A Tremendous Opportunity

The Academy of Fine Arts offers the greatest opportunity Lynchburg has ever seen to develop a first-rate cultural arts complex. Together with its two ancillary buildings, the Academy offers a broad range of educational, social, business and entertainment opportunities to area citizens. Most importantly, when complete, the complex promises to be a magnificent anchor for a newly revitalized historic downtown, and a catalyst for continuing economic prosperity for Central Virginia.

A century after the Academy of Music Theatre first opened its doors in 1905, it will, at last, be resurrected. Described as “the prettiest opera house in the State,” this architectural masterpiece has endured numerous highs and lows in its 103-year history. Unfortunately, the facility suffered a major setback with the devastating fire of 1911. Eventually, live performances dwindled and were replaced with movies. Followed by decades of neglect, the Academy closed its doors in 1958. The Theatre, saved from demolition by its placement on both state and national registers of historic landmarks, is now poised to perform again the role it once played so well as the oldest operating theatre in Virginia and the visually and acoustically most splendid theatre in our Commonwealth, and the crown jewel of our city.

The Challenge

Residents have long awaited the realization of this dream. The Board of Trustees realizes that raising the required funding for completion is unprecedented in the history of Central Virginia. It has adopted a plan designed not only to ensure successful completion, but operational sustainability. The commitment of our leadership is unwavering. Our inspiration is that few cities have the chance to build an arts complex around an historic gem, a building that is such an integral part of our history and our future.