We’re not going to be able to do much better in showcasing the city’s robust arts scene than what you’ll find at Norfolk Arts’ website. There you’ll find a comprehensive listing of all of Norfolk’s arts groups and venues–from its theaters, dance studios, art galleries and even summer camps.
We can, however, give you a taste of the very best.
Norfolkians are quite lucky here in that we have a world-class institution right in our backyard. And what’s even luckier: admission is free. The Chrysler Museum of Art, though staid and stately in its physical presence, is a place that is constantly evolving and totally accessible. Special exhibitions bring a diversity of media–photography, glass art, and even quilts–while the permanent collection features works from every era and style.
Of the galleries in Norfolk, two in particular are worthy of special note: Mayer Fine Art, located in an otherwise unexceptional Waterside (which once was the centerpiece of Norfolk but is currently in flux); and ArtGallery, located on 21st Street in Ghent, have each consistently shown work that is both challenging and buyable.
Another couple of destinations for the avid art lover are Old Dominion University’s newly built Baron and Ellin Gordon Art Galleries, which showcases one of the finest collections of Outsider art imaginable; and the Hermitage Museum and Garden, a tucked away historical gem that is an oasis for both artists and their fellow Norfolkians.
And one last cultural highlight, apart from the visual arts spaces listed here or the theatrical and musical landmarks featured elsewhere in the Behavior section, is Todd Rosenlieb Dance. This little studio in the heart of Downtown delivers thrilling performances to rival anything you’d see in