Location: Williamsburg
Top Things to do in Williamsburg
Countries
What to do and see in Williamsburg, Virginia (VA): The Best Art Museums
Want a vacation full of thrills, adventure, fun and romance? Greater Williamsburg has just the thing — from the wild rides at Busch Gardens to the incredible living history museum at Colonial Williamsburg. Travelers can also set sail on the York River, and hike or bike their way through the area’s many trails. For quieter times, Riverwalk Landing offers no shortage of opportunities to indulge in culinary delights and premium shopping.
Restaurants in Williamsburg
1. Linda Matney Fine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
The Linda Matney Gallery is dedicated to curating and developing innovative exhibitions and collections showcasing painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, installation, video and performance for audiences and private patrons in Virginia and elsewhere. "The primary concern of The Linda Matney Gallery is to exhibit the work and ideas of the most significant artists of our time." John Lee Mat
2. Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 663 reviews
19th-century folk household objects (toys, kitchenware, paintings, furniture, etc.) are on display at the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.
Reviewed By I4669MGjohnn - Jamestown, United States
Folk art ain't Fine art. It was created by common people for use by common people. This eclectic collection puts the fun into art. The portrait art gallery gives lessons thru placards, on why most portraits follow a certain patterns, i.e. - why no one smiles, why clothes all look alike. Another gallery displays iron work like fireplace screens, stoves etc. and displays how iron works were created. Other galleries include handmade German toys, weather vanes, early advertising signs, a room with painted decorative features painted on the walls instead of wallpaper, a Navajo rug exhibit, and sailing ship portraits. I found this museum a wonderful learning experience. This museum is one part of the Art Museums of Williamsburg. The other museums are the Decorative Art Museum and the Public Hospital Museum. The museum is entered through the Public Hospital where you then crossover to another building that houses the Folk Art museum. On the lower level is a collection of firearms used by troops from both sides of the American Revolution, a fire pump used in colonial times, harpsichord and grand piano and a display of the creation and purpose of coffee houses. A small cafe is available and there is also a fine gift shop. The museum is undergoing a massive reconstruction and many of the galleries are closed. What remains is still worth the visit. Admission is included in the price of the Colonial Williamsburg tour package or can be purchased for $14.99 onsite to see only the three museums. See colonial fork art at its finest.
3. DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 522 reviews
A vast collection (8,000 objects) from 17th, 18th and early 19th century America are on display at the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum.
Reviewed By I4669MGjohnn - Jamestown, United States
This museum contains household furnishings that were used mostly by wealthy homeowners during Colonial times. Furniture, desks, grandfather clocks, highboys, extensive silverware, china, textiles, clothing and tea sets all from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This collection is an example of the finest craftsmanship offered. This museum is one part of the Art Museums of Williamsburg. The other museums are the Folk Art Museum and the Public Hospital Museum. The museums are entered through the Public Hospital, then crossover to another building that houses the other museums. On the lower level of the museum is collection of firearms used by troops by both sides of the American Revolution, a fire pump used in colonial times, harpsichord and grand piano and a display explaining the creation and meaning of coffee houses. A cafe is available as is a fine gift shop. The museum complex is undergoing a massive reconstruction and many of the galleries are closed. Admission is included in the price of the Colonial Williamsburg tour package or can be purchased for $14.99 onsite to see only the museums. See decorative art at its finest.
4. Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By 291genej - Silver Spring, United States
We spent the morning in this newly combined (2019) museum. After showing our online $15 each ticket, we passed the gift shop, cafe and began our slow walk through the ~25 galleries of excellent displays and descriptions of 16th-19th C treasures, first in the Folk Art half and finally in the Decorative Art half. Some were special: "The Residence of David Twining," 1847 by Edward Hicks, collection of "Dangerous Toys" from 1860 containing both lead and mercury, Navajo weaving room, display of Delft dinnerware in many colors other than blue, 1880 Lancaster County, PA quilt, display of English porcelain imported to America, 1697 "Two-Handed Cup" for communal drinking, 1770 "Warming Machine" from London that was built by a Moroccan Jew, then extensive display of guns, furniture and fine silver, etc used in colonial times.
