Plan a year of fun and learning at Hampton Roads’ many museums, featuring everything from rare art to toy trains.
REGIONAL
The Children’s Museum of Virginia, 221 High St., Portsmouth.
Interactive exhibits, including a construction crane, bubble room, rock climbing wall, and a planetarium. The Lancaster Antique Toy and Train Collection has four working layouts and thousands of cars.
Events: Parent/child art program Aug. 7-9; World Time Travelers for ages 7-12, July 24-26; National Model Railroad Association layout for Model HO-scale trains, Aug. 11-12 and Nov. 17-18. Family Fun Saturdays, hands-on activities and performances.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays in winter, except holidays. Admission: $6, under age 2 free. 393-5258. www.childrensmuseumva.com
The Chrysler Museum of Art, 245 W. Olney Road, Norfolk.
More than 30,000 objects, some dating back 5,000 years. Galleries include: Impressionists, Photography, Art Nouveau furniture, Roman, African, Egyptian, Islamic and pre-Columbian art, and one of the world’s best glass collections including many works by Louis Comfort Tiffany.
The museum also operates the Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House, and the Moses Myers historic home.
Current: Stardust: the eccentric photography of Jean-Christian Bourcart through Aug. 5.
Envisioning Virginia 1587-1784: Early Maps of the New World through Aug. 12. British Paintings from the National Gallery of Art through July 29. Paul Storr Silver Gilt Breakfast Service through March 1, 2008. Christenberry through Sept. 30.
Future: The Secret Lives of Frames: 100 Years of Art and Artistry from the Lowy Collection Oct. 18 through Jan. 6, 2008.
Cecil Beaton: Photographs from the National Portrait Gallery Oct. 18 through Jan. 6, 2008.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday.$7 for adults; $5 for teachers, seniors, and military. Free to those aged 18 and younger, college students with a valid ID, and members. Admission Wednesdays by donation. 664-6200. www.chrysler.org
Contemporary Art Center of Virginia, 2200 Parks Ave., Virginia Beach.
Changing exhibits of international, national and local artists in painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video and other media. Workshops, summer camp, and studio art classes for preschool through adult.
Current: Counterparts: Contemporary Painters and Their Influences through Sept. 23.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday.Admission: $8 adults; $6 students, military and seniors; under age 4 and members are free. Winter admission: $5 and $3. 425-0000. www.cacv.org
Hampton Roads Naval Museum and Battleship Wisconsin, at Nauticus, One Waterside Drive, Norfolk.
American naval history in Hampton Roads from the Revolution to present. Tour the decks of one of the largest and last battleships built by the U.S. Navy, the USS Wisconsin.
Current: Picture Perfect: A Panoramic View of the Navy, Institute and African American Furniture; through August 31.
Events: WTKR’s meterologist Dave Parker talks about conversations with WW II veterans, July 27.
Summer hours: 9 a.m-5 p.m. daily. Rest of year: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The ship is open limited hours in January to early March. Free. 322-2987. www.hrnm.navy.mil/
Hampton University Museum, Huntington Building, Ogden Circle, Hampton University campus, Hampton.
The nation’s oldest African American museum, founded in 1868, has substantial collections of African, African-American, and Native American art. The second floor houses the Curiosity Room for children and The Center for African American Life and History, a reading reference room.
Current: Afri Cobra: Contemporary American Works Rooted in Africa; From the River:Pamunkey Indian Pottery Traditions; and The Jamestown Exposition, Hampton Institute and African American Furniture; all through July 28.
Kid’s Korner Story Time is held the fourth Thursday, 10-11 a.m.
Future: David Driskell: Painting Across the Decade 1996 - 2006, Sept. 21 through Dec. 8.
8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 12-4 p.m. Saturday. Free. 727-5308. www.hamptonu.edu/museum
MacArthur Memorial Museum, City Hall Avenue and Bank Street, Norfolk.
Chronicles the life of Gen. Douglas MacArthur through three major U.S. wars. Final resting place of the general and his wife, Jean.
There are nine galleries, a library, archives, and 24-minute film. The gift shop displays the General’s 1950 Chrysler Imperial limousine.
