Art Experience

Celebrating the Commonwealth

From breathtaking landscapes and the 8.6 billion wonderfully diverse people who inhabit them, to growing industries that thrive against the backdrop of a rich and complex history, there are countless reasons to celebrate our Commonwealth. Through more than 75 paintings, photographs, sculptures and artifacts, The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion’s third installment does just that. Curated in partnership with over 40 institutions, independent artists, and private lenders across Virginia, “Celebrating the Commonwealth” is a comprehensive showcase of all that makes Virginia beautiful, prosperous, and undeniably unique.

The Art Experience at the Executive Mansion was designed in collaboration with artists, museums, and curators throughout the Commonwealth to educate, excite and inspire those who visit. The exhibition highlights works from a mix of genres and mediums with particular focus on Virginia artists and themes. It is a living display which will evolve and change over time as additional works of art become available and as different parts of the Virginia story become the focus.

Archives of past exhibits are available on our website. Click to view “The Spirit of Virginia”, "Do What you Love in Virginia".

Use the dropdown menu or click directly on the map to view pins locating the art in the selected room. Mouse over pins on map to view art image and learn more about its origin. You can also click on the name of the art piece listed in the right side menu to be taken to the room where it is located.

Fast Facts

The first installment of the Art Experience at the Executive Mansion nearly doubled the number of works of art from 26 pieces to over 48 pieces of hanging art, sculpture and artifacts. Expanding on the initial exhibit, “Celebrating the Commonwealth” boasts over 75 works from 15 museums and institutions, 21 independent artists and 7 private lenders. The Art Experience will continue to grow, with more pieces slated for installation in the coming months.

The Executive Mansion’s Art Experience has quadrupled the percentage of artwork and artifacts that celebrate minority subjects, Virginians, and culture.

We are proud that every single piece in the Art Experience represents some aspect of Virginia’s vast geography, peoples, places, history or culture. Virtually all the pieces were created by a Virginian, someone who was born in Virginia, lived in Virginia, studied in Virginia, or donated by a Virginian.