Maury Place at Monument

Richmond Triangle Players Opens "The Musical of Musicals, The Musical"

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Sun, 27 May 2012 22:03:00 +0000

We are great fans and supporters of Richmond Triangle Players at 1300 Altamont Avenue, which is just a few blocks from Maury Place. In fact, Jeff is on the Board of Triangle Players, and they have just opened a hilarious satire of musical theatre entitled "The Musical of Musicals, the Musical." One story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form. The Rodgers and Hammerstein version is set in Kansas in August, complete with a dream ballet. The Sondheim version features a tortured artistic genius who slashes throats in revenge for not appreciating his work. The Jerry Herman version is a splashy star vehicle. The Andrew Lloyd Webber version is a rock musical with themes borrowed from Puccini, and the Kander and Ebb version is set in a speakeasy in Chicago! This comic valentine to musical theatre was the longest running show in the York Theatre Company's 35-year history before moving to Off-Broadway. It is yet another example of Richmond's rich theatre opportunities. The show runs from May 9 through June 2, Thursday to Saturday evenings at 8 pm with Sunday matinees on May 20 and May 27 at 4 pm. Tickets are $20 for Thursday evenings and Sunday matinees; $25 for Friday and Saturday evenings. Order tickets online at http://www.rtriangle.org/. Maury Place at Monument is just steps away from the theater!

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Firehouse Theater Announces 2012-13 Season!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:44:00 +0000

Located at 1609 West Broad St, the Firehouse Theater is one of Richmond's most beloved landmarks. Focused on classic and modern American plays, the theater employs some very talented actors to create magic on stage. The upcoming 2012-13 season will bring four productions starting September 20-October 13, 2012 with A Bright New Boise by Samuel D. Hunter. The story revolves around an exiled evangelical who leaves his congregation and pursues a menial life in the midwest to reconnect with an estranged son. As his new community uncovers his dark past and his son becomes increasingly interested in why he left the church, he must choose between his life with his son or his beliefs that gave his life meaning. Next, Arthur Miller's classic Death of a Salesman will run from November 15 to December 8, 2012. In Death of a Salesman a failed salesman must figure out why he never truly found happiness in his pursuit of the "American Dream." January 31-February 23, 2013 marks the premier of Any Given Monday by Bruce Graham. An entertaining, at times hilarious and intense, and emotional work tells the story of a middle aged public school teacher dealing with the aftermath of his wife leaving him for another man. Finally, March 21-April 13 2013 brings Time Stands Still by Donald Margulies. A tale of a couple trying to find peace and happiness in a world seemingly gone crazy. Though quite used to the chaos of their lives as journalists, they seemed to find sanity in each other, so when their world begins to crumble, they must begin anew on a journey toward inner peace. Next season promises to be another great season of American plays at The Firehouse, which is just a short drive from Maury Place at Monument.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

New Jefferson Statue in State Capitol

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:05:00 +0000

Our Virginia State Capitol recently gained a new addition in homage to one of our nation's greatest founders and leaders in the form of an eight-foot-tall statue. The likeness of the statue is none other than the architect for the building itself, Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson is depicted in his early forties in the statue, the approximate age he was while serving as minister to France in Paris when he agreed to design the Virginia seat of government. The Capitol is our nation's oldest continuously used state capitol building, and Jefferson's design was based upon a building he had seen in Nimes, France. The newly unveiled statue portrays him holding an architectural document for the building. The statue weighs a titanic 800 pounds and will be viewed by over one hundred thousand visitors to the Capitol every year. The Capitol is one of Richmond's most popular tourist attractions. Admission and guided tours are free daily. Capitol Square is a green oasis in the middle of downtown Richmond and is a short drive from Maury Place at Monument.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

To Dr. Weitzel from the Senator Carter Glass

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:32:00 +0000

One of our Maury Place at Monument suites is "Addie's Suite." It features a double canopy bed, a working fireplace, and a beautiful private bath en suite with a tiled walk-in shower. The room is named for Addie Sturdevant, for whom Maury Place was built in 1916.

