Meet the Chrysler Team

MEET JAY THOMSON, MUSEUM SHOP MANAGER

Jay Thomson joined the Chrysler Museum in December as the Museum Shop Manager. Before relocating to Norfolk, he was the Assistant Manager for Philadelphia’s Barnes Foundation Shop. In October 2018, a meeting of the Museum Store Association’s Mid-Atlantic Chapter brought Thomson to Norfolk for the first time. He was excited to find the NEON District as well as amazing artworks and welcoming gallery hosts at the Chrysler Museum. “I was favorably impressed by the city of Norfolk, specifically the arts culture in and around the NEON District,” he said. “Norfolk is really very fortunate to have such an incredible resource as the Chrysler and its art collection accessible to anyone all the time.”

Since his arrival, Thomson has used his extensive experience in product development to enhance the Museum Shop’s offerings with more merchandise that is inspired by the exhibitions and collection artworks on view. One of his first projects was a suite of thirteen products that featured whimsical sculptures from Dan Dailey: Character Sketch. He looks forward to introducing more merchandise that is designed especially with Chrysler visitors in mind and available at every price point. “Having unique products available in the Museum Shop for visitors to buy and take home extends the Chrysler experience and has a lasting effect for them. While nothing can compare to experiencing the artwork in person, buying something as simple as a magnet from the exhibition can keep memories alive for visitors for years to come,” Thomson said.

Thomson holds a master’s degree in Fine Art with a concentration in Glass from Tyler School of Art and a bachelor’s degree in Fine Art with a concentration in Drawing and Painting from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Now Open: The Museum Shop online

A visit to the Chrysler is not complete without a stop in the Museum Shop. Now you can add that stop to your Chrysler From Home experience. After exploring the collection and taking a virtual stroll through the galleries, purchase fun, Chrysler-inspired products from the comfort of your home. To celebrate the Shop’s online debut, Museum Members can save 15% on all orders through June 15 with the code LAUNCH15 at checkout. Shipping and free pickup options are available.

The Museum Shop has been a longtime favorite with visitors. The eclectic selection of merchandise offers something special for everyone on your list, including yourself! Whether you’re looking for fresh décor to spruce up your space, new accessories to wear, or art supplies to fuel your creativity, the Museum Shop has you covered. There are unique books and toys for children too.

Many of the products are inspired by exhibitions on view. The Museum Shop also carries exclusive products such as Chrysler Museum water bottles, mugs, and keychains, an umbrella covered in Tiffany’s Wisteria lamp design, and amazing works created by local artists from the Perry Glass Studio.

Picking up some things from the Museum Shop is a great way to keep the Chrysler close until the Museum reopens. Want to shop and take advantage of savings? Become a Museum Member today. Museum Members save 10% every day on purchases.