Dewitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum

326 West Francis Street
Williamsburg, VA 23185

(757) 220-7554 | 1-800-447-8679

DeWitt Wallace
Decorative Arts Museum

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

A Contemporary Museum of Fine Craftsmanship

The DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum houses a variety of the “finer things,” including the world’s largest collection of southern furniture and one of the largest collections of British ceramics outside England. Relax in the Portrait Gallery, attend a lecture or musical event in the Hennage Auditorium, or take part in a hands-on activity in the Education Studio.

Opened in 1985, the 15 galleries display furniture, metals, ceramics, glass, paintings, prints, firearms, and textiles from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Thinking about having a tea party? See how those with wealth and influence dined when you peer into the nationally important holdings of English silver.

If you missed the Public Hospital of 1773 on your way in, be sure to stop on your way out.

Browse the eMuseum on History.org Go

Featured Exhibits

Changing Keys:
Keyboard Instruments for America, 1700–1830

Explore the evolution of spinets, harpsichords, and pianos in the 18th century.

Through Sep 7, 2014

Painters and Paintings in the American South

Painters and Paintings in the Early American South

Experience a ground-breaking exhibition, featuring pieces by artists painting in the South during the 18th century.

Through Sep 7, 2014

Threads of Feeling

Discover the stories told by simple scraps of fabric—tokens left to identify the babies at London’s Foundling Hospital.

Opens May 25, 2013

American Furniture:
From Virginia to Vermont

Browse significant furniture pieces from Eastern Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New England.

Through Dec 31, 2013

A Rich and Varied Culture:
The Material World of the Early South

Celebrate the remarkable diverse objects that represent a unique, early southern style.

Opens Jan 11, 2014

Richard Newsham’s
Fire Engine

Explore fire and fire fighting in early Williamsburg through Richard Newsham’s Fire Engine, featuring an original engine built in the mid-18th century.

Ongoing

Rebuilding Charlton’s Coffeehouse

Discover how archaeological, architectural, archival, decorative arts, and trades components contributed to the process of rebuilding the history, structure, and interiors of the coffeehouse.

Ongoing

Dollars, Farthings & Fables: Money and Medals from the Colonial Williamsburg Collection

Find out about the first dollar bill, medals to honor George Washington, and the first coins made in the New World.

Ongoing

Lock, Stock, and Barrel

Explore a wide range of military and civilian weapons and trace the evolution of the standing British infantry musket before 1800.

Ongoing

Revolution in Taste

Learn of the rich and colorful choices in table and teawares available to 18th-century British and American consumers.

Ongoing

Treasure Quest:
Great Silver Collections from Colonial Williamsburg

View selections from the Foundation’ s vast collection of 18th-century British silver.

Ongoing

Identifying Ceramics:
The Who, What and Ware

This exhibition takes a closer look at the production and decoration of ceramic wares of the 18th century, using stoneware, earthenware, and porcelain.

Through Nov 3, 2013

Buy Tickets

Museum admission is included in all Colonial Williamsburg tickets. Museum-only tickets are also available.

Hours of
Operation:

Hours effective through
June 16, 2013

Mon.:	10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Tues.:	10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Wed.:	10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Thurs.:	10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Fri.:	10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sat.:	10 a.m.–7 p.m.
Sun.:	10 a.m.–7 p.m.

Upcoming Events at the Decorative Arts Museum

May 20
11:00 AM

Decorative Arts Highlights

Embark on a guided tour of some of the museum's masterworks on exhibit. View paintings, ceramics, textiles, furniture, and silver. Programs and exhibitions at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation's DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.

May 20
12:00 PM

Introduction To Folk Art

Discover whimsical and fascinating paintings, sculpture, and textiles from Mrs. Rockefeller's collection on this guided tour. These pieces are the basis of the museum's original collection.

May 20
1:00 PM

Decorative Arts Highlights

May 20
1:45 PM

Sitting Pretty

Explore a variety of portraits on exhibit and imagine what it would have been like to sit for an artist. Discuss with your fellow attendees, and then create a portrait of your own to take home.

Explore More Art Museums

Explore More of Colonial Williamsburg

Programs and exhibitions at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum are supported by the DeWitt Wallace Endowment Fund.