The Arts Center

Our primary focus this year is the exciting renovation of what was formerly known as “The Chronicle of the Horse building” into a new Arts Center. The project marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our story, but also a significant financial undertaking.

One of the three pillars of our campus, the building, designed in the style of a classic English carriage house, opened in 1998 alongside the current Library building. For over 25 years, it housed the offices for The Chronicle of the Horse, the equestrian world’s leading magazine since 1937. In 2024, the publication moved to Florida, giving the NSLM the opportunity to renovate, revitalize, and grow into the space.

The reimagined building will be a center for art and community: housing our growing world-class collections, as well as providing additional—and much-needed—exhibition galleries and gathering space. We will preserve the iconic exterior of the building, keeping the integrity of the structure, all while reimagining the interior for the future. The Arts Center will be a space for the community to enjoy—complete with open art-storage, meeting rooms, and sculpture gardens.

The project was announced to much enthusiasm in the last edition of the NSLM’s Magazine. In May, we are publicly launching a major campaign to help raise funds for the $3.5 million project which is scheduled to be completed by mid-2027. Thanks to several generous donors, we have already raised over $1.5 million towards our goal.

We are particularly excited to share that we have received a generous $250,000 match for the Campaign from an anonymous donor.

In addition to the match, we have a number of exciting naming opportunities for purchase, to help donors create a lasting legacy on campus. If you are interested in a naming opportunity or have any questions about The Arts Center project, please contact Reid O’Connor at roconnor@nationalsporting.org or (540) 687-6542 x 35.

We hope that you will consider joining us in support of the campaign to build this important space for our community and collections. We cannot wait to share the Arts Center with you!