As an urban academic medical center, the VCU School of Medicine rests in the heart of Richmond, Virginia (RVA to those who live here). We pride ourselves on being active members of our community, with a commitment to engaging and investing in Richmond as learners, researchers, healers and citizens.

So, what does our city have to offer that you won’t find anywhere else? Here’s what current residents and students have to say about learning, training and living in Richmond.

Our City at a Glance

Neighborhoods of RVA

A true patchwork of a city, RVA is comprised of dozens of diverse, distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own culture, character and history.

Visit the neighborhoods of RVA

What Others Are Saying

Our dynamic city has made headlines and accrued accolades in recent years, drawing people from all over to experience the award-winning restaurants, thriving arts scene, one-of-a-kind cultural events and the majestic James River.

Getaway to Richmond, Virginia

With its world-class culinary scene and proximity to the James River, there's something for everyone in RVA.

Original YouTube video
Getaway to Richmond, Virginia
Produced and used with permission by Virginia Tourism Corporation

RVA in the News

RVA

Southern Living

September 14, 2020

RVA

Forbes

September 14, 2020

RVA

Outside Online

September 14, 2020

RVA

Huffington Post

September 14, 2020

RVA

Bon Appetit Magazine

September 14, 2020

History and Activism in RVA

For decades, robust discussions about racial and social justice in Richmond have centered on the iconic and divisive Monument Avenue, a main residential thoroughfare displaying towering statues of Confederate veterans from Virginia. City officials, historians, activists, residents and visitors have engaged in heated debates around one central question: Should the monuments stay or go?

During the summer of 2020, the avenue became the epicenter of protests against police brutality and racial injustice, and underwent a significant transformation.

Located in the Fan District, the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was the first installation on Monument Avenue in 1890. After the fatal police shooting of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Richmond-area protestors and activists began gathering and demonstrating around the statue’s base.
Located in the Fan District, the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was the first installation on Monument Avenue in 1890. After the fatal police shooting of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Richmond-area protestors and activists began gathering and demonstrating around the statue’s base.
After Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced the Lee statue‘s imminent removal, a Richmond Circuit Court judge blocked the plans for 90 days, citing a lawsuit over whether transferring the monument would violate a 19th-century deed in which Virginia agreed to ”faithfully guard and affectionately protect it.”
After Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announced the Lee statue‘s imminent removal, a Richmond Circuit Court judge blocked the plans for 90 days, citing a lawsuit over whether transferring the monument would violate a 19th-century deed in which Virginia agreed to ”faithfully guard and affectionately protect it.”
Many Monument Avenue residents have joined the conversation with signs and flags featuring messages of support and solidarity.
Many Monument Avenue residents have joined the conversation with signs and flags featuring messages of support and solidarity.
In July 2020, protestors toppled the statue of Confederacy president Jefferson Davis, located at the corner of Monument and Davis avenues. Later, the city removed the bronze figure called Vindicatrix, or “Miss Confederacy,” from the memorial’s 65-foot column.
In July 2020, protestors toppled the statue of Confederacy president Jefferson Davis, located at the corner of Monument and Davis avenues. Later, the city removed the bronze figure called Vindicatrix, or “Miss Confederacy,” from the memorial’s 65-foot column.
The City of Richmond removed an equestrian statue of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart in July 2020. The monument’s granite pedestal remains at the corner of Monument Avenue and West Franklin Street in the Fan District.
The City of Richmond removed an equestrian statue of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart in July 2020. The monument’s granite pedestal remains at the corner of Monument Avenue and West Franklin Street in the Fan District.
Part of the public art project Mending Walls RVA, this mural on North Henry Street features John Lewis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Height, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Owens and Shirley Chisholm.
Part of the public art project Mending Walls RVA, this mural on North Henry Street features John Lewis, Ella Fitzgerald, Dorothy Height, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Owens and Shirley Chisholm.
Boarded-up downtown storefronts near VCU’s Monroe Park campus feature the names of Black Americans killed by police officers, such as George Floyd.
Boarded-up downtown storefronts near VCU’s Monroe Park campus feature the names of Black Americans killed by police officers, such as George Floyd.
American artist Kehinde Wiley created the sculpture Rumors of War in response to the Confederate statues along Monument Avenue. First unveiled in Times Square in September 2019, the statue was permanently installed in front of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts three months later.
American artist Kehinde Wiley created the sculpture Rumors of War in response to the Confederate statues along Monument Avenue. First unveiled in Times Square in September 2019, the statue was permanently installed in front of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts three months later.
Installed on Monument Avenue in 1996, this statue depicts tennis legend Arthur Ashe, who was born and raised in Richmond. Ashe was the first Black player on the U.S. Davis Cup team, and the only Black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open.
Installed on Monument Avenue in 1996, this statue depicts tennis legend Arthur Ashe, who was born and raised in Richmond. Ashe was the first Black player on the U.S. Davis Cup team, and the only Black man to win the singles title at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and the Australian Open.

Local Resources

Style Weekly.

Style Weekly
Richmond Magazine.

Richmond Magazine
RVA Mag.

RVA Mag
BLK RVA.

BLK RVA
Visit Richmond.

Visit Richmond
Virginia is for Lovers: Richmond.

Virginia is for Lovers: Richmond