During our renovation of Maury Place in 2006, we toured Maury Place with John Weitzel III, the grandson of Dr. John Weitzel, who was Maury Place's most long term resident. Dr. Weitzel built the building next door to Maury Place in 1928 for his pediatrics practice. Today, that building--which Mac and I also own--has two apartments. In the course of touring the house with John Weitzel III, we discovered that Addie's Suite was Dr. Weitzel's own bedroom. For that reason, we have displayed by the door of Addie's Suite this piece of correspondence addressed to Dr. Weitzel from the United States Senate.

This weekend, Barbara, a guest who stayed in Addie's Suite--and who previously worked for the United States Senate--took a particular interest in the letter and sought to discover who the Senator was who wrote Dr. Weitzel. Her research at the Virginia Historical Society uncovered that the letter was from United States Senator Carter Glass (1858-1946) of Virginia, who appeared on the cover of Time magazine when he was mentioned as a possible Vice Presidential candidate in 1924. Senator Glass was not chosen, but he sponsored a major banking reform bill. Barbara kindly shared this information with us before her departure!

This goes to show, that there is always something new to learn about the history of Maury Place. Thank you, Barbara, for another bit of historic information related to Maury Place at Monument.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Museum District Mother's Day House and Garden Tour on Sunday, May 13!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:10:00 +0000

Maury Place at Monument is located in Richmond's Museum District neighborhood, and we are active members of the Museum District Association. This year will mark the 18th Annual Museum District Mother's Day House and Garden Tour, which will take place on Sunday, May 13 from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. One of the homes on the tour is pictured at right. As always, the lineup of houses on the tour will showcase the diversity of sizes and styles of homes in our neighborhood and the variety of approaches to renovation of historic homes that makes living in the Museum District so great! Many of the featured homes have amazing kitchen updates that will perhaps give you ideas for your own kitchen re-do! Most also feature beautiful outdoor spaces that will inspire you to get busy in your own garden! The tour will run north to south between Monument and Floyd Avenues. Featured homes will be primarily within the 3200 to 3400 blocks of Grove, Floyd, Park, Patterson, Stuart, and Monument Avenues. Tickets are $20 per person and are available for purchase at several neighborhood businesses or online at http://www.museumdistrict.org/. All proceeds benefit the Museum District Association and support their efforts to keep our neighborhood beautiful for all! Maury Place at Monument is within walking distance of homes on the tour, and guests who are MDA tour ticket holders and spend the night of Sunday, May 13 at Maury Place will receive 10% off the room rate for that night.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

A bit of "Southern Living"

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:41:00 +0000

Exciting news, visitors, friends, and guests! This past weekend, Maury Place received a gracious photo opportunity via the popular magazine Southern Living. On Saturday, Southern Living photographer Scott visited Richmond from DC with the intent to capture Maury Place in all its luxurious splendor. Our Innkeeper Donna met Scott with smiles and joviality on the front porch of Maury Place. Also on the front porch enjoying a delicious cheese, cracker and fruit spread with a bit of Virginia wine and soaking up the marvelous breeze, were our two guests Helen and her sister Rosa Beth. Scott's arrival and purpose was completely unknown to the sisters, and they graciously volunteered to be photographed doing exactly what they were already doing: relaxing and looking lovely. After a few shots outdoors, Scott suggested we take some photos inside, to which the sisters happily obliged and continued to be our "model" guests. Scott's demeanor was absolutely charming, very professional and thorough. He knew exactly what he wanted out of the photographs, and our charming guests, and was able to achieve some great photos. During this whole time, Donna was able to snap a few memorable shots of Scott and the sisters interacting and we are happy to share these with you! Be on the look out for Southern Living April 2013 for a chance to see Maury Place featured in that issue.

