3 Virginia Art Museums for Summer Weekend Getaways from Washington DC

Virginia art museums make perfect summer weekend getaways for Washingtonians. If you live in Washington DC, you may want a break from the crowds of tourists. These are 3 weekend trips you can do in a day or stay overnight.

Chrysler Museum, Norfolk

This world-class museum is big enough to justify a second day visit, and that is the best approach because it's about a 4 hour drive from Washington DC even without traffic or construction delays. It has a beautiful view of the Elizabeth River and almost 40,000 objects including European and American and African art. Most of all, it has an outstanding glass collection. Admission to the permanent collection is free with fees for some special exhibits. This Virginia art museum is located at 245 West Olney Road. Hours are Saturday 10 to 5 and Sunday noon to 5. The aging but nice Crowne Plaza Norfolk is just blocks away with June rates starting at about $136.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Richmond

With the expansion opening on May 1, this Virginia art museum will be better than ever with a new third floor and a portion of the old parking lot transformed into a magnificent park. Hours are 9:15 to 4:30 on Saturday, and you can cover the highlights in one day. Some of the most popular holdings are the Art Nouveau and Art Deco works, plus the Fabergé eggs and English silver, as well as the Mellon Collections of American, British and French art. It's located at 200 N. Boulevard and just about a 2 hour drive from Washington DC. Admission is still free. The new third floor restaurant promises an excellent view of the sculpture garden.

Muscarelle Museum at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg

If you're driving from Washington DC, you may want to plan a 2 day trip because it takes about 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic. Even better, take Amtrak from Union Station to Williamsburg starting at just $29 each way and you can sleep on the way back instead of paying for period accommodations that typically cost over $300 a night. This Virginia art museum is located on campus in Lamberson Hall on Jamestown Road. Regular admission is $5 for their own collection of American works plus loans of American and European masterpieces with higher fees for special exhibits like the current Michelangelo drawings closing on April 11. Hours are Saturday and Sunday noon to 4.