to Richmond. Museums, restaurants, and attractions are all air-conditioned and there’s always the James River for rafting, tubing, or canoeing.  Best of all, here at our Richmond Virginia inn, you can control the temperature in your room with the press of a button on the thermostat.  And, since the units are energy-efficient, you’re doing your part to help us reduce our carbon footprint.

PS. Don’t forget – the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Tiffany: Color and Light exhibit closes August 15th – that’s only five more weeks to see this special exhibition of the works of Tiffany, the Master of Glass.

Book your reservation for the Tiffany: Color and Light Exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts by phone at 804-340-1405 or on-line at TICKETS and expect to be dazzled by this only US appearance of Tiffany’s varied and spectacular works.  Then make a reservation for two-nights at the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast in either the Regency or Touch of France room. Show us your used ticket stub and we’ll deduct the cost of your tickets (maximum 2 per room) from the invoice for your two-night stay.

Stay at Richmond’s gourmet bed and breakfast and see the Tiffany exhibit on us!

This special is valid until the exhibit closes on August 15th and may not be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.  The William Miller House Bed and Breakfast cannot guarantee or offer tickets to the Tiffany exhibit which are obtained through the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.

Before you plan just a day trip to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to see their newest exhibition, Tiffany: Color and Light, consider that you can explore many other Tiffany works throughout the state of Virginia. The museum has created a statewide tour of Tiffany windows with detailed information on their website.  The driving tour includes 33 sites which the museum has organized into 4 regions: central Virginia including Charlottesville, Petersburg, and Richmond; Hampton Roads and Chesapeake (Portsmouth and Norfolk); Northern Virginia and Northern Neck, including Alexandria and Fredericksburg; and the Valley and Western Virginia, including Roanoke and Staunton.  The museum’s website even includes downloadable audio with detailed information on selected sites.

So here’s a recommendation, start your Tiffany excursion in Richmond with two or more days at our historic Fan District bed and breakfast to catch the genius of Tiffany at VMFA and the other Richmond sites like Maymont’s window “Peace Be Unto This House,” the windows and mosaic altarpiece at St Paul’s, “Mount Sinai” at Beth Ahaba, and the fifteen windows at Blandford Church in Petersburg. You can even catch the Glorious Glass exhibit at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens displaying contemporary works of Hans Godo Frabel. Then, move on to Norfolk, Charlottesville and Roanoke or Staunton to catch the rest. The Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia inspects and approves its member inns and you’re sure to find one or two in each of the 4 regions defined by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to indulge in gracious southern hospitality while you explore the works of Tiffany that surround Virginia residents every day.  Don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity, reserve your room at Richmond’s gourmet bed and breakfast today!

Tiffany Pineapple Table Lamp (1900-1908)

One of the benefits of innkeeping is that, sometimes, we are afforded the opportunity to preview exhibitions before they open to the public. On Thursday, May 27th, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts graciously offered the hospitality community a preview of the Tiffany: Color and Light exhibit opening on Saturday, May 29th and extending to August 15th. Even television channel NBC12 was there!

This knock-your-socks-off exhibit is limited to Paris, Montreal, and Richmond – its last stop. So this is your last chance to study the 180 objects filling the 7,500 square foot New Market Gallery of VMFA’s newly expanded facility that make up this exceptional collection from windows, to lamps, to vases, to jewelry created in Louis Comfort Tiffany’s studios between 1872 and 1920. Natahalie Bondil, Director and Chief Curator, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, commented at the preview that Tiffany’s use of glass as sculpture was a sign of his genius and this exceptional collection brings together a dazzling array of objects from 46 public and private collections from around the world. Tiffany’s leaded glass window, “Magnolias,” from the Hermitage in St. Petersburg is here, as are almost 14 feet tall windows from the American Presbyterian Church in Montreal, and, even selected items from the Francis & Sydney Lewis incredible collection.

Fredrick Wilson, desgned windows (Tiffany Studios)

As you move through the exhibition, you will fall under the spell of Tiffany’s experimentation with the medium of glass, the complexity of techniques he used, and the spontaneous effects produced as a result of his experimentation.  This once-in-a-lifetime exhibit includes some of the best pieces of Tiffany’s work; many of which never travel – particularly across the ocean. But, Tiffany is not just Art Nouveau, his focus on color, form and light propel some of his tradition-based work into the modern era. Much of the work reflects a rainbow-like play of color, with a brilliance and luster that is Tiffany’s trademark.  Other works incorporate lava glass with its gold luster. Cypriote glass is also well-represented, where pieces of metal oxide are applied to a mass of molten glass to create a chemical reaction on the surface to create pitting.

