Chrysler Museum Expansion Set to Begin

NORFOLK, Va. (MARCH 22, 2023) – The Chrysler Museum of Art’s will begin construction of the new 18,000 square foot expansion of the Perry Glass Studio next week. This transformational project is led by by local architectural firm, Work Project Architects, and construction and development firm, Hourigan. Construction is anticipated to take approximately 19 months and will be completed in two phases. The expansion is made possible because of the success of a $55 million capital campaign that included more than 300 donors, as well as the participation from the city of Norfolk and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

This expansion, which will effectively triple the size of the facility, will also double the educational and programmatic offerings currently available at the facility, elevating the Studio’s standing as one of the leading glass institutions in the world. The expansion will house three hot shops, dedicated classrooms for each glassmaking technique and a performance theater that seats 200. The increased capacity of the Studio will allow for more and deeper partnerships with community organizations and fine art departments at area universities.

“We are excited to bring new opportunities for learning and enjoyment to our visitors,” said Erik Neil, the Macon and Joan Brock Director of the Chrysler Museum of Art. “In the interim, however, visitors may experience some disruptions while visiting the campus. We are working with staff, the city of Norfolk and our neighbors to ensure the Museum remains accessible to all during this time,” Neil added.

Construction fences and equipment will be onsite on March 27, 2023, and it will be occupying all of the parking lot adjacent to the Glass Studio. This lot will no longer be available for visitor parking. The visitor parking lot at the corner of Grace and Duke Street will be for Museum visitors only, while on premises. Cars found in this lot not utilizing the Museum or parked overnight may be towed at the owner’s expense.

The Glass Studio will remain open throughout construction Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm and Sunday, Noon to 5 pm with free daily glassblowing demonstrations and a full calendar of classes and programs.

Construction updates and progress and be viewed at www.chrysler.org/construction-updates.

ABOUT THE CHRYSLER MUSEUM OF ART

The Chrysler Museum of Art is one of America’s most distinguished mid-sized art museums, with a nationally recognized collection of more than 30,000 objects, including one of the great glass collections in America. The core of the Chrysler’s collection comes from Walter P. Chrysler, Jr., an avid art collector who donated thousands of objects from his private collection to the Museum. The Museum has growing collections in many areas and mounts an ambitious schedule of visiting exhibitions and educational programs each season. The Chrysler has also been recognized nationally for its unique commitment to hospitality with its innovative gallery host program.

The Perry Glass Studio is a state-of-the-art facility on the Museum’s campus. The studio offers programming for aspiring and master artists alike in a variety of processes, including glassblowing, fusing, flameworking, coldworking, and neon.

In addition, the Chrysler Museum of Art administers the Moses Myers House, a historic house in downtown Norfolk, as well as the Jean Outland Chrysler Library. For more information on the Chrysler Museum of Art, visit chrysler.org.

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