Current: America Calls: Poster Art of World War I and II, through July.
Generations: The MacArthur Family through September.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.Free. 441-2965, www.macarthurmemorial.org
The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News.
The museum tells the story of 3,000 years of maritime history through artifacts, ship models and paintings.
USS Monitor Center houses a full-scale replica and artifacts of the historic ironclad ship.
Interactive exhibits.
The International Small Craft Center has 75 historic craft, from kayaks to yachts.
Summer Family Programs: Legends of the Sea, 9:30 a.m. to noon. July 30: Pirates. July 31: Shipwrecks. Aug. 1: Sea Creatures. Aug. 2: Lighthouse.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.$12.50 adults; $7.25 children ages 6-17. 596-2222. www.mariner.org
Nauticus, The National Maritime Center, 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk.
Interactive exhibits on maritime science and the Battleship Wisconsin; exotic aquaria and touch tanks; large-format films “The Ring of Fire,” “The Living Sea,” and “Gateway,” spotlighting the Port of Virginia operations.
Nauticus houses The Hampton Roads Naval Museum and the Battleship Wisconsin is docked outside for tours. Daily shark feedings in summer.
Current: Navigation: Finding Your Way; 1907: The Jamestown Exposition and the Launching of the Steel Navy (permanent); Mudlarking: Chesapeake Bay watercolors of Marc Castelli, through Dec. 31.
Events: Camp Nauticus, July 23-27, July 30-Aug. 3.
Summer hours: 10a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Winter hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. $10.95 adults, $8.50 children 4-12. $9.95 seniors and active-duty military. Admission and film combination tickets available. USS Wisconsin and Hampton Roads Naval Museum are free. 664-1000. www.thenmc.org
Peninsula Fine Arts Center, 101 Museum Drive, next to Mariners’ Museum, Newport News.
Changing exhibits of contemporary art. Arts Cafe features music on Thursday nights. Offers a studioart school.
Current (all through Aug. 26): WATERCOLOR! American Watercolor Masters, Recent American Watercolors, and Brushstrokes. Children’s Summer Art Camps.
10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Thursday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Gallery shop closes at 4 p.m. daily. $5 adults, $3 children ages 4-15, $4 students, seniors and military. Members free. 596-8175. www.pfac-va.org
U.S. Army Transportation Museum, Besson Hall, Building 300, Fort Eustis.
Army transportation from the Revolution to now. Nearly 100 vehicles, amphibians, tugboats and aircraft on display on six acres. Museum Shop. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Closed federal holidays. Free. ID required to enter base. 878-1115. www.transchool.eustis.army.mil/Museum/Museum.html
The Virginia Air & Space Center, 600 Settlers Landing Road, Hampton.
Air and space craft hang in glass ceiling atrium. Official visitor center for NASA Langley Research Center. 3D IMAX theater.
Current: Magic: the Science of Illusion through September; “Dinosaurs 3D” in the IMAX theater; summer science camps.
Summer hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Winter: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.Exhibits only: $9 adults, $8 military and seniors, $7 children ages 3-11, members free. IMAX films extra, with combination tickets available 727-0900. www.vasc.org
Virginia Living Museum, 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News.
Live wildlife native to Virginia in their natural habitats. Boardwalk and paths through 10 acres of outdoor habitat. Inside are galleries, Noland Chesapeake Bay Aquarium and a planetarium with daily shows daily. Family Safaries, adult and children’s programs offered throughout the year.
Current: Survivor: Jamestown through Nov. 25. The Virginia Garden, highlighting Virginia’s botanical history from 1607 to the present. Summer camp programs. Summer: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Winter: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Museum only: $13 adults, $10 ages 3-12; planetarium shows, $3. Combination tickets available. Members free. 595-1900. www.thevlm.org
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum, 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach.
Exhibits and live presentations. Large aquariums with sharks and sea turtles, sting ray touch tank, half-acre aviary, pontoon boat ride and 3D IMAX theater. Dolphin and whale watch trips. Buildings linked by nature trail.