For more behind the scenes photos, please visit Behind the Scenes

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells

your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Richmond Restaurant Week!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:31:00 +0000

Hello, Richmonders and visitors! Starting this week (23-April 29, 2012) is Richmond's Restaurant Week, celebrating some of the area's finest dining choices available. The special includes a three-course meal for $25.12 per person with proceeds going to the Virginia Food Bank and Meals on Wheels. Reservations may not be required but highly recommended as some restaurants may not be participating every night of the week. A list of participating restaurants include: 3 Monkeys, Acacia Mid-town, Amici, Amour Wine Bistro, Amuse, Avenue 805, Aziza's on Main, Bacchus, Cous Cous, Tobacco Company, Hanover Tavern, Zeus Gallery Cafe and much more. For a full list of restaurants please visit http://richmondrestaurantweek.com/ for the full scoop. Come hungry!

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Holy Chihuly!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:07:00 +0000

This fall, the VMFA will be hosting a major art exhibition in their gorgeous James W. and Frances G. McGlothlin Wing. The exhibit will showcase the magnificent glass blowing art by American glass blower Dale Chihuly. Chihuly’s art has been aweing the world for over 3 decades, with styles drawing inspiration from venues all over the world. His art is inimitable and the exhibit will feature some of his best known works, including Ikebana flower arrangements, Persian ceiling, Venetians, Chandeliers, and many more. Chihuly’s control over the kinetic form of the soft, hot glass is peerless as he blows them into sublime shapes and sculptures. The event will be hosted at the VMFA from October 20, 2012 to February 10, 2013 and to encourage guests and visitors alike, Maury Place would like to offer a 10% discount on one night’s stay, if you attend the exhibit.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Marking the Events of 1862

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:32:00 +0000

Civil War battles within earshot of Richmond 150 years ago changed the course of the war and its ultimate aim over the course of 60 days. Commemoration of that campaign this spring will begin on May 9 and run through July and will stretch from Chesterfield to Hanover counties and include participants ranging from the United States Marines and balloonists to scholars of the Civil War and emancipation. "We're going to try . . . to finally put some sort of boldness to what this period between May and July 1862 meant to the history of the nation," David Ruth, superintendent of Richmond National Battlefield Park and the Maggie L. Walker Historic Site said.

In the Spring of 1862, federal forces attempted two approaches to Richmond. First, the ironclads USS Monitor and USS Galena came up the James River with three other ships in May, hoping that Richmond could be forced to surrender. At Drewry's Bluff in Chesterfield County, obstructions in the narrow river channel blocked the Union's progress on May 15, and Confederate artillery blasted the Union gunboats for more than three hours. The first Medal of Honor for a Marine was earned during the battle on the Galena. Confederate defenses held, and the Union never tried another naval attack on Richmond. Living History Weekend at Drewry's Bluff will occur on May 12-13, and will include the unveiling of an interpretive sign commemorating the last battle of the Monitor, a Marine Corps Historical Company tent, artillery demonstrations, walking tours, and a concert by the Quantico Marine Band.

In the Seven Days Battles from June 26 to July 1, Gen. Robert E. Lee went on the offensive and chased Union Gen. George McClellan from Mechanicsville to Malvern Hill, near the James River, which McClellan used to retreat to Berkeley and Westover plantations. Richmond was then safe from Union attack for two more years. Events commemorating those battles will occur at various sites from June 19 to July 11. For further information and a list of events, go to www.nps.gov/rich.

Maury Place at Monument is offering a Civil War special to guests visiting the many Civil War Attractions in Richmond.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Fine Arts and Flowers at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:43:00 +0000

It is not too early to begin planning your fall getaway to Richmond. A perfect opportunity will be the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts' signature event "Fine Arts and Flowers," which will take place October 24 to 28.

The gala preview on Wednesday, October 24, is entitled "An Evening of Petals and Glass." Floral designs dispersed with art in the museum's collection will be inspired by the art itself. Thursday, October 25, features a free exhibition from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; a lecture by Emily Thompson, "The White House: Christmas Designs Inspired by Nature" at 10 a.m.; and a demonstration using edible flowers, "Tasting, Wine and Floral Teas."