Recently acquired by the VMFA as part of its permanent collection, are two Tiffany windows originally from All Saints Episcopal Church, when it was located on West Franklin Street.  When it moved in 1957 to its new building, the windows were stored in the basement. Three panels are now on view in the lounge on the second floor adjacent to the McGlothian Gallery of American Art. But, don’t forget to check out the Tiffany works in the Lewis collections as well – not all of the collection was exhibited with the rest of the Tiffany works.

We’ll be working with VMFA to develop a special package for guests of our Fan District Bed and Breakfast. Check back for details, but don’t miss out the opportunity to visit Richmond’s premier event this summer and stay in a neighborhood boutique lodging. We’ll treat you to a hearty gourmet breakfast and other amenities to make your getaway special.

While the VMFA is free to the public, this exhibition has reserved, ticketed times, for a fee for non-members.

The ninth season of Richmond’s First Fridays Art Walk is well under way.  In fact, there are only 3 First Fridays left in the ninth season; in September 2010 the tenth season launches. This monthly event showcases over 30 diverse small businesses, working studios, and cultural organizations that call Richmond’s downtown home.  Featuring diverse art galleries, unique boutiques, incredible dining, a spot of culture, and independent studios – First Fridays beckon art lovers to experience downtown’s nightlife.   Participating galleries often launch new exhibitions in conjunction with First Friday events and offer extended hours on First Friday to facilitate browsing. Downtown restaurants and cafes in the arts corridor often offer specials or discounts to First Friday walkers.  First Friday Art Walk participants may even find a museum or two open and welcoming visitors. Nearby shops open their doors for that special take-home gift from soaps and lotions, vintage musical instruments, to streetwear fashion. There’s a new downloadable and easy to read map for finding all the fun!

So here’s a great plan for a weekend of art: pick a first Friday, book the weekend at Richmond Virginia’s premier downtown bed and breakfast.  At 4 Pm on Friday, check into your room, enjoy a glass of wine and a bit of cheese at 5Pm, head over to First Friday Art Walk or check out the galleries along Main Street, pick a neighborhood eatery for dinner, return to the William Miller House Bed and Breakfast and collapse into your pillowtop bedding dressed in fine, high-quality linens.  In the morning you’ll wake to fresh brewed coffee included in a hearty gourmet breakfast for two.  After breakfast, head over to the newly-expanded Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to explore their permanent and special collections. Remember: “Tiffany: Color and Light” opens on May 29 and extends into August. Afterwards, explore the shops of Carytown, visit another of Richmond’s world-class museums, or cruise through Richmond’s River District on a flat-bottomed canal boat.  Then, back to your inn to enjoy another complimentary wine-hour and make your dinner plans selecting a neighborhood dining experience. After dinner, take the FREE bus to Shockoe Slip and Bottom and check out the nightlife. Return trip is also free on the 2BNB bus, just flash the peace sign to flag the bus down.  Donations are greatly appreciated to keep the big green bus running!  Sunday morning you’ll be treated to another hearty gourmet breakfast for two, and after checking out of the inn, visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens’ Millions of Blooms with Glorious Glass in the Garden, glass sculptures by Hans Godo Frabel.

First Fridays provide the opportunity to begin an art-focused weekend in Richmond with a great experience; but any time is a great time for art lovers in Richmond! Studios, galleries, museums and special exhibitions are always on the schedule.

When the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts opens this weekend, two restaurants will be offering dining options.  Casual dining at Best Cafe on the first floor of the museum features elements like pizza, panini, entree salads and a daily special – along with grab and go selection of wraps, salads, and sandwiches. Amuse is the name of the sit-down restaurant on the second floor with food offerings that focus on locally produced food.  The most spectacular  thing about these two dining options – is the VIEW!  Here’s Chef’ Danny Ayers point of view.

