Chrysler Museum of Art
4.8(3.2K)google
4.8(257)yelp
ArtEducationalGlass ArtIndoor
Overview
Housed inside a thoroughly magnificent, monumental Italianate palace architectural masterpiece in Norfolk, the Chrysler Museum of Art serves as a world-class cultural anchor housing an extraordinary collection of global masterpieces. The museum houses a prestigious, rapidly expanding permanent collection of over thirty thousand distinct artifacts, with a profound focus on one of the absolute largest, most spectacular public studio glass collections on the planet. Through beautifully sunlit galleries, it provides visitors with an incredibly rich, thought-provoking artistic journey spanning centuries.
Practical Info
MonClosed
Tue10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sun12:00 – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-3 hours
Best TimeA world-class year-round indoor art treasury with free general admission. Arrive on weekend mornings at 10:00 AM right when doors open for a peaceful setting; early sun rays fill the glass-and-stone atrium, perfectly illuminating the world-renowned permanent collection of historic Tiffany glass.
Getting TherePerfectly nestled near the waterfront at 1 Memorial Place in Norfolk. Drivers can navigate via the I-264 urban loop directly into the downtown grid, turning onto Olney Road. The museum features its own large complimentary paved surface parking lot directly behind the glass studios.
Travel Tips
- General admission is 100% free, but high-profile traveling exhibitions require separate online timed tickets. The museum's small on-site parking lot fills up rapidly; overflow vehicles must hunt for paid street meters nearby.
- The adjacent Glass Studio hosting live glassblowing demonstrations runs on a restricted schedule (typically Wednesday-Sunday at noon). Seating is first-come, first-served; join the line at least 30 minutes early.
- A strict 'no liquids' policy is enforced; open drinks, coffee, and even sealed thermal flasks are barred from galleries and must be checked. Backpacks must be worn on the front or stored in the complimentary lockers.
Reviews
Positive
- The glass art collection and European master paintings offer immense visual impact, and the free live glass-blowing demonstrations at the Glass Studio truly open your eyes.
- The gallery spaces are spacious and modern, with full accessibility via elevators and ramps, clean restrooms on each floor, and plenty of comfortable seating.
- The museum staff and volunteers maintain an extremely warm attitude; crowd order is well-managed, and they proactively offer detailed multilingual gallery guides.
- Most amazingly, general admission and parking are completely free; as a top-tier art museum, its cost-effectiveness is unbeatable with a quiet, premium vibe.
Heads up
- The museum cafe, Wisteria, is on the pricier side with a limited menu, and service can be slow during peak lunchtime, offering mediocre value.
- Because it is free to the public, there are often many families with young children on weekend afternoons, making some core galleries slightly noisy.
- Although close to downtown, if you don't drive, walking from Norfolk's nearest light rail station takes over ten minutes through unshaded streets, which is hot in summer.
- Seats for the glass-blowing demonstrations are extremely limited; if you don't queue 30 minutes early, you have to stand in a crowded back row staring at heads.