The free exhibit continues on Friday, October 26, with a lecture by Jane Godshalk, "Designing Through Time: Historic Designs Reinterpreted." That evening will feature "Flowers After Hours" from 6 to 9 p.m. with music, wine, and small plates. Saturday, October 27, will bring a luncheon and fashion show, "Flowers in Fashion," and the free exhibit will continue all day that day and on Sunday, October 28.

The Fine Arts and Flowers is presented by The Council of the VMFA, and floral designs will be contributed by members of the Garden Club of Virginia, the Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs, and the Garden Clubs of Virginia. Strange's Florist will be the official supplier of flowers. For tickets, call 804-340-1405 or visit www.VMFA.museum/FAF. Maury Place at Monument is just a short walk from the VMFA.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Virginia State Capitol Makes List of "10 Buildings that Changed America"

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:43:00 +0000

The Virginia State Capitol is ready for its close-up! Thomas Jefferson's Classical Revival style design has been selected as one of ten influential buildings in America to be featured in a national television special slated to air on PBS early next year. Geoffrey Baer, the host of "10 Buildings That Changed America," commented that "the Virginia State Capitol really started the tradition in this country of government buildings looking like Roman and Greek temples." He and his producer filmed around the Capitol and collected footage of Monticello and the University of Virginia, also examples of Jefferson's architectural work. The crew filmed key elements of the Capitol, including its rotunda and a feature that gives a glimpse behind one of the walls to the building's skeleton.

The State Capitol--home to the oldest continuous, English-speaking lawmaking body in the New World--has influenced scores of other buildings, from the United States Capitol to banks across the country. The capitol was first occupied in 1788. Thomas Jefferson modeled his design on the Maison Carree, a first century Roman temple in Nimes, France.

Free tours of the Virginia State Capitol are available daily, and the Capitol is just a short drive from Maury Place at Monument.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Civil War Emancipation Day This Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:33:00 +0000

This Saturday, April 14, will be a great day to be in Richmond! That day is Civil War Emancipation Day commemorating the 150th anniversaries of the Civil War and the end of American slavery. This citywide event is free and occurs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Many free events for all will be occurring throughout Richmond. The Virginia Historical Society will display an original copy of the 13th Amendment. Dozens of free events at five locations will be connected by a free shuttle all day. Dance, musical performances, historical interpretations, and a guided tour of Richmond's Slave Trail are among the options spread among Historic Tredegar, Lumpkin's Jail, the Maggie Walker Historic Site, the Boulevard, and Court End.

The Museum of the Confederacy, the Valentine Richmond History Center, the American Civil War Center, and the 40-minute River District Canal Cruises will all feature FREE admission! The Virginia Historical Society will also offer demonstrations of its Unknown No Longer database of Virginia slave names. Walking tours include Historic Jackson Ward at 2:30 p.m., and a 4-hour "Civil War Sampler" bus tour will be offered beginning at the Valentine Richmond History Center at 1 p.m. That tour costs $25. For additional information, call 804.788.6479 or visit www.civilwar.emancipationday.net.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

13th Amendment on Display at the Virginia Historical Society

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:13:00 +0000

An original copy of the constitutional amendment that abolished slavery will make its first Virginia visit this weekend, April 14 and 15, as part of Richmond's Civil War and Emancipation Day activities. The Virginia Historical Society, in partnership with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission, will exhibit a rare copy of the 13th Amendment. The document is signed by President Abraham Lincoln, 37 senators, and 111 congressmen. It will be on display Saturday, April 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, April 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. The 13th Amendment freed slaves throughout the nation and was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 1864 and by the House on January 31, 1865. Lincoln approved the resolution to submit it to the states on February 1, the date beside his signature on the document. For more information, call 804-788-6479, or visit http://www.civilwar.emancipationday.net/. The many Civil War and Emancipation Day events are organized by The Future of Richmond's Past, a collaborative effort of Richmond's historical groups, museums, educational institutions, and tourism organizations. Maury Place at Monument is a short walk from the Virginia Historical Society.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Maury Place at Monument Recently Featured on Local News

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:25:00 +0000

Mac and I were honored to be featured in a story on our local NBC affiliate, Channel 12. The story focuses on our recent "Travelers' Choice" award from Trip Advisor and our career transitions to innkeepers. The report also features some great photography of Maury Place at Monument. Check it out here!

