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Chrysler Museum
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Art Museum. General admission is free. Free family activities including family festivals, story time, pre-k programs, glass-blowing demonstrations and more. Homeschool Studio, Scouts events, summer camps available. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sunday from 12-5pm.
Well I'm a sucker for museums. And this one is another one of those local pocket sized gem one can relish in one day (casual patron)---yes I have been to the Louve, the Met (many times), MOMA. Guggenheim, Smithsonian and many others and I am typically less thrilled with large crowds and this one feels homey like VMFA to me. A little bit of everything, really. And a separate glassware workshop that has live demonstration. All free.
I'm sure I could spend a few more days deep diving the exhibits, but given the amount of time we have, it was great to cover all the majors in a matter of hours. Good starter for young kids so they don't leave with a terrified boring experience and never wanting to see another art museum.
I'm sure I could spend a few more days deep diving the exhibits, but given the amount of time we have, it was great to cover all the majors in a matter of hours. Good starter for young kids so they don't leave with a terrified boring experience and never wanting to see another art museum.
We had a great team event at Perry Glass Studio with dinner catered by Taste! The glass experience was fun and interactive, and the instructors were patient and welcoming. Planning was easy, the space worked well for our group, and the food was excellent. It’s an outing our team is still talking about - highly recommend for anyone planning a fun team event!
This museum is one of my favorite places in Hampton Roads, and I love bringing out of town guests to check out the ever changing rotation of exhibits. It feels fabulous when you arrive and a friendly staff member opens the door and greets you (and they'll hold the door when you leave as well).
There are so many enrichment events throughout the week as well, most recently my husband and I attended a morning meditation in the gallery. It was amazing to sit and go through a guided meditation based on one of the paintings in the modern art gallery.
There are so many enrichment events throughout the week as well, most recently my husband and I attended a morning meditation in the gallery. It was amazing to sit and go through a guided meditation based on one of the paintings in the modern art gallery.
The Chrysler Museum of Art is such a great surprise — even if you think you’re “not really a museum person,” this place just works. It’s easy to walk, not stuffy at all, and the mix of art is way more interesting than you’d expect. One minute you’re looking at ancient pieces, the next it’s classic paintings, modern art, or the amazing glass work they’re known for.
Everything feels relaxed and well thought out. The galleries are clean, well lit, and not overwhelming, so you can actually enjoy what you’re seeing instead of feeling rushed or overloaded. The staff is friendly and helpful without hovering, which is always appreciated.
And honestly, the fact that it’s free makes it even better. It’s perfect for a casual afternoon, a date, or just wandering around when you want to do something different.
If you’re in Norfolk or the surrounding area, it’s absolutely worth stopping by. Easy, enjoyable, and way better than you might expect.
Everything feels relaxed and well thought out. The galleries are clean, well lit, and not overwhelming, so you can actually enjoy what you’re seeing instead of feeling rushed or overloaded. The staff is friendly and helpful without hovering, which is always appreciated.
And honestly, the fact that it’s free makes it even better. It’s perfect for a casual afternoon, a date, or just wandering around when you want to do something different.
If you’re in Norfolk or the surrounding area, it’s absolutely worth stopping by. Easy, enjoyable, and way better than you might expect.
The Chrysler Museum is truly a hidden gem. It may be on the smaller side, but the collection is surprisingly diverse—ranging from stunning glasswork and classical pieces to thought-provoking contemporary art. The layout is easy to navigate, and every gallery feels thoughtfully curated. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour or an afternoon and still walk away feeling enriched.
Be sure to stop by Zinnia while you’re there. It’s the perfect spot for lunch—fresh, flavorful food, a relaxing atmosphere, and a great way to round out your visit. Highly recommend both the museum and the café for a lovely, low-key day out.
Be sure to stop by Zinnia while you’re there. It’s the perfect spot for lunch—fresh, flavorful food, a relaxing atmosphere, and a great way to round out your visit. Highly recommend both the museum and the café for a lovely, low-key day out.
Extremely pleasurable and beautiful location. It is shared with the glass museum next door and a rock garden that spans both. The art maintained within the museum is also priceless and worth a visit.
Will definitely come back in the future for newer installations.
Will definitely come back in the future for newer installations.
Incredible experience. Completely free to visit and view ORIGINAL HISTORICAL ART. I cried many, many times. It was such a special, emotional experience. This was my first time having the opportunity to visit an art museum, and I was absolutely amazed.
The staff was very kind, they open the door for you upon arrival and exit. They ask for your zip code at check-in, and give you a visitors guide. The staff are very helpful in answering questions as well. They have a beautiful piano played by some of the most memorable names in classical music, and we asked if someone could play it. They informed us that they have professional pianists come to play it to keep it in good condition. We are looking forward to coming back at a time when we can hear it.
The staff was very kind, they open the door for you upon arrival and exit. They ask for your zip code at check-in, and give you a visitors guide. The staff are very helpful in answering questions as well. They have a beautiful piano played by some of the most memorable names in classical music, and we asked if someone could play it. They informed us that they have professional pianists come to play it to keep it in good condition. We are looking forward to coming back at a time when we can hear it.
Love this museum. We were there for the native museum glass exhibit. Truly wonderful. Another reason I wanted to go was for their Nancy Camden Witt paintings which I have wanted to see in person for years. They were the last thing we found along side a Man Ray sculpture and Dali portrait. This review courtesy of artist David F. Heatwole.
This was a favorite part of our family trip to Virginia! The museum is free to enter and is a never-ending fun experience. There is so much to see! One of my favorite collections was of all the Tiffany Glass.
The Chrysler Museum of Art is beautiful and stunning! I enjoyed my visit here looking at the diversity of art pieces and the glass studio as well! Definitely a Norfolk sight seeing must! Free-admission but the parking isn’t that great so be prepared for that!
Absolutely enjoyed my time here. Beautiful artwork, beautiful exhibits. Took hours to walk through the entire thing and still felt there was more to see. Lots of places to sit and admire the art. Staff is kind and knowledgeable about the pieces in the collections. Traveling exhibits are informative and beautifully displayed. Great for the entire family, young and older. Easy to walk through. Feels like you’re traveling through time and immersing yourself in different cultures and places. Will definitely go again.
Not large but very decent art collection which is worth a second visit.
Absolutely loved my time at the Chrysler Museum! Really enjoyed the Roman, Egyptian and Mayan sculptures and paintings. The museum also holds a large collection of beautiful landscape and religious paintings for all to enjoy.
For a free admission, this museum is a must for history lovers!
As someone who works at a Museum, I was surprised that the Chrysler Museum had no security check through to go by with all the precious artifacts they hold inside. I worry that someone could easily get into it!
For a free admission, this museum is a must for history lovers!
As someone who works at a Museum, I was surprised that the Chrysler Museum had no security check through to go by with all the precious artifacts they hold inside. I worry that someone could easily get into it!
I came here for my birthday and it has beautiful artwork, sculptures, and exhibits. Highly recommend ????
We recently filmed Isabel & Keith's wedding at The Chrysler Museum of Art and, although it wasn't our first time filming there, it was one of the BEST times. We can't recommend it enough to potential future couples who are into art! If you're on the fence, we say, go for it! The venue coordinators are extremely nice, professional and so helpful. The entire staff of the museum is there to assist in any way needed, too. One of the most overlooked and undersold things about The Chrysler for couples getting married there is the opportunity to go into any of the galleries and have your photo and video team capture you there. If you're a fan of Baroque or Renaissance Art, or Modern, the world is your oyster. No matter where you look, it's stunning. The views surrounding the property are also just as majestic. You can also visit the nearby Freemason District for some more sort of "town" atmosphere, with its cobblestone streets. Or, walk down to The Hague bridge and get some great drone shots on there!
We rank this as one of our favorite venues in Hampton Roads to film in and highly recommend it to everybody we meet that are still searching for the right venue for them, especially if you love art.
If you'd like to see their film, you can find it on our website and Instagram for some inspiration!
We rank this as one of our favorite venues in Hampton Roads to film in and highly recommend it to everybody we meet that are still searching for the right venue for them, especially if you love art.
If you'd like to see their film, you can find it on our website and Instagram for some inspiration!
I grew up coming here during the summers because it was an interesting free museum with activities for children, so when I came for the first time with my own son I was genuinely shocked with how the staff was treating us. When we came in were almost immediately greeted with displeased looks from the older white lady at the desk. I am unsure if its because my family is biracial or if it was because of my sons age but either way it seemed like she was irritated with us even being there. So that wasn't the most pleasant but the harassment continued once we started walking around the museum. A different staff member (older white man) saw us walking around and at this point I was pushing the stroller and my son was in his father's arms. We were quiet and respectful of other patrons and not the only ones with a younger child but the man stopped my partner specifically telling him how he is prohibited from carrying our son because of the height of them combined??? My partner isn't quite 6 ft tall and the staff member was maybe 5'9" for context. At this point I had felt like we were being targeted because there was a white dad with his (also white) daughter (similar size to my son) who had walked by us maybe 10 min earlier with her on his shoulders and the same staff member didn't bat an eye at him. After our 2nd encounter with a rude staff member, we got the hint that we were not welcomed and left. I am extremely disgusted by the way we were treated especially as a place that allegedly "promotes diversity"; my family and I will not be visiting again.
I can’t believe I’ve never written a review for CMA previously. It is quite simply world class. We are so fortunate to have a museum of this caliber right here in Norfolk. I’m sure I’ve been about 100 times in the last 25 years or so. It is free to visit the museum, even the changing gallery and other special exhibits. Don’t miss it.
A really great place. I visited here all of the time. I enjoyed it. Thank you.
Nice place. More of an educational experience. Clean relaxing environment. Friendly staff . Thumbs up all around experience
Great selection in the glass collection. Well known artists in the painting and sculpture rooms. Had a great lunch at the museum restaurant. All the staff were helpful and kind
Best museum I've been to in the Hampton roads area. It's free, the staff are very friendly and helpful. There's plenty to see including a Salvador Dalí portrait, Claude Monet, Henri Matisse, and other recognizable artists and styles. The glass works on display are stunning and intricate. I've been on the weekend both times I've visited and it never felt too crowded or overstimulating. Joyce J. Scott has some pieces on display here right now which are incredible. I had the pleasure of seeing her exhibit in Seattle but I was really excited to show her work to my partner today. It took us just under two hours walking around to see everything. The gift shop has a lot of beautiful finds as well, including an art vending machine which vends art from local artists. Highly recommend.
Super nice museum. There are sculptures from many ethics and parts of the world. Many things to see also painting. There are paintings of Picasso, Jackson Pollock, Salvadore Dali. All other museums are not allow you to see close up to the painting, but this museum no boundary which you can see very close to all art works. Glass blow shows at noon available . Also have glass blow workshop with fee. Free admission. RECOMMENDED!!!!
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