All of this is about a mile from our Fan District bed and breakfast. A leisurely stroll westward will take you through the heart of the Fan District and its fabulous architecture on neighborhood streets, lined with trees (young and mature!), leading you right to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. A weekend full of activities are planned including an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on the Mary Morton Parsons Plaza at 10 AM on Saturday, May 1, with government officials, donors, and trustees in attendance and the Huguenot High School Marching Band providing music. Roving performers including dancers and puppeteers are also programmed. Check the schedule here.

Join us in Richmond Virginia as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts takes its place as the 10th largest museum in terms of square footage and, now, adds dining with a view. Don’t forget the special exhibition of Louis Comfort Tiffany: Color and Light begins on May 29th.  This is the only US appearance of this exhibition.  Combine it with a tour of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s Glorious Glass exhibition of glass art by  Hans Godo Frabel installed in the garden and conservatory. Make your plans now!

On the evening of April 28, black tie attired supporters of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts were invited to a preview of the newly expanded museum and its newly-installed collections. The new soaring space of some 165,000 square feet and rehabilitated old spaces of 380,000 square feet are magnificently designed to showcase the museum’s first rate and varied collections.   The new Atrium, a triple-height “main street,” connects the new building with two existing wings and opens onto a new library, fabulous museum shop, and galleries. An innovative glass roof allows natural light to pour into this central area and its surrounding spaces. To showcase works of art to passers-by and to welcome them to the museum, a 40-foot-high glass wall overlooks the Boulevard. All the glass permits a soft glow of light to emanate from within the museum, whispering its presence to neighborhoods and the city. A new main entrance off of Boulevard faces eastward; but, the best news is the off-street parking deck to accommodate visitors.

We thoroughly enjoyed our evening preview of the newly expanded museum and its welcoming spaces.  Curators of each collection were on hand to greet visitors and to answer questions – a very personal touch!  Coming soon, hopefully by Saturday, at the heart of the Museum’s new campus, the E. Claiborne and Lora Robins Sculpture Garden will replace 3.5 acres of parking lot with a magnificent park including leisurely walkways, refreshing water features, flowers, and art. Workers were still sodding and planting the landscaped slope of the parking deck as we left the museum.

After this weekend, the museum will  be open 7 days a week, will be free (except for some special exhibitions)! Current exhibitions include “American Art from the McGlothlin Collection,” “German Expressionist Art from the Fischer Collection,”  and “Matisse, Picasso and Modern art in Paris.”  In a few weeks, beginning May 29, the special exhibition section of the Museum, the McGlothlin wing, will host the only US exhibition of “Louis Comfort Tiffany: Color and Light” featuring significant works of the renowned and celebrated Louis Comfort Tiffany who achieved spectacular effects with glass. Almost 200 works will be shown from Tiffany interiors, through handcrafted glass, to lamps and decorative objects from the turn of the century. Of special note the exhibit will include four windows created for the Erskine and American United Church in Montreal – never shown in the US before!

So make your plans to join us in Richmond the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts extends its national and international reach!  As always, our Fan District bed and breakfast invites you stay with us, relish in our Fan District neighborhood, dine at our neighborhood eateries, and start your day with our hearty gourmet breakfast!

The just renovated and newly expanded Virginia Museum of Fine Arts will open May 1 with a new 15,000 square foot special exhibitions space on the lower level, more than tripling the previously allotted space.  The new deputy director of exhibitions, Robin Nicholoson, has been busy filling the schedule with exhibitions designed to lure travelers from from miles and miles away. Currently, the museum will launch 10 exhibitions in 10 months after its May 1 grand reopening!   The schedule extends into May 2011.  To read more about the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts approach to blockbuster special exhibitions as a driving force, click here.

Planning a spring/summer getaway?  Combine a visit to one of these special collections, with a stay at our Richmond VA bed and breakfast, with dinner at a neighborhood eatery, with additional museum-hopping, or with shopping Carytown’s eclectic boutiques or one of Richmond’s fine galleries.  A stay at our Historic Fan District inn includes a hearty gourmet breakfast for two, complimentary evening wine and cheese on each evening of your stay, a welcome tray with Perrier, ice, and Gearharts Fine Chocolates, free high-speed wi-fi access, flat screen television with cable, private en-suite bathrooms with both tub and separate shower, luxurious bedding, and more — everything you need for a memorable stay.

Richmond’s art scene beckons….