The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center cultivates extraordinary encounters with the visual arts. Whether viewing an exhibition, taking a class, or attending a lecture or gallery talk, the Torggler beckons you to explore compelling ideas through the transformative lens of visual art.

This remarkable 83,000 square-foot building features a luminous atrium capped by three cascading domes, symbolizing the three ships commanded by the university’s namesake, Christopher Newport. In addition to housing the Department of Fine Art and Art History, the Torggler offers the following amenities:

  • Magnificent main gallery for major exhibitions
  • Interactive Art Explorers Gallery for children (opening in 2023)
  • Community art gallery
  • Studio classrooms for academic and public art classes, workshops and camps
  • 150-seat auditorium

The center bears the name of Mary M. Torggler. Mary and her husband George are longtime supporters of arts and education programs at Christopher Newport. Through their generosity, they have created unique opportunities for artists in both the performing and visual arts to flourish. 

At present, the Torggler is a non-collecting organization focused on providing compelling art experiences through changing exhibitions and engaging educational programs. The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center seeks to enrich the cultural landscape of the commonwealth of Virginia by presenting exceptional visual arts programming that empowers creative expression, critical thinking, lifelong learning and cultural dialogue.

The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center presents changing exhibitions in four gallery spaces: 

  • The Anne Noland Edwards Gallery features professional work in a variety of media by artists with national and international profiles.
  • The William M. Grace Community Gallery features work by local and regional artists.
  • The Academic Gallery features work by Christopher Newport students, faculty, and alumni.
  • The Microgallery features experimental projects in an intimate setting.

We proudly offer our exhibitions to the public and the Christopher Newport community at no charge. Our goal is to ensure full accessibility for everyone in our community to experience compelling visual art.