hampton university museum

JoyfulWriter

For some reason, I don't always expect a lot from a university museum, but I'm usually pleasantly surprised that they have quality exhibits and a lot to offer. This museum is very nice, in a grand history building, and offers room after room of well-done, interesting displays.It is said to be the oldest African American museum in the United States and one of the oldest museums in Virginia. It contains over 10,000 objects from Africa, Native America, and Asia, as well as African American fine arts.I was especially impressed with the many glass cases displaying elaborate beadwork on masks, headdresses, belts, jewelry and other objects, both in the African section and the Native American section.Admission to the University Museum is free. Pass through the guarded gates into the university, show an ID and get a free parking pass. The guard will direct you to the correct parking lot (Parking lot #4). Signs will direct you to the nearby museum. Enjoy your visit!

WaWanjiku

Hampton University museum features a very dynamic collection of art pieces; from new unveiling of different painter and sculptor pieces, to the permanent displays of the Kuba peoples' cultural artifacts. It has a lot of souvenirs to purchase, as well as different art pieces. It probably holds the larges collection of African American art, dating from the days of slavery, and the photographic journey of its transition from the Hampton Normal School to Hampton Institute to Hampton University. And considering that it is free, it is an absolute must-do when you are in Hampton Roads.

eliasdavidb

I don't know a Matisse from a Monet. I am not a big fan of museums. The museum building is beautiful and elegant. The museum focuses on African tribes and native Americans. It turns out that Hampton U. was the first college with a program to teach native Americans. The rest of the museum is a collection of painting and sculpture from different periods of American history. There was a lot of things that a novice like me could enjoy. I was only a few inches from gold, wooden, feather, and cloth items.This is not a museum for toddlers or young children. There aren't railings or much protection for the exhibits. I would be afraid that a young child might become bored or accidentally harm one of the artifacts.This school has lots of barricades and fences. it has fairly high security. Make sure you get a visitor's parking pass and obey ALL of the traffic rules. i had an easier time getting in to the Pentagon.

432leey

A beautiful campus - full of history. A lot of friendly, bright students.If you're in to college campuses, this is one to visit. The architecture was beautiful.

StephStx

Nice place lots of Rules that are not enforced for all type of persons ages and like. For example use of cell phones and flash photo.Very nice exhibits - for rest of the campus some nice from the outside and inside not modern and kept up. still use chalk boards, the meal plan is very expensive at he Univ Café, Breakfast 12, Lunch 15, Dinner 18. Not worth it - esp if come near closing - they stick strict time schedule and lock the door right at closing. and the there is not much to choose from approx. 30 min from end of meal times.Note it did not appear they recognized all faiths.

juliefJ7121IP

A must see the art collection is incredible.. Don't miss!!!The campus is also very nice surrounded by water!!

islandgirl522

One of the reasons why we chose to visit Virginia Beach for a few days was to be able to have the opportunity to visit the museum at Hampton University, and it was SO worth the trip!Hampton University is one of the oldest historically black universities in the nation. It sits on a picturesque bay. It was better than we thought it would be. We spent about two hours there, soaking up the rich culture on display.The permanent exhibit consists of artifacts from about eight or nine African countries. There was another outstanding exhibit on the history of Native Americans at Hampton. We did not realize how much the university influenced the lives of Native Americans who attended the school. In addition, there were several other good exhibits--one about black women during reconstruction done by students at other historically black colleges and universities, as well as two quilting exhibits.While the museum does not charge an entrance fee, of course we gave a donation because it was so fascinating and informative. It really is a treat, and well worth the 30 minute drive from downtown Virginia Beach.

omegapearl

Virginia is a treasure trove of historical attractions and one that I had never visited until last week was the Museum at Hampton University. It helped save an other wise dreary, rainy day during a visit to the area to see family in Norfolk. There were several good exhibits--one about black women during reconstruction featuring juried work from 17 artists representing numerous historically black colleges and universities, as well as two quilting exhibits. Quilters took on the challenge of producing a "Civil War Vignette" and also their interpretation of the election of Barack Obama. Both were extremely colorful and inspiring. The museum also is home to a permanent collection of African artifacts. It was fascinating. The gift shop is smaller than I would have liked. One saving grace is that they offer a few wines for sell including one from a South African vineyard. There is no food for sale but you can get a bit to eat at a couple of restaurants near the campus.I'll definitely put it on my list of places to visit when I am in the area again. Donations are accepted.

Snerge

I am afraid I cannot say it any better than Great Eyes/ Atlanta did in a review titled “One Fabulous Art Experience”. It certainly was everything Great Eyes said - and a truly memorable history experience. We had some questions and the staff called upon the Director of the Museum, Mr. Madyun to respond. Mr. Madyun very graciously answered our every question. Be sure to look over the issues of the International Review of African American Art while there and consider a subscription! So grateful to have had this opportunity to visit.

GreatEyes

From the moment you enter the 2nd floor galleries you know you are in a very special place. For the lover of African American art "experiencing" the collection at the Hampton museum is an education, admiration and a walk through history. How can you describe being face to face with a wall of Henry Ossawa Tanner? Feeling the brushstrokes of Samella Lewis and William Johnson? Seeing the work of a great artist right next to photo of them as a student creating that same work? Here you are surrounded by master works of so many great African American artist - Go and see it for yourself. I was filled up to the brim!

PSWPharmD

This campus museum is a national treasure. I was lucky to live next door to it when I attended the university. I am not exaggerating or being biased when I say that Hampton University has one of the greatest collections of African American art work (in the country, in the world). As an African American art enthusiast I've been to the Schomburg Center and the museums at Spelman, Clark Atlanta (which is quite nice), and Winston Salem State Univ. The Hampton University Museum also has exhibits featuring Native American art work and historical items and some African art as well.

Sarah_G_2011

Please don't skip visiting the Hampton Univ. museum! It offers gorgeous and engaging examples of African, African-American and Native American historical items that are unique and amazing... There are original pieces that only this location provides so it is imperative too see!

globaltrekster

I went to this museum because it is very close to the Virginia Air and Space Museum and I was so bored there that I went to the Hampton University Museum to take a look. And that is all I did, was look. The museum, if you want to call it that, takes about 10 minutes to walk through. I do not know what is in the rest of the building because the museum only takes up the front of the first floor. There is also no photography, which I do not understand because there is nothing that is rare or priceless. The gift shop is the size of a walk in closet. It does have some interesting small carvings for a good price (under $20.00). If you have a wheelchair or stroller, be prepared to carry it up a set of stone steps to the entrance. Parking is a nightmare because you are on a college campus and there are no clear signs as to where you should park. I went pass the security station, but he did not give me a parking permit, so I just parked in a student lot behind the museum. The museum is free, which is good, because I would have been higly upset if I would have paid anything for 10 minutes worth of displays.

Pnemiller

This museum is a real joy-do not miss it. It is free and has a wide range of art work done by African American artists including Henry Ossawa Tanner, Elizabeth Catlett, William Johnson, etc. It is terrific history of black artists up to the present time. There are also exhibits on Native American art and African art. The museum shop has good, moderately priced items for sale. The beautiful building was the school's library which was built in the early 1900s.If driving, you will need to get a parking pass at the gate so you can park for free in front of the museum. Another plus, the museum is open on Mondays, which is unusual for most museums.

joaos389

Museu com muita história localizado dentro da Hampton University. Conta com peças de diversos países e também documentos da época em que a universidade foi fundada.