Chrysler Museum of Art | Norfolk

Location and Overview
The Chrysler Museum of Art is situated at One Memorial Place in Norfolk, Virginia. It is a prominent cultural institution recognized for its extensive art collections that span multiple millennia, diverse artistic media, and global cultures. The museum has evolved into a vibrant hub for art appreciation, education, and community engagement.

Historical Context and Growth

Foundation: The museum was founded in 1933, originally established to house the extensive private art collection of Walter P. Chrysler Jr., son of the automobile pioneer Walter P. Chrysler.

Expansion: In 2014, the museum underwent a major expansion, increasing its exhibition space to about 220,000 square feet and opening new galleries and educational facilities. This expansion allowed the museum to display a broader range of its collection and host special exhibitions.

Philosophy: The museum maintains a commitment to free public admission, underscoring its mission to make art accessible to all and to serve as an educational resource for the community.

Collections and Artistic Highlights

The museum’s holdings encompass more than 30,000 objects that cover approximately 5,000 years of human creativity. Its collections are both historically significant and artistically diverse, including:

European and American Paintings and Sculpture:
The collection features masterpieces from prominent artists across centuries, including Impressionists like Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Paul Gauguin. Sculptures by Auguste Rodin and others highlight the museum’s strength in three-dimensional works. The range extends from medieval to contemporary art.

Glass Art Collection:
The museum is renowned for one of the nation’s most important collections of glass art, especially works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, whose innovative glass techniques helped define American decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century. This collection includes stained glass, vases, lamps, and other decorative objects.

Decorative Arts:
This includes exquisite examples of Federalist furniture, notable Art Nouveau pieces, and other decorative objects that reflect craftsmanship and design trends across various periods.

Photography:
An expanding collection of fine art photography documents the evolution of photographic techniques and styles, with works from both historic and contemporary artists.

Global Art:
The museum’s global collection features artifacts and artworks from African, Asian, Egyptian, Pre-Columbian, and Islamic cultures, showcasing a wide array of artistic traditions and cultural histories.

Facilities and Visitor Services

Perry Glass Studio:
A signature feature of the museum, the Perry Glass Studio is a cutting-edge facility offering visitors an intimate view of live glassmaking. Daily glassblowing demonstrations take place at noon from Tuesday through Sunday, allowing visitors to witness the artistry and craft behind glasswork. The studio also offers classes and workshops for various skill levels.

Moses Myers House:
An ancillary museum on the campus, the Moses Myers House is the oldest Jewish family home open to the public in the United States. It offers historical insights into early 19th-century American life through the preserved residence of a prominent Norfolk merchant family.

Jean Outland Chrysler Library:
This research library contains over 106,000 rare volumes, books, and archival materials focused on art history and related fields. It is a significant resource for scholars, students, and art professionals, particularly in the southern United States.

Zinnia Café:
Serving as a dining option on-site, Zinnia Café provides grab-and-go items throughout the day, and full-service lunch Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. This amenity enhances the visitor experience by offering convenient refreshments without leaving the museum.

Operational Details

Opening Hours:

Museum Galleries: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays.

Perry Glass Studio: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; closed Mondays.

Moses Myers House: Open Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., with visits by appointment also available.

Jean Outland Chrysler Library: Open Wednesday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with appointments recommended.

Admission:
Admission to the museum and its main facilities is free, aligning with the institution’s mission to provide open access to art.

Parking:
Free parking is available to visitors in designated lots adjacent to the museum, with additional parking options nearby on Fairfax Street and Botetourt Street.

Accessibility:
The museum is fully accessible, providing complimentary wheelchairs and strollers. The Kaufman Theater includes an induction loop system to assist visitors with hearing aids. The museum’s physical spaces are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges.

Wi-Fi Access:
Free wireless internet service is available throughout the museum, including in the Perry Glass Studio, café area, and outdoor gardens.

Educational and Public Programs

Guided Tours:
The museum offers free guided tours to the public on a daily basis. These tours provide expert insight into the collections, exhibitions, and the museum’s history.

Group and School Tours:
Groups of eight or more can schedule tailored guided tours. School programs align with Virginia educational standards and offer both guided and self-guided options, designed to foster art education for students at multiple grade levels.

Workshops and Demonstrations:
In addition to glassmaking demonstrations, the museum regularly hosts art workshops, lectures, and special events aimed at engaging a broad audience, from casual visitors to serious art students.

Summary

The Chrysler Museum of Art is a premier cultural destination in Norfolk, offering a broad spectrum of artistic treasures in a welcoming, accessible environment. Its combination of historic and contemporary art, exceptional glass collection, engaging educational programs, and visitor amenities makes it a vital institution for both the local community and visitors from afar. The museum’s dedication to free admission and public programming reflects a commitment to fostering appreciation of the arts for all.

This detailed overview captures the essence and breadth of the Chrysler Museum of Art, highlighting its role as a beacon of culture, education, and artistic excellence.