hermitage museum and gardens

What a find!! We were too late for the concert, and in searching for something to fill the afternoon within a short distance of ODU, saw a small sign for this museum. The spacious grounds alone are beautiful, right on the river. Once inside the old home, you are are drawn to its unque woodcarved doors, ornate English windows and the intimate surroundings of an elegant art collection from around the world( not just paintings). We were alone on a cold Sunday. Upstairs are the revolving exhibitions and we wandered old bedrooms full of fantastic new creations.. Try to get there before the one entitled "Strings" is gone. One room is very touchable, and children are invited to play in it,.although this is not a childrens museum. Take them when it is Spring and let them wander around the old windmill/wood shop. It is associated with the Smithsonian.Inside admission is only $5.00.

I had a beautiful Christmas time visit with a neighbor. Such a gorgeous warm evening to walk around and take in the grounds. Bruce Munro's light show was spectacular. I have seen many light art displays while I surf the internet, they seem to be popular in Europe. I was so surprised to see one offered in Norfolk! When the Hermitage was originally built as a summer cottage, the owner was a great lover of art and passionate about sharing things she had purchased and learned about. It was very nice to see that this museum continues to attempt to expose people to unique works of art. The house tour and Asian art collection inside was incredible. If you enjoy wooodworking or blacksmithing the house itself will delight you. As we were leaving, passing by the first display, which were many large columns of brightly colored lights, there were silhouettes of many people, roaming in and out around the columns. At one point, the outlines of several younger kids were darting around the light columns having a blast, their laughter filling the air. Everything about this evening was perfect. I'm excited to go back and see the grounds and gardens of the Hermitage during warmer months.

My wife and I went to the Hermitage to see the Munro light show and were surprised to see that the admission included a tour of the Hermitage home. Event though it's Christmas time, the light show is certainly not a collection of Christmas lights. His work of approximately a dozen "pieces" should be considered sculptures in light. At least one is over an acre in size. The Hermitage opens at dusk and the lights are best seen after dark so you should take a flashlight to to help find your way around the paths and read the descriptions of each sculpture. While there, be sure to take in the home that is now converted into an art gallery. This is a must see for anyone who appreciates fine architectural wood carving. Most every room, contains articles of art collected by the owners and beautiful hand carved paneling, molding, and other architectural features.

I took my entire family to the Hermitage in Norfolk last night for the "LIGHT ART SHOW" by Brune Munro. The museum opens at 4PM daily for this event (see their web sight) for this limited time display. However, the Museum - actually the house - is filled with art and fantastic handmade woodworks abound. A real treat right in the City of Norfolk. Definitely a treat for those who enjoy art and architecture.

This event was visually spectacular. It is amazing to step back and take this all in.The amount of work the volunteers put in to produce this event is incredible. The guitarist were truly wonderful. They performed unique pieces. Touring the Hermitage is always amazing to think we have this beautiful museum with such elaborate collections the Sloan's put together.A true gem of Norfolk.Do not miss this event.

my son and I had a great time visiting this location lots to see and we learnt a great deal, the gardens are a pleasant time just to walk around, just bring lots of water on a hot day

We went with a group of our friends.This was a very interesting museum in Norfolk of the Lafayette River.We had a wonderful tour guide who took us around and told us about the history of this beautiful old house.It was all very interesting to hear about and see.They also have beautiful flower gardens that you can tour on your own.

Loved touring this facility and learning about the family who lived there. The home is spectacular as well as the grounds. The water view was beautiful.

What a beautiful setting for an outdoor wedding. It was very peaceful and quiet. Such a lovely setting next to the water. The gardens were the perfect spot for our neice to get married. I loved the cobblestone walks. Since It was an evening wedding, we were traveling from South Carolina that day. I'm sorry that we didn't get there in time to tour the museum. If we're ever in this area again, we would definately take the tour.

This is a must-see attraction if you enjoy visiting historic homes and properties. The fascinating docent-led tour includes stories of family, art and architecture. The gardens are beautiful and the house itself is built on the lovely waterfront. All told, it is a very satisfying experience.

We really enjoyed this little gem of a museum. It was like stepping into a specific time and place in the life of upper class Americans who had very interesting taste. Many asian pieces of art and artifacts and a charming collection of Japanese prints by Hiroshege called Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido. There are gardens but we did not have time to walk through them. Definitely worth a stop.

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens is a not-to-be-missed spot in the Norfolk, VA area. It's in a lovely spot, a little off the beaten path, but very accessible from Hampton Boulevard.I arrived on a sunny morning just in time for an 11 am tour, which was so worth it. Skylar, our guide, gave us a knowledgeable insight into the history of the Hermitage, into the life and passion of Mrs. Sloane, into the era in which she lived, and into as many pieces of the extensive collection that she could.The Hermitage is not only a first-class museum for its holdings but also a tribute architecturally to Florence Sloane's imagination (I loved the trompe l'oeil painting on the door into the dining room.) and attention to detail. I got a true sense of what life must have been like during her tenure. I was pleasantly surprised to find that in addition to sharing the Sloane collection of fine art, the museum also hosts artists' exhibitions, classes at its visual arts studio, films, and evening events. The grounds must have been a splendor while Mrs. Sloane was around, but during my visit in the July heat, they were struggling. I think there are efforts to keep up with the grounds, and I hope more can be done to restore them to their former elegance. I highly recommend a visit; you won't be disappointed!

I cannot rate the museum as I was here participating in a wedding held in the lovely gardens. And I can heartily recommend it for such a purpose. The setting by the water, with the charming estate house and gardens is perfect for a wedding. Time is well spent wandering the immaculately tended grounds.

The Hermitage and gardens situated by the water is a place for me to relax and contemplate the art and the family that collected it

We went inside the house for a tour. The inside was a small fee and the outside ground is free to see. I recommend taking a guided tour, the staff is well informed and brings the history to life. The woodwork here is amazing! After the house tour we enjoyed the outside grounds and beautiful gardens. We was unable to go into carpenters house because it was closed. Very nice trip.