Commonwealth of Virginia employees and preschool and K–12 teachers (public and private schools) will receive free admission to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ new exhibition “Samurai Armor from the Collection of Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller.”

Active duty military personnel and their immediate families also will receive free admission to special exhibitions through the museum’s year-round participation in the Blue Star Museums program.

The exhibit is on view at VMFA through Aug. 4.

“The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts welcomes schoolteachers and our colleagues from the Commonwealth to take advantage of free admission to see these spellbinding works of samurai artistry and experience this spectacular once-in-a-lifetime exhibition,” said Alex Nyerges, VMFA’s director and CEO. “Visitors will be captivated by these extraordinary suits of Japanese armor and other implements, created during one of the most fascinating periods in world history.”

“Samurai Armor” offers visitors a rare personal encounter with samurai culture and tradition spanning more than 700 years of Japanese history. More than 140 stunning examples of attire and objects, including 17 full suits of armor, weapons and equestrian equipment, and more than 50 helmets and masks, all made between the 14th and 19th centuries are showcased in the exhibition.

State employees and educators can call (804) 340-1405 to make their reservations and show their employee IDs or badges at the Visitor Services Desk in the museum when picking up their tickets. One free ticket is available per badge. Reservationsfor tickets to the exhibition also can be made in person at the Visitor Services Desk.

For more details, visit VMFA.museum.