RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – Attendance and sales at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts soared during an exhibit of glass artist Dale Chihuly’s works.

The exhibit opened Oct. 20, 2012, and ended its run Sunday.

Museum deputy director Robin Nicholson tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch that museum officials expected the exhibit o draw 115,000 visitors. But the final total could be closer to 160,000.

The Museum Shop had record sales in November, December and January.

The food service/special events department also broke in a record. December was the department’s highest-grossing month.

Two pieces will remain at the museum on extended loan.

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Information from: Richmond Times-Dispatch, http://www.timesdispatch.com

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