Chrysler Museum of Art Norfolk, Virginia (original) (raw)

The Chrysler Museum of Art combines under a single administrative umbrella one of America's great fine arts museums, the Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House, and the historic Moses Myers House.

The Chrysler Museum of Art's mission defines the Museum as "catalyst" -- bringing art and people together to enrich and transform lives. To this end the Chrysler maintains a distinguished permanent collection, presents an ambitious program of changing exhibition, and offers a wide range of education activities and programs for visitors of all ages.

Founded in 1933 as the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences, the Museum experienced explosive growth in 1971 when automobile heir and art collector Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. presented the city of Norfolk with his collection. Since Chrysler.s death in 1988 the Museum has continued to grow and expand, building on his legacy with regular additions to its holdings.

Comprising over 30,000 objects, the collection spans more than 5000 years of world history. American and European paintings and sculpture from the Middle Ages to the present day form the core of the Collection. In the Impressionist Gallery alone, visitors can admire works by Monet, Degas, Renoir, Cassatt, Gauguin, Rodin, and Cezanne. The Museum also houses one of the world's great collections of glass -- including outstanding works by Louis Comfort Tiffany -- distinguished holdings in the decorative arts, and a fine collection of photography. The arts of the ancient world, Asia, Africa, and Pre-Columbian America are also represented.

The Museum's award-winning building was designed by the firm of Hartman-Cox and opened in 1989. Located on a beautiful waterfront site facing the Hague inlet of Norfolk's historic Elizabeth River, the Museum building houses 60 elegant and restful galleries, an auditorium, gift shop, restaurant, the Jean Outland Chrysler Library, and support spaces arranged around a sky-lit central courtyard. In 1997 the Museum completed a new education wing including spaces for hands-on art classes and new galleries for its celebrated James H. Ricau collection of American neo-classical sculpture. The Museum is located at 245 West Olney Road (at Mowbray Arch) in Downtown Norfolk. Hours and admission fees are available on the Museum's website.

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