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Easter on Parade!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 22:01:00 +0000

Richmond is at it again! Perpetuating the long time tradition of parading up and down our beautiful avenues comes the Annual Easter Parade on Sunday April 8 2012 from 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission is free of course and the parade spans the four block area between Allen Avenue and Davis Avenue on scenic Monument Avenue. It seems attendance grows larger every year with about 25,000 attendees showing up to celebrate spring's arrival. The best of the local scene will be providing the food, music, children's entertainment, arts and crafts, balloon artistry, and a petting zoo. Richmonders and guests of Maury Place are truly lucky to be able to attend this showcase of Spring and Easter celebration!

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

It will soon be time to open our pool!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 17:51:00 +0000

It is already getting HOT here in Richmond, and spring has only just started this week! As the temperatures become warmer and the trees get greener, we look forward to opening up our Maury Place pool and hot tub. We anticipate that the pool will be open for Maury Place guests in the vicinity of the first week of May. As previous guests might recall, we have a beautiful Saucer Magnolia tree adjacent to the pool area that is covered with pink blossoms in the spring. The tree was previously in full bloom, and it is now raining petals and other debris on a daily basis. Once the blooming is over and the tree has shed its thousands of pink petals (in favor of thick green leaves) and hundreds of brown pods, it will be safe to pull back the cover on the pool and invite guests to cool down in the water. Book your rooms today to plan a spring or summer time trip to Maury Place at Monument.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

3rd Annual Secret Garden Party

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:55:00 +0000

This Spring, we invite all our guests and blog readers to check out the 3rd Annual Secret Garden Party here in Richmond, VA on Thursday May 17 from 5:30-8:30 pm. The Secret Garden Party is a progressive cocktail party that takes, by shuttle, attendees on a thorough tour of the some of the most beautiful gardens this city has to offer and features the spacious greenscapes and lush botany of the Valentine Richmond History Center, the John Marshall House, the Museum and White House of the Confederacy, Monumental Church (Historic Richmond Foundation) and the VCU Massey Cancer Center's Healing Garden. All five gardens are located in Richmond's Historic Downtown area and a variety of music and refreshments will be available at each stop. Advance tickets are $30-Single/$50-Couple and $35-Single/$60-Couple at the door. There is a one drink limit at each stop.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Richmond Robins Exhibit of Fine Art

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Set your calendars for beautiful this March as the Virginia Historical Society showcases the entire 19th century Hudson River School landscape paintings and colonial-era furniture collection which once belonged to local benefactors, the late Lora Robins and her late husband E. Claiborne Robins. The Robins family has made numerous considerable donations in the Richmond area, notably a four million dollar donation to build a new women's residence hall at the University of Richmond in the 1970s. Its no surprise they named it Lora Robins Court and students still reside there today.
Starting March 22, 2012 and lasting through December 30, 2012, the VHS will host gallery walks of their prestigious collection of fine art, which they have bequeathed to the Virginia Historical Society. Walks begin at noon unless otherwise indicated, admission is $6/adults, $5/seniors, $4/children. We remind our guests that Maury Place is conveniently located a short walking distance to the VHS and encourage a visit if you're in town.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

French Film Festival 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 21:35:00 +0000

