This spectacular maritime-themed science center offers hands-on exhibits, interactive theaters, aquarium, digital high-def films and an extensive array of educational programs. Berthed alongside the center is the fabled USS Wisconsin, one of the largest and last battleships ever built by the U.S. Navy.
Nauticus Presents ALBESILA Luminarium by Architects of Air
April 12-21, 2019
MacArthur Center Green
In celebration of its 25th birthday, Nauticus is bringing ALBESILA Luminarium by Architects of Air to Downtown Norfolk April 12-21. This walk-through art experience is a massive labyrinth in which visitors are immersed in a maze of 27 egg-shaped domes—a phenomenon of ever-changing light, shapes and color! Albesila’s centerpiece is its 73-foot high, multi-colored dome, which takes it inspiration from the “Spiral of Life” with a galaxy of 288 stars swirling upward. Albesila will be located on the MacArthur Center Green at the corner of Freemason Street and Monticello Avenue.
Albesila will be open (Rain or Shine) Monday through Friday from noon until 6 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. It is accessible to wheelchair users and people with mobility difficulties. Admission is $6 for adults or children (ages 2 and under are admitted free). A combo ticket that includes admission to Nauticus is also available at $21 for adults; and $16 for children (4-12). Tickets are purchased on-site. In addition, a limited number of $10 Advance Booking tickets that give priority access at a specified time (reducing wait time) are available for purchase only at Nauticus.org
As Norfolk’s art center, the d’Art Center proudly serves the greater Hampton Roads area by connecting the community with the visual arts. A non-profit 501c(3), d’Art offers art education, programming, outreach, and events, many of which are free and open to the public. D’Art also houses studios, occupied by professional resident artists working in a variety of media, including painting, glass, ceramics, printmaking, and fiber art. Our resident artists provide free, interactive demonstrations for the public.
For one week every April, visitors are welcomed to more than 250 of Virginia's most picturesque gardens and private homes during "America's Largest Open House."
The Hermitage Museum & Gardens, formerly home to the Sloane family, is an early 20th century Arts-and-Crafts estate located on the shore of the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Virginia. Featuring a nationally recognized art collection spanning 5,000 years, the hermitage is home to contemporary exhibition galleries, a Visual Arts Studio, working artist studios, and 12 acres of gardens.
Located in the heart of downtown Norfolk, and just a few blocks from the waterfront, MacArthur Center offers 140 extraordinary stores, along with an 18-screen theater surrounding a beautiful 70-foot atrium.
Be inspired by the story of General Douglas MacArthur in this moving memorial that honors him and the millions of men and women who served in World War I, World War II, and Korea.
The Military Aviation Museum is home to one of the largest private collections of World War Two and World War One era fighters, bombers, trainers, and seaplanes. With the upper level viewing areas, you can see the wide range of planes on display. Then take a walk around the planes themselves, get close up to see these magnificent flying machines beautifully restored to their former glory.
The Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a nonprofit institution founded in 1952 to foster awareness, exploration and understanding of the significant art of our time. Regularly changing exhibitions feature painting, sculpture, photography, glass, video and other visual media from internationally acclaimed artists as well as artists of national and regional renown. By balancing its four primary activities--gallery exhibitions, studio art classes, educational outreach programs and outdoor art shows--MOCA seeks to involve a diverse regional public in the rich and active language of contemporary visual art.
Roam 155 beautiful acres, where charming bridges cross waterways lined with roses, hydrangeas, camellias, and native Virginia plants.
Set sail with a tradition of excellence aboard the Sailing Ship American Rover. April through October she sails the smooth waters of the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor on daily 2 Hour Narrated Harbor and Sunset Cruises. On board guests can lend a hand with the sails, take a turn at the helm or just sit back, relax and enjoy the experience.
Located within the park shared by the Mariners' Museum, this lively gallery offers an ever-changing array of exhibitions, events, and studio classes.
The Portsmouth Art & Cultural Center, housed in the 1846 Courthouse, is devoted to offering quality educational, cultural and aesthetic experiences in the arts through rotating visual art exhibits, lectures, classes and performances.
Offering rejuvenating experiences for resort and day guests, this beautiful spa radiates Southern charm harmonizing with its historical surroundings.
A Spirit of Norfolk cruise gives you the chance to dine, dance, play games, and catch spectacular views of the mighty ships and submarines of the Navy's Atlantic Fleet from our skyline deck. With myriad lunch, brunch, dinner, holiday and specialty cruises - Spirit is set to show you Hampton Roads.
The Children's Museum of Virginia is a place where families and caregivers with children ages 1-11 are encouraged to imagine, explore, and discover together through play. Children step inside a world where bubbles grow bigger than they are, where the forces of energy electrify and spark their imagination, where they can be a farmer, a banker, a scientist, a star gazer and more.
Get a captivating look at centuries of seafaring adventure in this treasure trove designated by Congress as America's national maritime museum, and learn about the Civil War Battle of the Ironclads in its "USS Monitor Center."
With an eclectic mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and living options covering 17 city blocks, Town Center is fast becoming one of Hampton Roads' hottest destinations. Grab a bite at a local eatery or a national restaurant. Shop at popular brand retailers and upscale boutiques. Then enjoy world-class performances at Sandler Center for the Performing Arts, all within walking distance!
Explore the touch pools and "curiosity carts" at this hands-on aquarium, home to over 700,000 gallons of water then wander a nature trail through a marsh and woodland preserve, and watch a movie on the towering six-story IMAX screen.
Explore Virginia's natural heritage at this "living museum," a combination native wildlife park, science museum, aquarium, botanical preserve, and planetarium.
Journey to mysterious places inhabited by exotic animals from around the world. Board the Norfolk Southern Express train for an expedition to Asia-Trail of the Tiger, or go on safari to Africa's Okavango Delta. The Virginia Zoo exhibits more than 400 animals on 53 beautifully landscaped acres. 
Norfolk’s premier dining and entertainment district is a central place where you can hang out, dine and relax with your whole family. Waterside District features the best of national, regional and local restaurants and offers live music, festivals and more. Located in the heart of the central business district and adjacent to the City of Norfolk’s world-class waterfront and festival site, Waterside District is a central gathering place for local residents and visitors.
Tours and tastings, food and wine pairing dinners, strolls through the beautiful grounds: Virginia's largest, award-winning winery is an unforgettable experience!