Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum — Attraction in Williamsburg

The collection here is wonderful and extensive and housed in a beautifully renovated space. HOWEVER, I’d have a hard time recommending this museum to anyone based on several hostile interactions we had with staff. The staff were, on the whole, very rude and made our exploration of the lovely collection stressful and unpleasant. When I pointed to the details of a painting (with my map from a distance of about 6 inches) the docent across the room yelled at me not to touch the paintings. I moved back immediately and withdrew my hand but he crossed the room and repeated that I needed to move back, even saying that he could show me the sign that says do not touch the art. I had not (nor did I have any intention of) touching the art but he continued to berate me. After my group left that part of the gallery, we went to another room where my sister leaned against a bench (for visitors to sit on) with her knee. Another docent approached quickly and told her sharply that she couldn’t have her shoes on the bench—her shoes never touched the bench, only her knee. We finally went to the cafeteria where there was a long line to order food. We left two of our party to order while two of us went to sit down at a table since we were tired from walking around for so long. There were still plenty of empty tables but still a custodial staff member came over to people who were seated without food and told them to move because they weren’t allowed to “hold or save tables.” Overall, this collection is huge and stunning but the staff go above and beyond to make you feel unwelcome and uncomfortable. I still enjoyed looking at the art but I will always warn people about...

The museum is filled with many beautiful, unique pieces of art and I have always enjoyed the exhibits but due to a recent visit, I hesitate in recommending this museum to anyone with children. I was excited to share this place with my children (10 & 8) but very quickly felt unwelcome and followed closely by guards. I was pointing out some local pottery to my children and set off an alarm and warning to not touch the art. The pots were at least 8 feet behind a barricade wall and all I had done was point at a grouping. This began our personal escort service within the museum. The guard was never more than 10 feet behind us and it became painfully obvious when he stayed with us in the children’s gallery while my kids drew at the art table. We were the only people in the room. In another room, my son was looking at a different painting than I was and we were reprimanded for not standing immediately next to him. I understand the importance of monitoring children, especially in this type of environment, and I clearly was doing so along with the assistance of the our personal security guard escort.

The unease that my children caused for the staff was apparent and I decided it was best to cut our visit short. Overall I was very disappointed to not be able to share this museum with my children in hopes to encourage their appreciation for artwork...

A gem of a museum close to the heart of Colonial Williamsburg. Plan to spend several hours here to get full effect and appreciation for the displayed collection.

Housed within the four walls is the Folk Art Museum and the Decorative Arts Museum. Each has it's own flavor and focus. Both offer guided tours lasting about 30 minutes from the central rotunda on a regular schedule. The tours led by knowledgeable volunteers are well worthwhile to get the best appreciation of the collections and their significance.

Their centrally located cafe offers quick lunch and snack options, and is a nice place to eddy out to recharge.

Operated by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, much more about this first-rate and highly recommended Museum can be learned by visiting...