VBMA History

Situated on a barrier island on Florida’s eastern shore, the Vero Beach Museum of Art offers an unparalleled setting for audiences to engage with the visual arts through original exhibitions, expansive educational offerings, and dynamic public programming. Founded in 1986 as an arts education center, VBMA has grown its mission and reach over the decades to become a premier cultural destination on the Treasure Coast and one of the most visited art institutions of its scale in the nation. 

The Vero Beach Museum of Art, a nonprofit organization, was founded by the Alliance for the Arts, established in 1978 solely to create a regional center for the appreciation and teaching of the arts and humanities. The organization raised $2.5 million from local private sources, and the Museum, known at the time as the Center for the Arts, opened its doors to the public debt-free on January 31, 1986. The Museum was first awarded accreditation from the American Association of Museums in March 1997 in recognition of the institution’s professionalism, quality of programming, exhibitions, and community outreach, and has regularly earned reaccreditation.

In 1999, it launched a successful expansion campaign, which doubled the size of the facility to a total of 54,509 square feet. In 2002, its name was changed to the Vero Beach Museum of Art. Future growth came in 2007 with the creation of the Alice and Jim Beckwith Sculpture Park, and again in 2011-2012 with the expansion of the Beckwith Sculpture Park, a covered Atrium, new entrance vestibule, and construction of a 20,000 square foot Exhibitions and Collections wing.

Today, VBMA is the principal visual arts facility on Florida’s Treasure Coast, serving more than 78,000 residents and visitors annually. In 2025, ReMuseum recognized VBMA as one of the nation’s best-attended small museums, ranking first among museums with budgets under $12 million, not located in a city with high tourist traffic. 

The Museum will celebrate 40 years in 2026. Its growing permanent collection of American Modernism and global Contemporary art, a robust exhibition program of original and major touring shows, art school, and more, has earned the Museum’s reputation as a cultural magnet for art viewing and art making.  

The Vero Beach Museum of Art is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is a membership-based 501 (c) (3) organization pursuant to chapter 212, Florida Statutes.

1978
Jean and George Armstrong_1985_Portrait

Jean and George Armstrong hosts a meeting at their home to discuss the development of a museum/art center, creating the Alliance for the Arts, Inc.

1979

Alliance for the Arts, Inc. becomes a member of the American Association of Museums (AAM)

1980

George Armstrong elected Chairman of the Museum’s newly formed Board of Trustees

1981

First Children’s Art Festival (formerly known as Museum in a Tent)
_____________________

Inaugural Beaux Arts Ball (later to become the annual Gala)

1982

Lecture Luncheon Series introduced (precursor to the International Lecture Series)

1983

First gift of art (Bronze Lion by Takashima Shun-Un) from Mr. & Mrs. C. Ellis Duncan
_____________________

The Alliance for the Arts, Inc. changes its name to the Center for the Arts
_____________________

Timothy Allen appointed first Executive Director

1985

Future Executive Director John B. Henry III presents at the Lecture Luncheon Series

1986

The Center for the Arts opens to the public at 3001 Riverside Park Drive
_____________________

Chairman’s Club established
_____________________

John B. Henry III appointed Executive Director

1987

Outdoor sculpture studio renovated, making it the most complete foundry and fabrication facility on Florida’s east coast

1989

Center for the Arts renegotiates lease with the City of Vero Beach, adding land to the west and north

1992

Future Executive Director Brady Roberts presented an exhibition lecture

1996

John Z. Lofgren Ph.D. appointed Executive Director

1997

Museum is awarded accreditation by the American Association of Museums

1998

Museum relocates offices, art classes, and store, in preparation for a building expansion. It opens a temporary gallery in Indian River Mall.

1999

New building campaign raises $6 million. Museum holds grand reopening in December

2001

Major renovation of the Wahlstrom Sculpture Garden

2002

Center of the Arts changes name to Vero Beach Museum of Art

2003

Athena Society formed

2004

Lucinda H Gedeon Ph.D. appointed Executive Director/CEO

2006

VBMA celebrates 20 years of service

2007

Alice & Jim Beckwith Sculpture Park opens

2008

New lobby floor installed, and Collections Vault renovated
_____________________

Partnership established with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Association

2009

VBMA and Atlantic Classical Orchestra partnership commences

2010

Museum renovations include a new entrance and the Pat & Peter Thompson Vestibule
_____________________

Alice & Jim Beckwith North Plaza Sculpture Park opens
_____________________

The Circle is established

2011

VBMA celebrates 25 years of service
_____________________

Art In Bloom introduced
_____________________

Laura & Bill Buck Atrium opens

2012

Collections & Exhibition Wing opens

2013

Titelman Gallery opens

2014

Contemplative Arts added to Museum Art School offerings
_____________________

VBMA establishes partnership with Senior Resource Association

2015

Updates to the Patricia M Patten Community Gallery and Leonard H Leonhardt Auditorium

2016

VBMA celebrates 30 years
_____________________

Brady Roberts appointed Executive Director & CEO

2018

Museum updates branding, introduces new VBMA logo
_____________________

Fashion Meets Art inaugural event
_____________________

Art Zone opens
_____________________

VBMA launches Museum Explorations for students

2019

VBMA adds programs exclusively for Veterans

2020

Museum Explorations on the Go program brings arts education directly to the classroom

2023

Attendance for a single exhibition reaches a new record—40,000 visitors—for Rolling Sculptures: Streamlined Art Deco Automobiles and Motorcycles
_____________________

The Museum acquires its first AI-generated work through the Athena Society’s purchase of Pacific Ocean by Refik Anadol.

2025

The Museum’s collection of global contemporary art expands with the Athena Society purchase of Magenta, 2020, by Anish Kapoor, and the acquisition of Bo Bartlett’s Mermaid Cove, 2022, and Ana González’s QUIMBAYA (SACRED HOUSE), 2024.
_____________________

ReMuseum names VBMA one of the best-attended small museums in the country. Annual attendance now exceeds 78,000.
_____________________

The Museum renegotiates lease with the City of Vero Beach, extending its leasehold to approximately 7.60 acres
_____________________

VBMA breaks ground on the Museum in the Garden and launches the public phase of a $126 million capital campaign with the same name

2026

VBMA turns 40 and plans a community celebration for February 14, 2026.