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 celebrates 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.
Jean and George Armstrong host a meeting at their home to discuss the development of a museum/art center, creating the Alliance for the Arts, Inc.
Alliance for the Arts, Inc. becomes a member of the American Association of Museums (AAM).
First gift of art (Bronze Lion by Takashima Shun-Un) given by 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.
The Center for the Arts opens to the public at 3001 Riverside Park Drive.
_____________________
The Chairman’s Club is established.
_____________________
John B. Henry III appointed Executive Director.
Museum relocates offices, art classes, and store, in preparation for a building expansion. It opens a temporary gallery in Indian River Mall.
New building campaign raises $6 million. Museum holds grand reopening in December
Center of the Arts changes name to the Vero Beach Museum of Art.
Lucinda H. Gedeon Ph.D. appointed as Executive Director/CEO.
Alice & Jim Beckwith Sculpture Park opens.
The Collections & Exhibition Wing opens.
The Titelman Gallery opens.
Updates made to the Patricia M. Patten Community Gallery and Leonard H. Leonhardt Auditorium.
Museum updates branding, introduces new VBMA logo.
_____________________
Fashion Meets Art hosts its inaugural event.
_____________________
Art Zone opens.
_____________________
VBMA launches Museum Explorations for students.
VBMA adds programs exclusively for Veterans.
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.
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.
VBMA turns 40 and hosts a community celebration on February 14, 2026.
_____________________
VBMA Proclamation
City and County officials honor VBMA for 40 years of service.