Home to the first British colony, Virginia has the longest history of any state in the union. It’s perhaps no surprise that some of the finest museums in the country are located here. Many of them are found in Norfolk, and there’s a museum to match the interests of just about anyone.
Hunter House Victorian Museum
Travel back in time to an era rich in art and culture, without the pesky cholera. What began in 1894 as a family home was turned into a museum when the last surviving family member passed away and willed that her home should be operated as such. Furniture, rich tapestries, musical instruments, silverware, artwork, and lush gardens are a mere sample of what’s on display. The museum shop features amazing jewelry, stationery, books, and more.
Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $1 for children. One-hour guided tours are offered April through December. The museum sometimes closes for special events, so it’s best to contact them before visiting. Please note that strollers and interior photography are not permitted.
Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler is a massive museum that covers a vast variety of art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and more. Glassmaking is something of a specialty at the Chrysler, and the Perry Glass Studio hosts free demonstrations every day at noon (except Monday). The “You Draw It, We Make It” board often serves as a muse for these master glass crafters. You can even sign up for a glassmaking class.
Popular destinations include the Ancient Worlds exhibit replete with Egyptian mummies, the kids’ art station where they can create their own masterpieces, the Art Nouveau furniture, the Tiffany glass pieces, and the modern pop art collection. Admission is free, and the museum is open every day, with limited hours on weekends.
Hermitage Museum & Gardens
For a more peaceful and introspective visit, try the Hermitage. Its lush 12-acre garden is a lovely place to unwind. You’ll see sublime statuary, wetlands, rose gardens, and fountains. Of note are the antique millstones that have been collected and placed as decorations all around the grounds. In all, over 100 of them can be found. Inside, you’ll find the extensive Sloane Collection, an assemblage of over 40,000 pieces representing the art and culture of more than 30 countries. Some of these masterpieces are thousands of years old.
Hermitage Museum is open every day except Monday, and house tours are available at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Admission is $12 for adults and $8 for students, military, and kids ages 5 to 12. Members and children under 5 are free. Weddings and other events are sometimes hosted here, so be sure to plan ahead. The gardens are a delightful place to take photographs for your own special occasion. Check their photography policies page for details.
For those interested in art, culture, and history, Norfolk is an excellent place to be. Visiting your local museum is a delightful blend of enlightenment, entertainment, and education, and the country’s best museums are just a short drive away.
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Image via Flickr by L. Allen Brewer
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