Hermitage Museum and Gardens

This is such a gem. Just the gardens outside alone are a beautiful spot to picnic and enjoy the view- I absolutely love seeing the harbor and all the action happening in the water out there. The grounds around the museum allow for a view, and also a beautiful walk! There are trails that go on for a little bit around the premises, and it's definitely family friendly. The museum indoors is very interesting, with lots of artifacts from around the world throughout history. It's also spaced out well to where you aren't too crowded even though it's inside a home. Really interesting spot, definitely recommend!

The grounds around the Hermitage are breathtaking and the staff are pleasant. Just walking through the interior and exterior, feels as if I was traveling through time. Will surely return when in the area.

Cool museum! It's a bit small but it's nice cute museum in the area! There was a wedding going on when we went so the garden area was a bit packed so we mostly spent our time in the museum which was cute! I like the more interactive exhibit that was fun!

We had just visited the piers on Norfolk Naval Base and I was in dire need of getting some fresh air afterwards. I am so glad how close the Hermitage Museum and Garden was. What a lovely place to visit after seeing all the bleak, gray, and awful industrial sight. Something about looking at all the industrial buildings made looking at the immaculately kept gardens and walking paths particularly soul quenching. Although the area is only 10 minutes apart, what a night and day difference both places are. I really loved the azaleas and other flowers it was planted in the garden paths. I am looking forward to visiting the actual inside of the museum during my next trip in town.

This museum and grounds are well worth a trip, in fact, when we visit we like to make almost a half day of it because there is a lot to see, a lot of history and the grounds are so peaceful and inviting. I would give 5 stars but f they changed the scavenger hunt sheets/challenges and added more activities to include the grounds. It's a must to visit, though! The staff is always wonderful!

This picturesque museum is a well kept secret...located in a residential neighborhood off of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, VA. The museum has so much history. It was originally built as a summer home for the Sloane family in 1908. They were avid art collectors and decided to turn their home into a museum in 1937.My favorite activities when I visit this waterfront property are the contemporary exhibition galleries and sitting on the bench to catch a breeze off the river.Throughout the year, the museum hosts several events. My favorite being the annual Halloween theatrical performance. My mother and I had a blast last year!

The first museum of Norfolk Virginia was established by Florence Sloane in her 42 room mansion built in 1908. Today the Sloane Collection has over 5,000 objects of decorative & fine art. It represents 30 countries and 5,000 years of art history. Mrs. Sloane used her home as a place of learning for art, music, religion & culture. She believed that art was the most important part of a civilized society. I found the detailed woodwork to be the most amazing aspect of the home. The grounds off the Lafayette River are used for all types of events year around. My last event was this past Summer that brought music and food trucks together. When driving up to the estate you will pass the Water Tower & Sunken Gardens. This charming lighthouse type structure was built in 1922 to replace a previous structure. Designed by Charles Woodsend to resemble blend with the their "Summer" home. Mr. Woodsend also had his studio below until his death in 1927. Today it is a visual reminder of the Hermitage and can be seen for a distance due to its proximity off the river where you can also see small craft in the area from nearby Norfolk Yacht. The estate & grounds are closed due to COVID-19. When they reopen self guided tours will resume.

I wouldn't necessarily call this a "hidden gem" but it certainly feels that way! I've always loved old houses and gardens, and the Hermitage is particularly lovely.

Beautiful gardens and home museum. The trails are fun to follow. Very relaxing. The staff is friendly and accommodating. They have great events all year long!

Great place to the kids out for a bit without crowds. Between the house and the gardens the kids were entertained and had a bit of a chance to run. Good for the adults too.