The Chrysler's 8,000-piece glass collection is one of the world's largest. Holdings include works by Renoir, Matisse and Gauguin. The museum's diverse collections include contemporary art, photographs and Egyptian artifacts. The bulk of the collection came from the late Walter P. Chrysler Jr., a son of the auto magnate. He was an eclectic collector who decided to place his art in Norfolk since it was his wife Jean's girlhood hometown.
Admission is free on Wednesdays.
The Navy-owned museum relocated here in 1994 after many years on the Norfolk Naval Base. Even though there is a charge to see the rest of Nauticus, you can wander through the naval museum for free. Exhibits include naval artifacts and a collection of nautical prints and artwork. Displays focus on regional warship construction from the frigate Chesapeake in 1799 to today's aircraft carriers. To see just the naval museum, enter through Nauticus' guest relations door and let the attendant know you want to see only the Navy museum.