Chrysler Museum of Art Museum

Art museum in Norfolk, noted for glass collections

Norfolk's Chrysler Museum of Art houses glassworks, European paintings and decorative arts; visitors come for rotating exhibitions, a glass studio and downtown access.

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Chrysler Museum of Art at a Glance#

Address: 1 Memorial Place, Norfolk, VA 23510, United States

Website: https://www.chrysler.org

Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, closed Mondays

Admission: Free general admission (special exhibitions may have fees)

About Chrysler Museum of Art#

The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia is an art museum founded by Walter P. Chrysler Jr. that houses collections of European and American paintings, decorative arts and a notable modern glass collection.

Holdings in painting and decorative arts across several centuries and a dedicated glass studio that supports live demonstrations and education; the collection is used for rotating exhibitions as well as permanent displays.

The museum was founded in 1933 by Walter P. Chrysler Jr.; it has grown through donations and institutional development to become a major cultural institution for southeastern Virginia.

The museum is located in downtown Norfolk and is accessible from the city’s central districts by road and public transport, serving local and regional visitors.

  • Founding: Established by collector Walter P. Chrysler Jr., the museum’s founding collection dates to 1933 and has been expanded by subsequent donations and acquisitions.
  • Glass demonstrations: An active glass studio on site offers regular public demonstrations that highlight the museum’s important modern glass holdings.

What to See#

  • Chrysler Glass Studio: An on-site glass studio hosts live glassblowing demonstrations and educational workshops for visitors, and supports a significant collection of modern glasswork.
  • Permanent galleries: European, American and decorative arts galleries display paintings, sculpture and applied arts spanning medieval through modern periods, organised into themed galleries.

How to Get to Chrysler Museum of Art#

The museum sits in downtown Norfolk adjacent to town landmarks; it’s an easy walk from the waterfront and city center. Street parking and municipal lots are nearby; the Norfolk Regional Transit system serves central stops within a short walk.

Tips for Visiting Chrysler Museum of Art#

  • Arrive in the morning to visit the galleries before school groups arrive.
  • Don't miss the Ferguson Center for the Arts and the museum's glass collection - the glass walls and Chihuly pieces are highlights.
  • Check the museum calendar for evening events and late openings, which are sometimes offered.

Best Time to Visit Chrysler Museum of Art#

Open year-round; weekdays and mornings are best to avoid crowds.

Spring/Summer
March-August · 15-30°C
Easier travel and additional outdoor programming in the museum plaza.
Autumn/Winter
September-February · 5-20°C
Quieter galleries and fewer school groups; good for slower visits.

Weather & Climate near Chrysler Museum of Art#

Climate

Chrysler Museum of Art's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1191 mm/year), wettest in July.

Air Quality: AQI 28 Good
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
32°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - 0° - 10° 2° 101 mm - - 3.9 m/s - -
February - 1° - 11° 3° 91 mm - - 4.1 m/s - -
March - 5° - 15° 10° 104 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
April - 9° - 21° 15° 81 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
May - 14° - 25° 20° 100 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -
June - 19° - 29° 24° 99 mm - - 3.4 m/s - -
July - 22° - 32° 27° 132 mm - - 3.1 m/s - -
August - 21° - 31° 26° 126 mm - - 3.0 m/s - -
September - 18° - 28° 23° 107 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
October - 12° - 22° 17° 89 mm - - 3.3 m/s - -
November - 7° - 17° 12° 76 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
December - 2° - 12° 5° 85 mm - - 3.7 m/s - -

Nearby Attractions to Chrysler Museum of Art#