Danville Museum

of Fine Arts and History

Ready to Visit the Museum?

The Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History is located on the historic Main Street in downtown Danville, VA, between Holbrook & Sutherlin Avenues, featuring permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and history and art programs. We also hold art classes in the  Swanson Studio, located behind the museum.  We offer exhibits, self-guided and group tours, and events year round!

Hours
Tues-Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
Saturday: Noon – 5 PM
Closed Mondays and Sundays, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. 

Admission
Adults: $12
Seniors: $10
Military (active/retired): $10
Students ages 7-17: $5
Children 6 and under: free

Student Groups of 10 or More:
$5 per student and instructors are free

Permanent Exhibits

Sutherlin Mansion

Tour the Italian Villa style mansion built in 1859 that was home to Major William T. Sutherlin and family.  The Sutherlin House Tour is available to all and we offer self-guided tours to visitors.

Camilla Williams Exhibit

The Camilla Williams exhibition highlights the relationship this New York City Opera diva had with her hometown, Danville, and explores the difficult path to frame in a racially divided South during the Civil Rights protests.

Between the Lines: Danville and the Civil War

This exhibit explores the role of Danville and its citizens during the Civil War. 

The Movement: Danville Civil Rights

This exhibit walks you through the evolution of the Danville Civil Rights demonstrations that began peacefully late in May 1963 when local civil rights leaders organized demonstrations, sit-ins, and marches to protest segregation in all spheres, but especially in municipal government, employment, and public facilities. 

Hall of Fame

The Hall of Fame was established by the Danville Museum in 1974 to recognize and honor citizens of the area whose achievements have been outstanding. 

Want to Have a Group Guided Tour?

If you have a group that would want a guided tour for any exhibit at the museum, please contact us today! 

Mini-Millionaires Row Tour + Museum

Enjoy a one-hour walking tour of Millionaires’ Row and learn “The Secrets Inside” the Victorian mansions surrounding the Museum (DMFAH).  Return to the DMFAH and tour recreated rooms inside the 1858 Sutherlin mansion, view a Civil War exhibit, a Civil Rights exhibit and two art galleries. Visit the gift shop for a souvenir. All transactions are cash. Call Joyce Wilburn at 434.770.1974 to schedule a tour. 

Education & Classes

The following education opportunities and classes are available at the Museum:

Geraldine O’Brien's Intermediate Oil Painting Class

Dates: May 24th, May 31st, and June 7th    

Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Swanson Studio (Located behind the museum on McGruder’s Alley)

Class Description: Join us for oil painting at the intermediate level, taught by artist Geraldine O’Brien.  Participants will paint a variety of subjects, including landscapes, still lifes, florals, and more, with the objective of getting outdoors and painting the scenery: plein air!  The instructor will touch on introductory drawing and suggest some fun homework to help advance progress.

Soon, participants will be creating original art from their own “resource file.”

Costs: $195 per student for three classes. Museum Members get 5% discount. Cost does not include materials. No cancellation or refunds.

Supplies:  Supplies must be purchased before the first class.  Please contact Cathy Eggleston at 434-793-5644 for the List of Supplies.  

Students will also need paper towels, a jar with lid, a sketchbook or drawing paper, a pencil, a ruler or yardstick, and a palette knife.

About the instructor: Geraldine O’Brien, a professional artist with over 30 years of experience, has studied art in various locations across the US and Europe. Her work has been displayed in galleries from New York to Los Angeles. 

Registration: Contact Cathy Eggleston at 434-793-5644 to register and pay.

 

A Paint Party with Crumpets and Tea!

Beginners one-day oil painting workshop with artist Geraldine O’Brien

Dates: May 31st and June 7th

Time: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.   

Location: Swanson Studio

Description: Join us at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History for Crumpets ‘n Tea and oil painting. This class is a great opportunity for beginners to try oil painting! 

Participants will receive an introduction to the basic principles of creating a beautiful piece of art to take home and enjoy, while sipping on a lovely cup of tea and nibbling on delicious pastries. 

Geraldine O’Brien will guide participants in starting their journey into oil painting. This is a great event to invite a friend or two. Space is limited, so sign up early.  

Supplies: The instructor will provide all materials. 

Costs: $60 per student for a 2-hour workshop.

Registration: Contact Cathy Eggleston at 434-793-5644 to register and pay.

Summer Art Camps will be Announced Soon!

Forms in Clay Pottery Classes with Jonathan Scollo

Dates: Mondays, Tuesday, and Wednesdays 6:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m. 

Location: Swanson Studios at the Danville Museum of Fine Art & History at 965 Main Street Danville, VA

Cost: $105 for non-museum members and $95.00 for museum members. 

Class Description: Forms In Clay is designed for beginners to advanced students. The Swanson Studio is equipped for hand-building and wheel throwing and utilizes an electric kiln for firing. The class includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing.

About the Instructor: Jonathan Scollo studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design and later graduated from the University of South Carolina in Art Education.

His pottery and art has been showcased in many art exhibits across the region. 

Mr. Scollo teaches pottery classes at Averett University and at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. He co-owns and manages the Awards & Trophy Shop in Danville with his wife Beverly, who is also an artist. 

Registration: Please contact the museum at 434-793-5644, or Mr. Scollo at 434-792-5355 for more information and to register. 

Meditation at the Museum with Melissa

Dates: Mondays, 5-6 p.m.

 Location: Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History 

Costs: $10 per class. Pay through Eventbrite using the “Get Started” button below or at the door. 

Supplies: pillows, blankets, yoga mats.

Class Description: If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, you might try meditation, a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can help you relax deeply, calm your mind, and restore your calm and inner peace. 

About the Instructor: Melissa Laverack is a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Certified Trainer and Instructor with over 24 years of experience. 

Registration: “Get Started” button below.

Yoga at the Museum with Sherri

Dates: Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Location: Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History

Cost: $10 per person per class. Pay through Eventbrite using the “Get Started” button below or at the door. 

Supplies: Students should bring a towel, water, and a yoga mat.

Class Description: Find balance and peace with yoga instructor, Sherri Tuck, as she guides students through a 60-minute series of standing and seated asanas (yoga poses) designed to build flexibility, stamina and strength while being mindful of the breath. Focus will be placed on alignment and self-awareness throughout the class.

Modifications will be offered to make the class accessible to all skill levels. Class will end with a Savasana or final relaxation pose to allow for post-practice reflection.

Registration: “Get started” button below.

Art Smart

Dates: 2024-2025 School Year

Ages:   pre-K  

Art Smart is an art class taught by Karan Johnston and Sue Shelton in conjunction with the Danville/Pittsylvania County Headstart Programs. Please contact Cathy Eggleston, Museum Events and Volunteer Coordinator, for more information at 434-793-5644 or cathy@danvillemuseum.org. 

Submit Your Devotional Art or Artifact for an Exhibit Today!

Submit your religious or spiritual art and artifacts for the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History’s December exhibition. The form is open until November 7, 2024, at 4:00 PM, and selected contributors will be notified via email.

The DMFAH will be CLOSED Saturday, Jan 11th due to Inclement Weather

There will be no yoga or meditation classes this weekend.