Whenever it seems like things are settling down, always look toward the calendar; there’s always something right around the corner! And this month is no different; March brings the arrival of the VCU French Film Festival at the end of the month. Starting Thursday March 29, the Festival kicks off the 20^th Anniversary of the occasion at the historic Byrd Theater in Carytown with two special free screenings Avoir 20 ans dans les Aurès by René Vautier at 7:30 pm and Héroïnes by Gérard Krawczyk at 9:40 pm. The Festival carries on through Sunday April 1 with more than 2 dozen short films and full length French features. To get the full scoop on the heralded event check out the prepared schedule at http://frenchfilmfestival.us/2012-film-festival-schedule.
The Festival began in 1993 at Virginia Commonwealth University and is now jointly sponsored by the University of Richmond as well. The festival is touted as the largest festival of French film in the US and tens of thousands have made their attendance in the years since its creation.
Various French and American actors, directors and industry personnel will be in attendance, though the list of actors has not been released, and will actively engage the audience in question and answer sessions following the screening of their films. We encourage guests to make an appearance if their schedules are permitting and absorb a bit of exotic culture while its here. Maury Place at Monument is within walking distance of Carytown's historic Byrd Theater.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Snow Day at the Science Museum of Virginia

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 21:41:00 +0000

As most of you probably know by now, we had a little bit of snow last Monday here in Richmond, Virginia. So even though Monday was a federal holiday, it still felt like a snow day! After catching up on my innkeeper duties at Maury Place, Mac and I shared lunch with our neighbors Alex and Ginger and then embarked on our visit to the Science Museum of Virginia, which is just a short drive from Maury Place at Monument. Our main goal was to see the Museum's exhibit, "Race: Are We So Different?" The exhibit will be on view through April 29. The "Race" Exhibit examines the topic or race from scientific, historical, and cultural perspectives and dives into a rich collection of video, photography, printed word, and interactive technology. The exhibit demonstrates how economic interests, power struggles, scientific research and even popular culture have informed the American understanding of race. Learn about Race as a human invention and see how scientists who once legitimized ideas about Race are now dismantling them. One highlight of the exhibit was the tuxedo that former Governor of Virginia Douglas Wilder wore for his inauguration. Governor Wilder was the first African American Governor in the United States. After taking in the exhibit, we watched an incredible movie in the Imax theatre, "Born to Be Wild." This movie features stunning vistas of Kenya and Borneo and tells the stories of two women who rescue baby elephants whose mothers were victims of poaching in Kenya and baby orangutans whose families were the victims of deforestation in the Borneo part of the world. All in all, a great afternoon in one of Richmond's fine museums!

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells

your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Maharaja in Richmond

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:57:00 +0000

Maharaja: Splendors of India's Great Kings

Being located this close to the VMFA is just one of the perks of living in the Museum District of Richmond. Their exhibits change many times a year and it’s always been a fun treat for Maury Place to give our guests a heads up as to what’s coming next.

As we bid farewell to the splendid Mummy exhibit, we embrace the arrival of the Maharaja: The Splendors of India’s Great Kings exhibit opening May 21, 2012 through August 19, 2012. The exhibit is an international traveling affair featuring more than 200 historical objects, the majority of which are owned by the Victoria & Albert Museum of London. According to VMFA Director Alex Nygeres, “Visitors will get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the private lives of some of the world’s greatest and most legendary royals,” VMFA Director Alex Nyerges said. “Three centuries of elaborate jewelry, ornate weaponry, fascinating artwork, royal costumes and photographs will be on display. Maharaja is the first exhibition of its kind to delve into these kings’ unique culture. The museum’s South Asian and European decorative arts collections further illustrate the rich artistic tradition of this era.”

The exhibition spans from the deteriorating power of the Mughal Empire in the 18^thcentury, which ruled for about 200 years, through the modern age of the 19^thcentury to the eve of India and Pakistan’s independence in 1947. Visitors will learn of tumultuous power shift, economic strife and success, and their struggles with British hegemony.

Exhibition highlights include the Royal Procession, which illustrates how royalty traveled its domain, usually atop an elephant on an elaborate and beautifully crafted saddle. Visitors will also get to view a throne once owned by Ranjit Singh, the most powerful of the Sikh maharajas. The elegance of the throne is truly a testament to the magnificence of his reign. The VMFA also happens to possess one the first collections of Indian art in the country, with over 300 objects to complement the Maharajas exhibit.

