On August 20, 2024, William King Museum of Art held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 10,000 sf wing that will hold the Worrell collection of animal art. This collection of 170 paintings and sculptures is considered among the most significant of its kind in the United States. Along with adding a new gallery, the Museum renovation also features a new accessible entrance, café, museum store, additional art storage and a new loading dock. The new design of the landscape will include a sculpture garden, pollinator garden, sensory garden, hiking and walking paths, seating areas, and an amphitheater. The design team includes design architect: Schulhof Rashidi Architects and landscape architect: Wolf Josey Landscape Architects.
This particular collection includes artwork by the who’s who of animal art and there are only four or five collections like this in the world. That is why this is going to be a destination.
Museum Director Betsy White
I believe this expansion of the museum and grounds will become the Central Park of Abingdon and yet another jewel for all of Southwest Virginia to enjoy.
Sen. Todd Pillion, R-Abingdon