Current: Penguins: Birds of Play through Sept. 3. Summer hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. daily. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. rest of year. Museum only, $11.95 adults, $10.95 seniors, $7.95 children 3-11. Members free. IMAX films extra, with combination tickets available.385-FISH; www.vmsm.com
Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, 206 High St., Portsmouth.
Interactive, nine exhibit areas highlight 20 sports. Education programs Include SOL Aligned Core Curriculum Programs, Healthy Lifestyles Instruction and Character Development Coaching.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays Labor Day to Memorial Day. $6 adults; $5 military and seniors; children 2 and under free. Members free. 393-8031, www.virg iniasportshalloffame.com
Virginia War Museum, Huntington Park, 9285 Warwick Blvd., Newport News.
Uniforms, weapons, posters, photographs, vehicles and other artifacts date from 1775 to present. Dachau Concentration Camp wall, military film collection and research library (open by appointment).
Events: Veterans’ Day Nov. 11; Pearl Harbor Day Memorial Ceremony Dec. 7. Holiday Militaria Show Dec. 8.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $6 adults, $4 children 7-18, $5 seniors and military. 247-8523. www.warmuseum.org
CHESAPEAKE
Portlock Galleries at SoNo, 3815 Bainbridge Blvd., Chesapeake.
Housed in the historic Portlock School #5, South Norfolk. Changing exhibits of contemporary artists, visitor center, and art programs.
Current: Nature Redefined in Glass: Hartle & Doyle, through Aug. 19.
Future: Significant Expressions: Tidewater Art Alliance Members Exhibition, Aug. 24-Sept. 30; Willcox, Lewis, and Windsor: Oct. 7-Nov. 11; Colorful Escapes: The Art of Janice Gay-Maker and Karen Kinser, Nov. 16-Dec. 30.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. weekends. Closed holidays. Admission: free. 502- 4901, www.portlockgalleries.com
EASTERN SHORE
Barrier Islands Center, U.S. 13, Machipongo. Exhibits in restored almshouse farm tell of barrier island life. Gift shop and bookstore.
Current: Art of Carole Pierson through July. Events: Blackbeard the Pirate Aug. 11; Children’s Abrakadoodle Pirate Art: Aug. 7-14; Ker Place Gala Sept. 29; Artist Fleet Davis: At home and on Safari during November.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. In summer also open 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students K-12. 678-5550, www.barrierislandscenter.com
ELIZABETH CITY, NC
Museum of the Albemarle, 501 S. Water St.
Stories of the region’s residents, from Native Americans to colonists, farmers and fishermen. Chronicles the history of the oldest region of the state.
Full gallery opens spring 2008. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 2-5 p.m. Sunday. (252) 335-1453, www.museumofthealbemarle.com
HAMPTON
Aberdeen Gardens Historic Museum, 57 N. Mary Peake Blvd.
Located in a 1930s home in historic neighborhood built by and for African American shipyard workers during the New Deal Settlement.
Open by appointment. 826-8231, www.hfag.org
Air Power Park and Museum, 413 W. Mercury Blvd.
Jets, missiles, rockets and space artifacts outdoors.
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Free. 727-1163, www.hamptoncvb.com
Casemate Museum at Fort Monroe, enter from Mellen Street in Phoebus.
Displays inside the walls of a moated fort. Includes the cell where Confederate President Jefferson Davis was imprisoned.
10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Free. Photo ID required to enter base. 788-3391, www.hamptoncvb.com
Charles H. Taylor Arts Center, 4205 Victoria Blvd, Hampton.
Changing exhibits of regional and national contemporary artists. Art classes offered. Bay Days Juried Exhibition, July 28-Sept. 10. In Miniature: A Virginia Invitational, Sept. 17-Oct. 22.Round About: Beads and Wood Turning, Oct. 29-Nov. 26. Peninsula Glass Guild Annual Juried Exhibition, Dec. 1-Jan. 14.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 1-5 p.m. weekends. Free. 727-1490, http://hamptonarts.net/ arts_center/index.php
NEWPORT NEWS
Endview Plantation, 362 Yorktown Road. 1769 Georgian-style house and plantation open for tours and Civil War events. Living history programs. Events: Children’s Summer Camps; Ghost Walk Oct. 26-27; Christmas at Endview, throughout December; Christmas in the Field Dec. 8-9; St. Nick at Endview Dec. 13-14.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Wednesday January-March. $6 adults, $4 children 7-18, $5 seniors. 887-1862, www.endview.org
Lee Hall, 163 Yorktown Road, Newport News.
