At the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia, visitors can explore thousands of years of art, watch molten glass take shape, make something of their own or simply slow down and enjoy the experience.
The museum offers free admission and a collection of more than 35,000 works spanning 5,000 years, from ancient objects and European and American paintings to modern art and one of America’s leading glass collections.
“Museums are places where meaningful connections enrich lives,” said Erik H. Neil, Ph.D., Macon and Joan Brock Director of the Chrysler Museum of Art.
Here are six ways to experience the Chrysler Museum.
1. Discover more than 350 works of wearable art in “Constellations”
Jewelry becomes sculpture, storytelling and artistic experimentation in “Constellations: Contemporary Jewelry from the Dallas Museum of Art.” On view through Jan. 3, 2027, the exhibition brings together more than 350 works by more than 230 artists from 41 countries. Visitors will encounter everything from golden crowns made to resemble cardboard to necklaces fashioned from plastic bags and playful brooches resembling toast.
The exhibition organizes the works into four themes — Zones of the Body, Archetypes, Signals and Play — that explore the many ways artists have pushed jewelry beyond traditional ideas of adornment.
“More than a survey of contemporary jewelry, ‘Constellations’ celebrates artists’ ability to expand the boundaries of wearable art through innovation and creativity,” said Mark A. Castro, Ph.D., director of curatorial affairs at the Chrysler Museum. “The exhibition invites audiences to embrace the full range of the medium’s potential — to engage serious issues while also fostering playfulness and delight.”
2. See glassmaking up close — or try it yourself
The Perry Glass Studio turns glassmaking into a front-row experience. The state-of-the-art facility offers free glassmaking demonstrations Tuesday through Sunday at noon, as well as classes for skill levels ranging from beginner to experienced artist.
Seasonal classes give visitors an opportunity to take part themselves. During Pumpkinpalooza, participants ages 5 and older select colors, apply crushed glass to molten clear glass and help inflate their own pumpkin before watching the studio team add a curly stem. This workshop costs $64 for museum members and $80 for non-members.
When winter arrives, the Holiday Snowman workshop invites participants ages 12 and older to learn how molten glass can be shaped into a sculpted snowman. This workshop costs $80 for museum members and $100 for non-members.
3. Experience glass after dark
The Perry Glass Studio doesn’t quiet down when evening arrives. Glass After Dark combines hot glass with live entertainment, giving visitors the chance to watch artists and the studio team transform molten material in the studio.
In November, London-based glass artist Katherine Huskie joins the studio as a visiting artist. Huskie draws inspiration from patterns found in nature, textiles and geometry, incorporating those influences into hot glass. Her visit includes Glass After Dark on Nov. 19, glass demonstrations Nov. 20 to 22 and an artist talk on Nov. 21 at 3 p.m.
4. Bring the kids — and let them make some art
The Chrysler Museum is designed for young visitors too. The interactive Wonder Studio gives children and their caregivers opportunities to explore glassblowing, look closely at artworks and create their own masterpieces in an environment designed for hands-on discovery.
Family programming extends throughout the museum. Pre-K Art Play uses art, stories and hands-on experiences to engage children ages 3 to 5, while Second Saturday Art Pop-Up offers free art-making experiences for visitors of all ages.
Whether children are looking, learning or creating, the emphasis is on experiencing art together rather than simply walking through galleries.
5. See the highlights even if you only have an hour
Short on time? The Chrysler Museum has an itinerary for that.
The museum’s “See It In An Hour” guide directs visitors toward several of its essential experiences. Start with the McKinnon Galleries of Modern and Contemporary Art, where the collection includes internationally recognized artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock alongside regional artists and other voices that broaden the story of modern art.
From there, explore the Chrysler Museum’s renowned glass collection, including Tiffany works, contemporary glass and objects dating back centuries. Finish with one of the museum’s rotating special exhibitions.
Visitors who have more time can follow director Erik Neil’s own tour through museum favorites, including the ancient Ennion Bowl, Tiffany glass, Mark Rothko, Winslow Homer and Beauford Delaney.
Museum Shop. December, 2022.
6. Stay awhile
Visitors can also explore the Goode Works on Paper Center — which houses nearly 10,000 photographs, drawings, prints and other works on paper — visit the historic Myers House or stop in the Museum Shop and Zinnia Cafe.
And with free admission and free parking, there’s little reason to squeeze everything into a single visit.
“We are fortunate to have an extensive and diverse collection that spans centuries, cultures and perspectives,” Neil said.
Visit chrysler.org for more information. For questions about the seasonal glassmaking workshops, please call 757.333.6299.
