Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums
Discover two incredible museums for free: colonial decorative arts and vibrant American folk art. A must-visit in Williamsburg!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Colonial Williamsburg Art Museums
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover two incredible museums for free: colonial decorative arts and vibrant American folk art. A must-visit in Williamsburg!
"Two museums under one roof, at the amazing price of FREE. So nice to get a balanced view!"
🎯 Free Admission is a Win!
Entry is free, but check for ticketed special programs. Lockers available for bags/drinks.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits and throughout the museums.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Decorative Arts Collection
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum & DeWitt Wallace Decorative and Fine Arts Museum
Explore exquisite 18th-century furniture, ceramics, and textiles that reveal the lives of colonial elites.

Vibrant Folk Art
Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum
Discover a colorful array of American folk art, from charming naive paintings to intricate carvings.

Historic Fashion Exhibition
DeWitt Wallace Decorative and Fine Arts Museum
Step back in time with 'Elegance, Taste, and Style,' showcasing 18th and 19th-century historic dress.

Interactive Craft & Performance
Various locations within the museums
Engage with history through DIY crafts, live music, and demonstrations that bring the past to life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, But Plan Your Time
Discover Hidden Gems & Special Exhibits
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission is a Win!
Entry is free, but check for ticketed special programs. Lockers available for bags/drinks.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits and throughout the museums.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-4 hours to explore both museums; you could easily spend longer!
🐔 Spot the Chickens!
Keep an eye out for charming chicken motifs hidden within the folk art.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission is a Win!
Entry is free, but check for ticketed special programs. Lockers available for bags/drinks.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits and throughout the museums.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for 2-4 hours to explore both museums; you could easily spend longer!
🐔 Spot the Chickens!
Keep an eye out for charming chicken motifs hidden within the folk art.
☕ Enjoy the On-Site Cafe
A nice cafe offers decent food and a place to rest.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg for their free admission and diverse collections, spanning both refined decorative arts and vibrant folk art. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with convenient amenities like lockers and an on-site cafe, enhance the experience. While some may find the pace leisurely, most appreciate the opportunity to spend hours exploring the thoughtfully displayed exhibits.
"Came here on a drizzly day and had a wonderful time. Entry is completely free and live performances downstairs are the only things requiring a ticket. They have lockers up front for your drinks and backpacks. Very beautiful displays throughout, there is so much to see! It is not too big at all, would take an hour to walk through if you’re not reading all the little signs. Cafe and restrooms are nice and staff is super helpful and friendly."
Lara Mi
"Two museums under one roof, at the amazing price of FREE. So nice to get a balanced view of life of important leaders in colonial history (Decorative Arts side) as well as displays of what regular people made and saw in daily life (Folk Art side). Special thanks to Sarah, my volunteer tour guide, who shared fascinating details and stories about Colonial history. The Art Museums of CW are a must-see during your visit to Williamsburg."
GDDestiny
"We went by because of rain and are so glad we did. Extremely pleasant and helpful staff. Admission and tour free in addition to music program and demonstrations through out the day. Planned to spend an hour and we were there for four and could have stayed longer but had another appointment. Both historical and folk art thoughtfully displayed and easily walked. Great bright cafe on site and something for everyone in interest, knowledgeable and passionate presenters and tour guide."
Roger Carlson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are located within the historic area. If you're driving, there are several parking lots available. Many visitors arrive on foot if they are already exploring the historic town.
Yes, there are parking areas within Colonial Williamsburg. Consider purchasing a Colonial Williamsburg admission ticket for access to all parking lots, or check for visitor parking options if you're just visiting the museums.
Absolutely! The Art Museums are centrally located within the historic area, making them easily accessible on foot from other sites like the historic trades shops and taverns.
While there isn't direct public transport to the museums themselves, Williamsburg has local bus services that can get you close to the historic area, from where you can walk.
The historic area is very walkable. Using a map provided by Colonial Williamsburg or a navigation app on your phone will help you find the Art Museums easily.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, general admission to the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg is completely free! This includes access to both the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative and Fine Arts Museum.
While general entry is free, some special ticketed events, workshops, or performances might be offered. It's always a good idea to check the official Colonial Williamsburg website for current offerings.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Colonial Williamsburg website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
No, outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the galleries. However, the museums offer lockers at the entrance where you can store your items.
For general free admission, advance booking is typically not required. However, for specific workshops or events, it's advisable to check the museum's policy and book if necessary.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 2-4 hours is sufficient to explore both museums thoroughly. However, art enthusiasts could easily spend longer, especially if attending demonstrations or special exhibits.
The museums house two primary collections: the DeWitt Wallace Decorative and Fine Arts Museum, focusing on 18th-century American and British antiques, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, showcasing American folk art.
Yes, volunteer docents often provide insightful tours, sharing fascinating details about the collections and Colonial history. Check at the information desk for tour schedules.
Yes! Look for interactive elements, craft projects, and the chance to spot fun motifs like chickens in the folk art.
The museums offer restrooms, a cafe with decent food, and lockers for storing personal belongings.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted in most galleries, but it's always best to check for signage or ask a museum staff member.
Flash photography is almost always prohibited to protect the artifacts. Some special exhibits may also have photography restrictions.
The vibrant folk art pieces and the detailed historic fashion displays offer excellent photo opportunities. Look for unique textures and colors.
Yes, your phone is perfect for capturing memories. Many visitors share their finds on social media, like TikTok and Instagram.
Some visitors enjoy trying to find specific motifs, like the chickens mentioned in a TikTok video, adding a fun scavenger hunt element to their visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Dual Collections
In contrast, the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum celebrates the creativity of everyday people. This museum houses one of the nation's most extensive collections of American folk art, featuring naive paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decorative objects. It provides a more intimate and diverse perspective on colonial life and artistic expression. Many visitors appreciate the balance between these two perspectives, finding both collections equally engaging and informative.
Recent exhibitions, like the 'Elegance, Taste, and Style: The Mary D. Doering Fashion Collection,' highlight specific aspects of historical artistry, such as 18th and early 19th-century dress. These special displays add another layer of discovery to your visit, making it worthwhile to check the museum's current offerings.
Community Engagement and Special Events
Beyond crafts, the museums also host live performances and demonstrations. These can range from musical performances to historical demonstrations, adding a dynamic element to your museum visit. Keep an eye on the museum's schedule for these special happenings, as they can significantly enhance your experience.
Social media often highlights these community-focused events. For instance, Instagram reels showcase events like 'Community Appreciation Day' on the museum lawn and paint nights led by museum staff. These events underscore the museums' role not just as repositories of art, but as vibrant community hubs.
Tips for a Memorable Visit
Comfortable footwear is a must, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking. For convenience, utilize the lockers available at the entrance to store drinks and backpacks, allowing you to explore freely. The on-site cafe offers a pleasant spot for a break and refreshments.
Don't forget to look for quirky details, like the recurring chicken motifs in the folk art, which add a playful element to the viewing experience. Engaging with volunteer docents can also enrich your visit, as they often share fascinating stories and historical context.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit