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Norfolk: Museums & Historical Places

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  1. Armed Forces Memorial
    The Armed Forces Memorial is a 160-foot monument with 20 bronze cast letters (actual letters from members of the Armed Forces who never returned from war) scattered across the base of a flagpole.
    Southeastern corner of Town Point Park Downtown Norfolk VA
    (757) 664-6620
  2. Attucks Theatre
    Performance venue and historical landmark in Norfolk.
    1010 Church Street Norfolk, Virginia 23510
    (757) 664-6464
  3. Barry Art Museum at ODU
    The Barry Art Museum is operated by the Old Dominion University Museum Foundation, in partnership with Old Dominion University. Admission is Free. Public programs and activities are offered.
    Barry Art Museum 1075 W. 43rd Street Norfolk, VA 23529
    757-683-6200
  4. Cannonball Trail
    Follow markers through Town Point Park and Downtown Norfolk on the self-guided tour. Download map on the website link.
    Freemason Street Reception Center for the Cannonball Trail 401 E. Freemason St Norfolk, VA 23510
    757-664-6620
  5. Chrysler Museum
    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.
    One Memorial Place Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 664-6200
  6. Civil War Trails
    A series of Civil War battle sites also used as a path for the Underground Railroad.
    Hampton Roads, VA
  7. d’Art Center
    d'Art Center hosts art exhibitions, houses gallery and studio spaces with on-site resident artists to interact with, and provides interactive programming. The center also offers art-focused summer camp programming for ages 6-13 in June - August, and children's workshops and classes for ages 6+!
    NEON District 740 Boush Street Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 625-4211
  8. Fort Norfolk
    The last remaining harbor front fort from the time of George Washington. Free admission.
    801 Front Street Norfolk VA 23510
    (757) 642-8311 or (757) 625-1720
  9. Hampton Roads Naval Museum
    Museum follows the extensive history of the fleet in Hampton Roads. Free Admission. Seasonal Family Programming.
    One Waterside Drive Ste 248 Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 322-2987
  10. Harrison Opera House
    Historic theater and home to the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and the Virginia Opera.
    160 West Virginia Beach Boulevard Norfolk, Virginia 23510
    (757) 664-6464
  11. Hermitage Museum and Gardens
    Historic home with art galleries, gardens, woodlands and wetlands. Art classes, family programming, camps and more in the newly renovated Visual Arts Studio!
    7637 North Shore Road, Norfolk, VA 23505
    (757) 423-2052
  12. Hermitage Museum and Gardens Visual Arts Studio
    Art classes, family programming, camps and more in the newly renovated Visual Arts Studio, which includes expanded ceramics space and a digital lab!

    Upcoming Classes include: Artful Play classes (14mos to 3 years), Introduction to Clay (8-12 years), and ceramics, painting, drawing, digital photography, basket weaving, living arrangements, creativity for mental health, and monthly programs.
    7701 North Shore Road, Norfolk VA 23505
    (757) 423-2052
  13. Hunter House Victorian Museum
    The Hunter House Victorian Museum serves as a rich example of Victorian decorative arts and architecture. Guests are invited to meet the Hunters as they tour two floors of the home, which feature the Hunter family's collection of furniture, books, decorative objects, and more. Join us and transport yourself to the splendor and opulence of the Victorian Era! Storytime and special events for children and families are available.
    240 W Freemason St Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 623-9814
  14. MacArthur Memorial
    Memorial to General MacArthur and the millions of American men and women who served in the US Armed Forces from the Civil War through the Korean War.
    MacArthur Memorial, MacArthur Square 198 Bank Street, Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 441-2965
  15. Mermaids On Parade
    Beginning at Nauticus, three separate trails take you along the Elizabeth River past Waterside, to the heart of downtown or to the Chrysler Museum while telling local history from the perspective of the 26 Mermaid statues along the trail.
    One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 664-4000
  16. Moses Myers House
    Historic home. Free admission and guided tours.
    323 E. Freemason St Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 333-1087
  17. Nauticus
    The National Maritime Center, lots of family activities and home to the Battleship Wisconsin. Summer Sailing Camps available for ages 8-11. Homeschool Programs available.
    One Waterside Drive Norfolk, VA, 23510
    (757) 664-1000
  18. Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House
    Historic home. Free admission and guided tours.
    601 E. Freemason St Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 664-6200
  19. Norfolk Police & Fire Rescue Museum
    History of police force and fire rescue in Norfolk. Free admission, donations are appreciated.
    401 E. Freemason St. Norfolk, VA 23510
    (757) 441-1526
  20. Norfolk Southern Museum
    Over 180 years of railroad history. Free admission.
    3 Commercial Place, Ground Floor Norfolk, VA 23510
  21. Ocean View Station Museum
    Local museum in Ocean View, Norfolk
    Pretlow Library 111 W Ocean View Ave, Norfolk, VA 23503
    (757) 531-0445
  22. The Elizabeth River Trail
    Scenic trail through areas of Norfolk with markers providing area history.
    Norfolk, VA
  23. Virginia Zoo in Norfolk
    Children's Programs, Exotic Animal Exhibits and Themed Gardens. Birthday Parties, Scout Programs, Family-friendly events and Summer Camps available. Teen conservation and volunteer opportunities. Nature Discovery Zone playground. Sensory inclusive support available.
    3500 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23504
    (757) 441-2374
  24. Wells Theatre
    Historic landmark and performance venue in Norfolk, home to the Virginia Stage Company
    110 East Tazewell Street Norfolk, Virginia 23510
    (757) 664-6464