As usual, Maury Place encourages its guests to really connect with the city of Richmond and one of the most beautiful things the city has to offer is the VMFA. Guests who attend the exhibit will receive 10% off one night’s stay at Maury Place as a token of gratitude for your enthusiasm for Richmond and its institutions.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

New Video About Richmond! It's "Easy to Love"!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:18:00 +0000

The Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau has just produced this new three and half minute high def video highlighting the best of our Richmond region. The video features a series of vignettes showcasing our fair city's cultural and historic attractions, sports offerings, outdoor activities, special events, and shopping and dining opportunities. Many of the locations featured, such as the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Monument Avenue, Carytown shopping, and the Virginia Historical Society are just steps from Maury Place at Monument. Enjoy the video and come and stay with us for a weekend to enjoy all Richmond has to offer!

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

"The Mourners: Tomb Sculptures from the Court of Burgundy" Opens at the VMFA

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:02:00 +0000

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts has just opened another fascinating exhibit, "The Mourners: Tomb Sculptures from the Court of Burgundy." The exhibit features a procession of 37 alabaster mourners from the Tomb of John the Fearless, the second duke of Burgundy.

The mourners' procession first passed through the arcade at the base of John's monument in a monastery outside Dijon, a northern French town as famous for its mustard as its art! Later, when the monastery was sold in the aftermath of the French Revolution, the figures continued their procession in Dijon's Musee des Beaux Arts. Now the alabaster figures, which range in height from 17 inches for a bishop to 10 inches for a choir boy are on view in the Melon Focus Gallery at the VMFA.

John the Fearless, who died in 1419, was among the wealthiest and most powerful aristocrats of Northern Europe. Some of the figures hide their grief under hoods while others cry more openly. They range from exalted bishops to the lowliest of choirboys. All are extraordinary works of art from the Middle Ages distinguished by their life likeness and their sense of mystery.

The 3000 square foot exhibition space is divided into two sections. The first room features a dramatic installation of rows of the mourners against walls. The intent is to re-create the arrangement of the figures as they were at the base of the tomb. The second room will feature a film and a computer reconstruction of the tomb. The sculptures have travelled to Richmond because the Dijon museum is under renovation. When the exhibit closes here on April 15, the figures will travel to Paris en route to their permanent re-installation in Dijon. Admission to the exhibit is free. For further information, call 804-340-1405 or visit www.vmfa.museum. Maury Place at Monument is within a short walk of the VMFA.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

"The Lion King" Arrives in Richmond!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:30:00 +0000

The Broadway hit show "The Lion King" arrives in Richmond on February 15 to run through March 11 at Richmond's historic Landmark Theater. The musical was composed by Elton John and Tim Rice and won six Tony Awards. More than sixty million people in fourteen countries have seen the show.

From the fantastic opening number, "Circle of Life," through the show's climactic ending, audiences worldwide have been captivated by the amazing puppetry and stagecraft that brings animals of the African sahara to life. The show is based on the 1994 hit Disney movie and features the same wonderful musical score.

For tickets, call 800-514-3849 or visit www.BroadwayinRichmond.com. Maury Place at Monument is just a short drive from the Landmark Theater.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument

Virginia Bed & Breakfast Cookbooks are here!

noreply@blogger.com (Jeff Wells) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:05:00 +0000

We are happy to feature for purchase the latest cookbook from the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia. Bed and Breakfast member Innkeepers share their favorite and most-requested recipes in this latest expanded and updated edition. Discover 65 Bed and Breakfasts across Virginia that offer a variety of experiences from restful country retreats to historic city homes like Maury Place at Monument.

Whether your travels bring you to the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, the beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches, or the historic sites of Richmond, this cookbook is an absolute "must have" from Virginia's premier bed and breakfasts. Of course, several recipes from Maury Place at Monument are featured! The cookbook is available at Maury Place for $22.95. Maury Place at Monument is a proud member of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia and the Professional Association of Innkeepers International. Our participation in these organizations keeps us on top of the latest hospitality trends and in touch with fellow innkeepers across Virginia and the United States.

Mac Pence and Jeff Wells
your Richmond Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Maury Place at Monument