Danville Museum of Arts and History Graces Impressive Sutherlin Mansion
Danville Museum of Art and History
Visual art and rich history unite at the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History.
The museum is in the Sutherlin Mansion on Millionaires Row, an antebellum home that originally served as the residence of tobacco entrepreneur and former Danville mayor Major William T. Sutherlin. In 1865, the house became the temporary residence of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, where he penned his last official proclamation as president of the Confederacy, thus shaping Danville's legacy as the Last Capital of the Confederacy.
In 1928, Sutherlin Mansion was transformed into Danville's public library and, for nearly 50 years, welcomed the country's literary-minded men, women and children. Today, the Italianate Villa style structure greets new generations of curious guests as the Danville Museum of Fine Arts and History. It is also a partner of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.
“We're the area's only art and history museum and bring in exhibits that most people just wouldn't have the opportunity to see otherwise,” says Lynne Bjarnesen, Danville Museum executive director.
The museum houses permanent exhibits, including “Between the Lines: Danville 1861-1865.” Visitors can also find an eclectic mix of traveling exhibits featuring local, regional and national artists. Each year, the museum hosts a juried show presented by the Danville Art League, as well.
Throughout the year, guests can also take advantage of numerous tours, art classes and educational programs for adults and kids. Meanwhile, educators provide in-school tours and also teach kids about local history through an annual Sutherlin Grand Civil War Camp. The five-day program features a Civil War reenactment and helps children ages 8 to 12 understand what life was like during Danville's earliest and most volatile days.
Family fun can also be found outdoors at Sutherlin Mansion when it hosts events such as Art on the Lawn, History on the Lawn, and Mandolins and Magnolias.
“Visitors leave and hopefully have a better understanding and an added dimension to the Civil War and Danville's role,” Bjarnesen says.
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