Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia is an undiscovered gem of American art. The museum has an extraordinary collection of approximately 30,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years of art history. It is located in the heart of the city’s old Ghent neighborhood. From ancient Greek pottery to modern American sculpture, the Chrysler Museum offers a wide variety of art for visitors to study.
The museum dates back to 1933, when Walter P. Chrysler Jr., the son of Chrysler Corporation’s founder, began collecting art in earnest. His interest in art prompted him to gather antiquities from ancient Egypt, European paintings, and contemporary American sculpture. In 1971, Chrysler donated his collection to the city of Norfolk, resulting in the establishment of the Chrysler Museum of Art.
The museum’s collection is currently housed in a beautiful neoclassical structure that received substantial repair and expansion in 2014. The renovation added 165,000 square feet of gallery space and a cutting-edge conservation lab, transforming the Chrysler Museum into one of the most technologically advanced museums in the world.
The extensive glass art holdings in the Chrysler Museum’s collection are one of its highlights. The museum’s Glass Studio, which debuted in 2011, provides visitors with the opportunity to observe live glassblowing demonstrations and understand the history and techniques of glass creation. The museum’s glass collection contains works by Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, and William Morris, three of the most renowned glass artists in the world.
The Chrysler Museum’s holdings of American art are another strength of its collection. The American galleries at the museum feature paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the colonial period to the present day. Visitors can view renowned American paintings such as “Mrs. George Swinton” by John Singer Sargent and “Ground Swell” by Edward Hopper, as well as works by lesser-known but equally significant painters.
In addition to its permanent collection, the Chrysler Museum organizes a series of special exhibitions that rotate periodically. Previous shows include “The Art of Burning Man,” which examined the art and culture of the annual Burning Man festival in Nevada, and “Thomas Hart Benton and the Navy,” which highlighted the work of the American painter and muralist during his tenure as an official artist for the U.S. Navy.
Community engagement is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the Chrysler Museum. Throughout the year, the museum hosts numerous educational programs and events, including workshops, lectures, and family-friendly activities. Quarterly Artini events at the museum allow guests to explore the galleries after hours while sipping signature cocktails and listening to live music.
Notable is also the Chrysler Museum’s commitment to accessibility. It is one of the only major museums in the country that offers free admission to all visitors. In addition, the museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, including wheelchair ramps, audio tours, and braille signage.
The Chrysler Museum of Art is a must-visit location for art and culture enthusiasts. Its outstanding collection, state-of-the-art facilities, dedication to accessibility, and commitment to community participation make it a genuinely exceptional institution. The Chrysler Museum has something for everyone, whether they are ardent art enthusiasts or casual visitors.