About The Anderson

The Anderson serves as VCUarts' premier on-campus exhibition space, providing students with professional opportunities to showcase their work. Through its dynamic and constantly evolving program of student and professional exhibitions, projects, and events, the gallery creates vital connections between emerging artists and the broader VCU community. As both a learning laboratory and cultural destination, The Anderson continues to foster artistic growth while presenting contemporary work to university and Richmond audiences.

Our Location

The Anderson is tucked between the Office of the Provost (Ginter House) and the Scott House on Franklin Street. The building sits back from the road through trees and outdoor sculptures—follow the path from the main sidewalk that cuts through the lawn area we lovingly call "the front porch" to reach the front doors of The Anderson.

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Our Legacy

The Anderson has a rich history as a focal cultural center in Richmond, Virginia, having opened in 1931 in the renovated Ginter Mansion stable building on Franklin Street. The Anderson served as Richmond's only art exhibition facility until the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts opened in 1936, making it a pioneering institution in the city's cultural landscape. For five years, it stood as the sole venue bringing professional art exhibitions to Richmond residents, establishing the foundation for the city's enduring commitment to the arts. This historic legacy positioned The Anderson as an essential cornerstone in Richmond's vibrant arts community that still thrives today.

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Spring 2025 at The Anderson

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Don't miss out on upcoming exhibitions, artist talks, opening receptions, and special events at The Anderson. Join our mailing list to receive updates on student showcases, thesis exhibitions, juried exhibitions, and other exciting programming throughout the academic year.

The Anderson

Phone
(804) 828-7720
Address
907 1/2 W Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23284

The Work

View of gallery at the Anderson showing student paintings and sculptures

Black Fidelity Exhibition

Black Art Student Empowerment (B.A.S.E)

Black Fidelity is a project by VCU Black student organizations that showcases artworks underscoring themes that reflect one’s roots, culture, and elements that shape them. This exhibition, Black Fidelity: From the Roots Up took place at The Anderson February 1 - March 1, 2024. 

Artwork included wihin the Spring 2024 Round 2 Senior Capstone Exhibit at the Anderson. The Senior Capstone Exhibition is an annual celebration of VCUarts’ incredible undergraduate studio arts majors. Spread out across two rounds and occupying three floors, the Capstone Exhibition features challenging, diverse, and experimental programming reflecting VCUarts’ status as one of the leading studio art programs in the country. Braid

Braid

Ellyx Martinez

Installation view of Paz Sher's Exoterica exhibition

EXSOTERIA

Paz Sher

EXSOTERIA, 2024 MFA Thesis Exhibition at The Anderson

I Am Not Myself

Savvy Figueroa

Having an identity can give you a sense of belonging, which is important to your well-being and confidence. But how can one comprehend their identity when it’s been shifting their entire lives?

A woman standing in front of a wall adorned with various artworks in an art gallery setting.

To Think We Were Ever Apart

Laela Huddleston

As I reflected on our senior year together and the time we spent creating alongside each other, it struck me how lucky we were to have wound up here together, in this space and time. To share our backgrounds and learn from one another. Thus, the title To Think We Were Ever Apart was born.

Call for Me When You Get There

Jessica Tifase

How to Forget

Jesse Hoyle

glowing red sign that reads in shame i will find paradise

In Shame I Will Find Paradise

Taehee Whang

Split Skin

Sam Mobley

Together Forever

Sarah Tilghman

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FAQ's

The Anderson is closed for Summer 2025 and will reopen in the fall.

The Anderson is open during the fall and spring semesters in alignment with VCU’s academic calendar.

OPEN HOURS DURING THE ACADEMIC YEAR:

  • Tuesday–Friday 12–6pm*
  • Saturday 12–5pm
  • Closed Sunday & Monday

The Anderson building is not equipped with an elevator, so the upper floors are not accessible to people in wheelchairs or those with limited mobility. Virtual visits may be available upon request. Email theanderson@vcu.edu for more information.

On-street, metered parking is available along Franklin street. Nearby parking decks include West Broad Street Parking Deck (1111 W. Broad St.) and West Main Street Parking Deck (801 W. Main St.).

The Anderson presents work produced by the broader community, including students at Virginia Commonwealth University. The Anderson does not assume the position or opinions expressed by the exhibitors.Â