When you’re interested in learning something new, Chesapeake, Virginia, has a variety of museums worth exploring. From railroads to ancient art, you can step back in time and explore unique aspects of history when you check out these top museums around Chesapeake.
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Chrysler Museum of Art
Travel seven miles north of Chesapeake to Norfolk to find the Chrysler Museum of Art. The museum’s collection ranges from ancient Egyptian art to contemporary pieces. With such a range of work, you’ll have a fascinating look at how art has changed throughout the years. For a unique look at history, the Ancient Worlds galleries have an incredible collection of non-western art, including Islamic, African, Greco-Roman, East Asian, and pre-Columbian pieces. Plus, the photography collection has over 4,000 objects with a strong selection from the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.
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Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Chesapeake and the surrounding communities have a strong connection to the Navy. So it’s no surprise that if you head six miles north to Norfolk you’ll find the Hampton Roads Naval Museum. As one of 10 Navy museums operated by the Naval History and Heritage Command, Hampton Roads Naval Museum has an impressive collection dedicated to over 240 years of naval history in the region. Permanent exhibits include information on the Battle of the Chesapeake, the American Civil War, World War II, and the Cold War.
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Railroad Museum of Virginia
No study of American history is complete without an understanding of how trains changed transportation around the country. When you check out the Railroad Museum of Virginia, located six miles north of Chesapeake in Portsmouth, you’ll be able to see a completely restored five-car train that features a 1910-era Norfolk and Western steam locomotive, Wabash Railroad Company dining car, two mail cars, and an antique Norfolk-Southern caboose.
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Children’s Museum of Virginia
Located six miles north of Chesapeake in Portsmouth, the Children’s Museum of Virginia is one of the largest museums of its kind in the state. The museum offers a variety of hands-on exhibits designed to teach children more about the world around them, including a wellness center for kids, a tot yard for toddlers, and a planetarium. If you’re interested in giving your children a brief lesson in history, the Lancaster Antique Train and Toy Collection offers a train layout that represents the state of Virginia and displays several antique toys.
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Hermitage Museum and Gardens
Hermitage Museum and Gardens is a picturesque historic home located 12 miles north of Chesapeake in Norfolk. While it was once home to the Sloane family, it now features an art collection that spans 5,000 years. The collection has over 5,000 objects that represent over 30 countries and include paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decorative arts. As you’re visiting the museum, be sure to check out the surrounding grounds, which include 12 acres of formal gardens, wetlands, and forests.
When you check out these popular museums around Chesapeake, you’ll step back in time and learn even more fascinating history about the area and the world.
Image via Flickr by L. Allen Brewer under use of CC BY 2.0/Cropped from original
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