Hermitage Museum & Gardens | Norfolk

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia, is a unique and historically rich cultural institution that combines the elegance of an early 20th-century residence with a broad art collection and beautifully landscaped grounds. Located at 7637 North Shore Road along the Lafayette River, it provides visitors with a tranquil blend of art, history, and nature.

Historical Background

The museum was originally the private home of William and Florence Sloane, prominent Norfolk residents and philanthropists. The construction of the house began in 1908, designed in the Arts and Crafts architectural style, a movement that emphasized craftsmanship, natural materials, and simplicity in design. The Sloanes envisioned their home not just as a residence but also as a space to house their expanding art collection.

Florence Sloane was particularly influential in the museum’s formation. An avid traveler and collector, she acquired art and artifacts from around the world, gradually shaping the home into a private museum. Upon her death, she ensured the property would be preserved and opened to the public for educational and cultural enrichment.

The museum was officially opened to the public in 1942, making it one of the earliest house museums in Virginia.

The Sloane Collection and Museum Interior

Inside the Hermitage’s 42-room mansion, visitors will find the Sloane Collection, which encompasses over 5,000 works of art spanning a wide array of cultures and time periods. The collection reflects the eclectic tastes and global travels of the Sloanes.

Key highlights include:

Asian art, especially Chinese ceramics and Japanese woodblock prints

Medieval and Renaissance artifacts, including religious sculptures and manuscripts

Textiles and decorative arts, such as antique furniture, tapestries, and ornate glassware

Paintings from Europe and America, including portraits, landscapes, and genre scenes

Ancient artifacts, including Egyptian amulets and Greco-Roman pottery

The rooms are preserved in their original form, offering insight into early 20th-century domestic life among Virginia's affluent elite. Visitors can explore the richly appointed drawing rooms, study, dining areas, and private quarters, each decorated with a mixture of fine art and period furnishings.

Gardens and Grounds

The estate sits on 12 acres of landscaped gardens that complement the riverside setting. Florence Sloane, who was also passionate about horticulture, worked to develop themed garden spaces that have been preserved and expanded upon.

The gardens include:

Formal gardens with manicured hedges and classical statuary

Woodland trails winding through native trees and flowering plants

Seasonal flower beds, showcasing tulips, azaleas, camellias, and more

A contemporary art garden, which blends sculptures and installations into the landscape

The waterfront location offers picturesque views of the Lafayette River, and benches placed throughout the grounds invite quiet reflection.

Contemporary Art and Cultural Programming

Though rooted in tradition, the Hermitage Museum actively supports contemporary art and artists. It hosts:

Rotating exhibitions of contemporary art inside the galleries and throughout the gardens

An artist-in-residence program, allowing emerging and established artists to live and work on-site while engaging with the community

Workshops and lectures focused on art techniques, conservation, history, and culture

Seasonal events, including music festivals, open-air movie nights, yoga in the gardens, and artisan markets

These programs ensure that the Hermitage remains a dynamic, evolving space where historical legacy meets modern creativity.

Visitor Information

Hours: Generally open Tuesday through Sunday; hours may vary seasonally. The museum is often closed on major holidays and Mondays.

Admission: There is a modest entry fee, with discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and children. Members typically receive free entry and special event access.

Accessibility: Many areas of the house and gardens are wheelchair accessible, although some historic sections may have limitations due to architectural preservation.

Parking: Free parking is available on-site.

Amenities: A small gift shop is available, and restrooms are located in the main building. Photography is typically allowed but may be restricted in certain areas.

Legacy and Community Role

The Hermitage Museum & Gardens stands as a lasting legacy of Florence Sloane’s vision-bridging fine art, education, and nature in a setting that continues to serve the Norfolk community and visitors from afar. It represents a model of early 20th-century American collecting and domestic architecture while embracing the evolving landscape of contemporary art and culture.

It is a peaceful yet intellectually enriching destination, ideal for those who appreciate art history, quiet reflection, and beautifully curated outdoor spaces.