Who Founded the Chrysler Museum of Art?

Art|Art Museum

The Chrysler Museum of Art, a world-class fine art museum located in Norfolk, Virginia, was founded in 1933 by Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.

Walter P. Chrysler was the son of automobile pioneer Walter P. Chrysler who founded the Chrysler Corporation in 1925. The younger Mr. Chrysler was an avid art collector, and he used his considerable wealth to amass a large collection of fine art from around the world.

In 1933, Mr. Chrysler donated his entire collection to the Norfolk Museum of Arts and Sciences (now known as the Chrysler Museum of Art). At that time, it was one of the largest donations ever given to an American museum. In addition to his collection of fine art, Mr. Chrysler also donated funds to create a new building for the museum and to expand its staff and programming offerings.

In 1976, control of the museum was transferred from Norfolk City Council to Old Dominion University and then to a private nonprofit organization in 1996. Under this new structure, the museum continued to grow and expand its collections and services with generous donations from individuals and corporations including Altria Group (formerly Philip Morris Companies), The Hampton Roads Community Foundation, Dominion Resources, Inc., and Bank of America Foundation among others.

Today, the Chrysler Museum of Art is one of Norfolk’s most popular attractions with more than 30 galleries featuring over 30,000 works from ancient times through contemporary art from around the globe as well as an interactive learning center for children called The Studio@theChrysler.

Conclusion: The Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk Virginia was founded in 1933 by Walter P.Chrysler Jr., son of automobile pioneer Walter P.Chrysler who founded the famous company bearing his name – The Chrysler Corporation – in 1925.