Restored mansion interprets 1862 Peninsula Campaign of the Civil War.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Wednesdays January-March. Guided tours every half hour. $6 adults, $4 children 7-18, $5 seniors. 888-3371, www.leehall.org
,b>Newsome House Museum and Cultural Center, 2803 Oak Ave.
Restored Victorian home of prominent African-American attorney. Changing exhibits and events throughout the year.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. 247-2360, www.newsomehouse.org
NORFOLK
Hermitage Foundation Museum, 7637 N. Shore Road.
Art, furnishings and textiles from around the world housed in 1908 Tudor revival mansion. Changing gallery of local artists. Guided tours given on the hour.
Events: Summer Art Camp, Saturday morning garden tours, art classes throughout the year. Fall Heirloom Plant Sale Sept. 8. Clay Days Pottery Festival Exhibition Sept. 22-Oct. 31.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Grounds are open sunrise to sunset. $5 adults, $2 ages 6-18, $3 college students; active duty military and members free. 423-2052, www.hermitagefoundation.org
Hunter House Victorian Museum, 240 W. Freemason St.
Hunter family’s Victorian furnishings, early 20th century medical equipment and children’s toys. Guided tours every half hour; indoor scavenger hunt for children.
Open April-December, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 12:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday. $5 adults, $1 children over 6, $4 seniors. 623-9814. www.hunterhousemuseum.org
Moses Myers House, Bank and E. Freemason Streets.
Operated by The Chrysler Museum of Art, portrays 18th-century Jewish family life.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Tours hourly through 3 p.m. Free admission. 441-1526, www.chrysler.org
Norfolk History Museum at the Willoughby-Baylor House, 601 East Freemason St.
Operated by The Chrysler Museum of Art, the 1794 home was renovated in 2005 to house artifacts showcasing Norfolk’s architectural, commercial, maritime and military history. Colonial garden outside.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Tours hourly through 3 p.m. Free admission. 441-1526, www.chrysler.org/WB_house.asp
Ocean View Station Museum, 9623 Granby St.
Preserves the history of the Ocean View community when it was a streetcar station in the late 1800s. Currently located in Beachtown Shoppes with plans to move into the new Pretlow Library in summer/fall 2007.
12-3 p.m. Friday. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. 1-4 p.m. Sunday. 531-0445. www.ovsm.org
PORTSMOUTH
Courthouse Galleries of the Portsmouth Museums, Court and High streets.
Changing exhibits, contemporary artists, programs and workshops.
Current: Outdoor Sculpture Competition through Oct. 7; Growing up Together in Main Gallery, through Oct. 7; With Paintbrush & Shovel: Watercolors by Bessie Niemeyer Marshall in Entrance Gallery,through July 29.
Future: Celebrating Jamestown: Collections from 200-300 Year Anniversaries, Aug. 10-Oct 28.
Summer: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday- Saturday, 12-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays in winter and opens at 1 p.m. on Sunday. $3 adults; children under 2 free. 393-8543. www.court housegalleries.com
Hill House, 221 North St.
Early 19th-century English basement dwelling with family’s original furnishings. Open April-December. 12:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesday, 1-5 p.m. weekends. $3 per person. $1 children under 12. 393-0241.
The Lightship Museum, foot of London Boulevard, on the waterfront.
Restored light ship and National historic landmark. Hands-on activities every first weekend of the month.
Summer: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. In winter, closed Mondays except those that fall on a holiday. $3 also gains admission to Naval Shipyard Museum. Free first Sunday of every month. 393-8741. www.portsnavalmuseums.com
Naval Shipyard Museum, 2 High St.
Local naval history from the 1700s, including that of nation’s oldest drydock. Hands-on activities every first weekend of the month.
