Muscarelle Museum of Art — Attraction in Williamsburg

Visited today. I live in Virginia Beach and it should take about an hour to drive to the Muscarelle Museum of Art at William & Mary College. Add 30 minutes from this location as a result of Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel slow downs and construction.

My friend informed me of the Native American Cultural Art Exhibit that is currently available. (6/28 - 10/13) My two friends and I agreed on today, 9/11/2025, to attend. Google Maps spot on with directions.

Numerous signs around the front parking area indicate - Staff Parking Only. Then the signs on the sidewalk as you walk to the museum indicate if you are a visitor, park up front, inform the reception area of your license plate number, and have a tremendous visit - NO FEE! Yes, I moved my vehicle and the reception desk recorded my information. Please make a donation or join as a member when you visit.

After my vehicle was recorded. we were met by a museum guide (Docent) at the reception desk (newbe but solid). She provided so much insight on our tour, as well as keeping our group out of sight and sound of those filming this exhibit and pointed out the other exhibits. VITAL, Hatia to Harlem, Where Late Sweet Birds ... , and Founding of the Alma mater of the Nation.

Something to keep...

Enjoyed it, but after walking by 2 people at check in and 3 security guards who didn't mention my young child's small book bag that held her emergency medicine in it, one young security guard or attendant told her she had to go check it at the front desk- this was halfway through the exhibit. This embarrassed my child and we ended up cutting the trip short to see Michelangelo's sketches that were amazing. She felt so sad and embarrassed. We understand there are rules, but after scheduling our afternoon for this and paying an entry fee for the family to see it, your communication standards are sub par and ultimately ruin the experience for a young artist that was fascinated with the sketches that are so rare. These rules should be reviewed at check in.

For anyone attending in the future, don't bring in bags! This bag has emergency medicine in it and she has to keep it on her at all times. Work on your communication across all team members!!

Edit to add that there was a woman who had a bigger bag then my child and I was carrying a bag with 2 water bottles on it. Why did you single out my child? Who had her emergency...

First visit was to see the Botticelli collection on loan to the Muscarelle. Wonderful exhibit, multiple docents with flocks of people floating from one to another. You could eavesdrop on the one you liked best from a short distance. Only difficulty was that the overhead recessed ceukubg lights caused reflections on the art so you had to stand a certain angles to see the art clearly without a reflection of light on the painting. With loads of people there the last week of the exhibition, it was often difficult to find that sweet spot without others jumping in front of you until they discovered the problem. Nice detail beside each artwork made it possible to learn about the art and artist even without a docent. Very dark room - dark walls and very high ceilng. Parking lot outside the door. Gallery is in the William and Mary campus, I believe. Google GPS got us there easily, and got us out of Williamsburg easily, too. Merchants Square and Colonial Williamsburg a couple of blocks away, so we had lunch afterwards. Very pleasant afternoon all the way around. I'd go to another exhibit there but hope the lighting...