Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the “Lost Cause” American Myth with Audio Description

Presented by The Valentine at The Valentine

Those who created the Lost Cause narrative used cultural and social centers of power to make it successful: education, media, politics, money, religion, and violence. Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the “Lost Cause” American Myth uses evidence to show how Edward Valentine, leaders in Richmond, and others around the country reframed the reality of the Civil War. It uncovers the stories behind the Lost Cause, its legacy, and those who resisted the myth.

The Valentine closed the studio in 2020 and spent three years working with the community to determine how the space should serve the needs of the Richmond region and beyond. Surveys, focus groups, programming, and conversations reflected the desire to explore the history of the Lost Cause myth, racial oppression, power, and public art.

Opening in January 2024, Sculpting History uses artworks sculpted by Edward Valentine as well as documents, objects, images, quotations, and questions to connect the Lost Cause myth to today. A powerful multimedia presentation reveals links between the Lost Cause campaign, Edward Valentine, and Richmond’s monuments. Guests are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and share their vision of the future.

The Valentine Studio is located in the museum’s garden.

Currently, we have an audio description highlights tour for our exhibition, Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the “Lost Cause” American Myth. Guests may either listen to it on their own smartphone or check out a listening device from our Visitor Services desk. Thanks to Virginia Voice for their partnership on this project.

Admission & Contact Details

Adults | $12 Seniors (55 and over), groups of 10 or more | $10 Valentine Members, children under 18, students with ID, military personnel | Free SNAP recipients with EBT card (up to 4 individuals)* | Free Admission includes two hours of parking in t

Attendance Type: In-Person

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More Information

Dates & Times

Thu, April 16, 2026

→ 9h

Fri, April 17, 2026

→ 7h

Sat, April 18, 2026

→ 7h

Sun, April 19, 2026

→ 7h

Tue, April 21, 2026

→ 7h

* Check with the presenting organization or venue to confirm times and durations.

Location

The Valentine
1015 E Clay St
Richmond , VA 23219
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Parking

Museum admission includes two hours of parking in the Valentine’s lot at 407 North 10th Street.

Parking is available in the MCV Visitor Parking Deck at 1213 E. Clay Street. Please visit our front desk to validate your parking before leaving the Valentine. Street parking is also available. For more information, see the Parking Lot Rules and Regulations section of our Museum and Visitor Policies.

The Valentine is located two blocks east of the Downtown Transfer Station, which services numerous GRTC Bus Routes. If taking the GRTC Pulse, disembark at the Government Center station at Broad & 9th Street for easy access to the Valentine.

If you would benefit from wheelchair accessible parking or have any questions about visiting and accessibility, please call our front desk at (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 and we will be happy to assist you.

Accessibility

Event Accessibility

Currently, we have an audio description highlights tour for our exhibition, Sculpting History at the Valentine Studio: Art, Power, and the “Lost Cause” American Myth. Guests may either listen to it on their own smartphone or check out a listening device from our Visitor Services desk. Thanks to Virginia Voice for their partnership on this project.

Venue Accessibility
  • Accessible Parking There is one accessible parking space close to the accessible entrance in the parking lot behind the building. Once parked, you are required to hand your keys to a valet person because cars may be required to be moved in order for you to access your vehicle later, and the access aisle sometimes has cars parked in it, but these can be moved by the parking lot attendant as well upon request.
  • Accessible Restrooms The Valentine’s campus, including the historic Wickham House, all bathrooms and the Valentine garden are fully accessible by wheelchair.
  • Changing Stations Public restrooms are equipped with changing tables.
  • Elevator There is an elevator to the lower level of the main space where the restrooms are located, with limited signage, but it does have braille and tactile lettering next to each of the buttons in the elevator car.
  • Service Animal The location is service animal friendly, but not pet friendly, except in the garden.
  • Wheelchair Access The Valentine’s campus, including the historic Wickham House, all bathrooms and the Valentine garden are fully accessible by wheelchair. The museum’s 10th street entrance has a wheelchair accessible ramp. If you would benefit from wheelchair accessible parking or have any questions about visiting and accessibility, please call our front desk at (804) 649-0711 ext. 301 and we will be happy to assist you. The museum also has two standard wheelchairs available to borrow for visitor convenience.

The Valentine is committed to making our galleries and facilities accessible to everyone. Have questions or feedback? We would love to hear from you! Email info@thevalentine.org or call (804) 649-0711 ext. 301.

Upcoming Events from The Valentine

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