Williamsburg, Virginia's Cultural Delights: Museums, Art Galleries, and Performing Arts

The early history of Williamsburg, Virginia, a city of just 15,000 residents now, was originally home to Powhatan Confederacy and other Native American tribes. In 1607, the English established the Jamestown settlement nearby, which would become the first permanent English settlement in North America, and Williamsburg itself was founded in 1699.

Williamsburg is known for its historical and cultural charm, and it’s home to a range of museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues. Local residents and tourists can have a blast exploring the city’s cultural scene. Here is a comprehensive guide to the city's top cultural attractions.

• The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

Known for its exceptional collection of American decorative arts from the 17th through the early 19th centuries the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum is part of Colonial Williamsburg, the living history museum that strives to preserve and interpret the colonial-era heritage of the city.

It was named after DeWitt Wallace, the museum's benefactor, and his wife, Lila Bell Acheson Wallace. Coincidentally, these two also founded Reader's Digest magazine. They were passionate collectors of American decorative arts, and they donated their collection to Colonial Williamsburg, which resulted in the creation of the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum in 1985. The museum contains furniture, ceramics, silver, textiles, paintings, and other decorative arts. Visitors get to explore the diverse artistic styles and craftsmanship of early America.

• Muscarelle Museum of Art

The Muscarelle Museum of Art is a beautiful place to visit on the College of William & Mary campus, dedicated to showcasing art from various periods and cultures. You may think that their collection goes back only a few hundred years, but it actually spans over 5,000 years of art history. It features paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, ceramics, textiles, and decorative arts from across Europe and America the world, including pieces by renowned artists from different regions and time periods.

The museum puts heavy emphasis on European old masters, contemporary art, and the art of the College of William & Mary. You'll also get to enjoy temporary exhibitions that explore various themes, artistic styles, and cultural contexts.

• Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum is part of the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Here, the foundation showcases distinctive American folk art, which reflects the American cultural traditions, creativity, and heritage. Named for Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, the wife of businessman John D. Rockefeller Jr., the museum reflects her passion for folk art. She lived from 1874 to 1848, and played a large role in promoting the recognition and appreciation of American folk art.

When you visit the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, you'll find an extensive collection of folk art dating from the 18th century to the present day, represented with art forms including paintings, sculptures, textiles, ceramics, furniture, and more.

• Kimball Theatre

Right in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg you'll find The Kimball Theatre. This classic theater's history dates back to the 1930s, and the spot is still popular today. It was named for Henry Kimball, a benefactor who paid for its construction. Originally built in 1933 as a movie theater, it has to become a performance venue. The types of shows you can enjoy here include live theater productions, musical performances, lectures, and film screenings, all in an intimate setting with a 400-person capacity. The architecture and decor reflect the Colonial Revival style, so it fits right in with the area's colonial look.

• Public Art Trail

Williamsburg's Public Art Trail is a curated collection of outdoor artwork adding a sense of history and culture to the city. The trail spans various neighborhoods and public spaces, and showcases sculptures, murals, and installations. Walking this trail, enjoying the art, is a fun experience for both locals and visitors.

The point of the Public Art Trail is to enhance the beauty of Williamsburg while promoting artistic expression and community engagement. You'll see art created by local, national, and international artists, reflecting different styles, themes, and artistic media. Each piece tells a unique story and contributes to the cultural fabric of the city.

• Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra

The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra exists to engage and inspire the community through music. This esteemed orchestra was founded in 1984, and has become a prominent cultural institution in the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Talented professional musicians make up the orchestra, and you can feel their passion for music in each performance. The Williamsburg Symphony Orchestra presents a diverse repertoire that spans classical masterpieces, contemporary compositions, and pops concerts.

You can enjoy their performances in various Williamsburg venues, including the Kimball Theatre, which provides an intimate and acoustically rich setting for experiencing live orchestral music. The concert season includes guest artists, soloists, and collaborations with other artistic organizations.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this snapshot of Williamsburg's art, history, and creativity. Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply someone who appreciates cultural experiences, Williamsburg's museums, art galleries, and performing arts venues have something for you.