The two-story museum's first exhibition will feature the art given by the Barrys. Their collection reflects three main areas: international glass sculpture, 20th-century American modernist paintings, historic fashion dolls and European automata.
The Barry Art Museum will focus on glass pieces from internationally renowned artists including Howard Ben Tré, Laura Donefer, Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, Dan Dailey, Ginny Ruffner, Michael Glancy, Stanislav Libenský, Jaroslava Brychtova and Harvey Littleton, the founder of the American studio glass movement.
In addition to art donated by the Barrys, the museum will feature a few works by current and former ODU faculty including A.B. Jackson, Charles Sibley and Fay Zetli n, and gifts by local donors. A gallery space is dedicated to educational activities for children and young adults developed by the ODU's Center for Educational Partnerships.
President John R. Broderick praised the Barrys for their commitment to arts education. "Their gift will elevate our efforts in the arts and inspire a new generation of artists and creative minds in our community," he said. "Through their generosity, this museum will provide a unique and valuable cultural and interdisciplinary educational resource."