Norfolk, Virginia - Chrysler Museum of Art

The Chrysler Museum of Art is located at 245 West Olney Road, Norfolk, Virginia 23510.
They can be contacted at 757-664-6200. Further information can be found at www.chrysler.org

The Chrysler Museum of Art could probably be considered one of the crown gems of the city of Norfolk. With a large white-marble statue collection, an enormous collection of paintins from ancient times all the way through the early 1990's, and one of the largest collections of Tiffany glassworks, one could easily spend two to three days within the many galleries of art.

Ever wonder who some of the major artist included in the collection are? You'll find: Rodin, Andy Warhol, Mary Cassat, Thomas Cole, and both glassworks and furniture by Emile Galle. Ever wonder what can be found here? Well how about: paintings and sculpture from the middle ages and glasswork, furniture, and paintings from french art nouveau; european paintings from the renaissance and boroque periods and american colonial and impressionist paintings; or course, this is only a taste of what is here. And, each piece has a label that tells you who produced it, when it was produced, and many labels have further information about the piece and/or the artist.

As stated before, one could easily spend three days wandering the galleries, and probably still miss something. But suppose you only have an hour or two? What do you do then? My suggestion is this: Make certain to see the James H. Ricau white-marble sculpture collection, which will be located upstairs in the back of the museum (if it is still up). Also, make certain to see the collection of modern glassworks, which should be just inside the front doors, to the right. (FYI - the former glass curator, Gary Baker, was able to put this part of the glass collection together on his own - raising the money and finding the pieces - and is a magificent collection and view of modern glass art)
I would also be sure to check out the collection of Mayan and Mexican artwork, which is downstairs in the back, past the egyptian and far east art galleries. This collection is wonderful, and gives quite a view of early middle-american life and culture.
And lastly, while I'm not a big fan of glassworks, you might want to walk through the Tiffany Glass Galleries; there's two of them, and they hold the countries 3rd largest collection of Tiffany Glass, if my memory serves me correctly. Even you're not a glass person, this is worth seeing, just so you can say you have seen it.

Due to the way the art is displayed at the museum, with the labels for each piece, the Chrysler Museum is a great place to do research, should you have to do so while on vacation (or if you are lucky enough to live in the area).

A couple of notes: Be sure to try and make it over here on a Wednesday - it is free this day, unless you would like to donate something; also, the museum is open from 10:00 a.m until 9:00 p.m. and you'll be able to hear some wonderful music while strolling through the galleries after 6:30 p.m.
Also, be sure to take a camera that does not require a flash. Flash photography is harmful to the art, and the security guards will remind you of this if you try it. And don't even try to use a video camera here; for security reasons, they're not allowed in the building. Best not to even bring it.

So, if you're in Norfolk, Virginia, please be sure to visit the Chrysler Museum of Art. I can guarantee that it is worth the trip, even if that is your only reason for coming to the area. If you need any further information, just click on the link at the top of this entry. This will give you the full write up of hours and special events, and I believe you can even find a coupon that will give you a small discount if you have to visit on any day other than a Wednesday.