Summer: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday- Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. In winter, closed Mondays except those that fall on a holiday. $3 also gains admission to the Lightship Museum. Free first Sunday of every month. 393-8591. www.portsnavalmuseums.com
SMITHFIELD/ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY
Isle of Wight County Museum, 103 Main St., Smithfield.
Fossils, Native American artifacts, watermen’s and Civil War galleries and history of the world famous Smithfield Ham inside an early 1900s bank building.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Free. 357-7459. www.smithfieldvirginia.com
Smithfield Cultural Arts Center, 346 Main St.
Victorian home exhibiting local and regional artists. Observe and visit with working artists during theme shows and seasonal activities. Art classes offered.
Events: Summer Concert Series and a Plein Air outdoor painting day in April.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 12-5 p.m. Sunday. 357-7707; www.smithfieldarts.org
SOUTHAMPTON COUNTY
Rawls Museum Arts, 22376 Linden St., Courtland.
Emerging and regional artists and displays from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday- Friday; 1-5 p.m. Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday. Free. 653-0754. www.rawlsarts.com
Southampton Agriculture and Forestry Museum and Heritage Village, 26135 Heritage Lane, Courtland. Antique farm equipment and restored village. Changing exhibits. Heritage Day, mid-October.
1-5 p.m. on Wednesdays and weekends. $2 admission. 653-9554, www.rootsweb.com/~vaschs
SUFFOLK
Riddick’s Folly, 510 N. Main St.
1837 Greek Revival home. Houses Peanut Museum, and the restored Nathanial Riddick Law Office.
Events: Civil War Weekend each April. Annual Folly Ball.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Donation suggested: $4 adults; $2 children and students. 934-1390. www.riddicksfolly.org
Seaboard Station Railroad Museum, 326 N. Main Street.
1885 restored CSX Train Station. HO scale model train layout depicts Suffolk in 1907.
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday- Saturday, 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Suggested donation: $2. 923-4750. www.suffolktrainstation.org
Suffolk Museum and Art League, 118 Bosley Ave.
Regional artists and local memorabilia. Jazz, storytellers, theater and dance programs.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Free. 923-2371.
VIRGINIA BEACH
Adam Thoroughgood House, 1636 Parish Road.
Built in 1680, one of the oldest remaining brick houses in America.
9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday- Saturday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $4 adults, $3 seniors, $2 students 6 and up. 431-4000. www.vbfun.com
Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum, 1113 Atlantic Ave.
Wildfowl art and artifacts in historic de Witt Cottage. Lovely seaside garden.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday- Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday; (closed Mondays Oct. 1 to Memorial Day). Donation. 437- 8432.www.awhm.org
Francis Land House, 3131 Virginia Beach Blvd.
18th century plantation home open for tours. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. $4 adults, $3 seniors; $2 students ages 6 and up. 431-4000. www.vbfun.com
Lynnhaven House, 4405 Wishart Road. 18th century plantation house. Colonial and drama camps for children. Open June-September: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 12-4 p.m. Sunday. Open weekends only in May and October. $4 adults, $2 ages 6-18, $3 seniors. 460-1688. www.apva.org/lynnhaven
Old Coast Guard Station, 24th St. and Atlantic Ave.
Ship models, lifesaving equipment and shipwreck artifacts. Current: From Sea To Shining Sea: 200 Years of America’s Coast Survey, through September. Future: The Revenue Cutter Service, Oct. 2-Dec. 2.
Events: Annual Pig and Oyster Roast, Oct. 6;. Holiday Affair at Norfolk Botanical Gardens, Nov. 4; Museum Holiday Sale, Dec. 1.
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Closed Mondays Oct. 1 to Memorial Day. $4 adults, $2 children 6-18, $3 seniors and military. 422-1587. www.oldcoastguardstation.com
YORKTOWN
Watermen’s Museum, 309 Water St.
Preserves and interprets the traditions of fishing, crabbing, oystering and clamming.
Events: TGIF parties every Friday, 5-7 p.m., May-October; Watermen’s Heritage Celebration, July; Yorktown Tea Party, Nov. 4.
April through November: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Rest of year: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday. $4 adults, $1 students K-12. 887-2641, www.watermens.org
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