Williamsburg, VA, contains some of the first and longest-lasting instances of American history. Conservation and restorative efforts have continued to demystify some of the art and objects from previous periods. To keep American folk art alive, Williamsburg has become one of many top locations for reviewing this country’s history.

Through state funding and preservation efforts, the country maintains vast collections of art, from architecture to cooking utensils. It would be a shame to visit the city and fail to visit a Williamsburg art museum. When you and your friends stop by, consider visiting these fantastic places with group buses and transportation in Williamsburg.

Top 3 Williamsburg Art Museums

#1. Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum and the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum have combined under one roof. The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg contains over 67,000 antiques and artworks from the 1700s and earlier. It also holds over 7,000 remnants and pieces of American folk art.

In June 2020, the city added 65,000 square feet to the already 100,000-square-foot building. This expansion has allowed them to improve their collections and exhibits. Many opportunities in the museums now feature more interactive elements for kids and adults alike.

You can also enjoy updated amenities, like the new museum store and café, which offer unique trinkets and delicious snacks. Each Williamsburg art museum holds different kinds of art, with their combination allowing for a vast artistic experience.

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

As the name states, these art pieces contain decorative but well-used items from Southern and Eastern America. These items often include ceramics, furniture, and other objects used in daily American life. Unlike the paintings of the folk art collection, you can also find portraits and prints in the DeWitt Wallace area.

Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

This art museum includes more conventional art pieces, such as paintings, drawings, and needlework common for the period. You can also find wood and metal sculptures and calligraphy, which show the skill set these people had built over the years.

#2. Williamsburg Colonial Taverns

We’re stretching the definition of ‘art museum’ to include other forms of the arts, including reenactments and culinary expertise. Colonial Williamsburg exemplifies this stretch by maintaining the wonderful taverns of the area, previously built in the 18th century. While some taverns allow you to have the full colonial experience, others focus more on historical education.

You and your friends can enjoy dining out on authentic 18th-century-inspired dishes at The King’s Arms Tavern. Jane Vobe opened the building in 1772, and current staff maintains everything they can to the accuracy of the period. Their chophouse features delicious prime ribs and pork chops, period-accurate clothing, and candlestick lighting.

Family and friends craving seafood will likely enjoy Christiana Campbell’s Tavern. This historic location made a favorite customer out of George Washington, who often dropped by for their delicious seafood platters. Enjoy their locally-acquired fish dishes, including delicious shrimp, crab cakes, and more, all inspired by historical recipes.

#3. Williamsburg Living History Museums

To truly get an understanding of 17th and 18th-century life, Colonial Williamsburg and nearby locations offer unique interactive experiences. If you like renaissance fairs, you will likely enjoy these recreations of early English American trade work, farming, and daily life. All locations mentioned here connect through Colonial Parkway.

The Jamestown Settlement acts out early 17th-century life in the first successful North American mainland village by English immigrants. Started in 1957 by state management, this living history museum features a Powhatan Native American town, shipyard recreations, and original architecture. Staff provides information on the lives once lived on that soil and allows you to participate in some festivities.

Nearby, the American Revolution Museum in Yorktown reenacts that powerful and explosive battle that helped win the war for Independence. Live scenes include daily life in the military, preparation for war, and battle displays. Indoor galleries present objects and artifacts from the war, historical films, and more.

Use Williamsburg Chauffeur Service to Visit Your Favorite Places

When you have a large entourage for your Williamsburg art museum excursion, contact Williamsburg Chauffeur Service. Our team provides top-quality customer service and many elegant vehicles, from the Ford Expedition MAX to our 32-seater executive buses. Accommodations include but aren’t limited to complimentary water, Wi-Fi upon request, and luxury seating with tinted windows.

We can ensure your satisfaction from the airport to your hotel and historical tours in Williamsburg, VA. Call us at (757) 927-5049 to book your ride today.