On View: June 7th – October 12th, 2025
Beginning June 7th, 2025, the Hermitage Museum will present New Orleans based artist Walker Babington for a four-month solo exhibition. Babington is an artist, actor, and stunt performer who creates large-scale, fantastical sculpture that combines storytelling, found and reclaimed materials, and an expressive, dream-like aesthetic. His artwork explores themes of the human experience and can be seen as modern day folklore, telling cautionary tales relevant to 21st century life.
The exhibition will feature a striking 32-foot-tall sculpture crafted from salvaged materials including driftwood, hurricane debris, and remnants of New Orleans carnival floats. The sculpture, shaped like a bison carrying a house structure on its back, serves as a profound symbol of climate change and rising sea levels. These issues are deeply felt in New Orleans and Norfolk, both of which share the burden of being the most at-risk cities in the U.S. from sea-level rise. Yet amidst the urgency, Babington’s piece conveys resilience and hope.
The exhibition will include additional thought-provoking works, such as ZozoBot, a 26-foot tall “robot clown” sculpture symbolizing the fragility of human creations and our ethical responsibilities toward technology. ZozoBot asks questions about the future of human innovation and its moral implications, challenging us to reflect on how we shape and are shaped by what we create. The exhibition will also feature indoor elements that will engage visitors of all ages.
A robust lineup of public programs and extended evening hours will complement Burden of the Beast during the four-month exhibition.
Visiting Hours
Tuesdays through Sundays
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The museum is closed on Mondays and select holidays.
Be sure to check our homepage for any special hours and announcements.
Extended Tuesdays
On view from 5 – 7 pm on these select Tuesdays:
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June: 10, 17, 24
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July: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
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August: 5, 12, 19, 26
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September: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
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October: 7
Special Events & Programs
Opening Celebration
Friday, June 6, 2025
Hermitage Members Early Access: 6:00pm-6:30pm
General Admission: 6:30pm-9:00pm
Join the Hermitage Museum & Gardens for an evening of enchantment as we welcome our special exhibition, Burden of the Beast by Walker Babington. Take the opportunity to meet the featured artist, Walker Babington, and be among the first to explore the exhibition while indulging in a multi-sensory celebration!
Learn More
Featuring:
Introduction by Walker Babington, 7:30 pm
Jazz & Blues inspired sounds by Hoot & Annie
Electronic tunes by Karacell
Folk music with Liam Ritter
Pyrography Demonstration by Ash Rudolph
Specialty Drinks and Complimentary Tastings with Reverend Spirits
Delectable hors d’ oeuvres & desserts from Creative Catering of Virginia, Traditions Catering & Events and Taste Catering & Events
Refreshment Bar with beverages for purchase
French pastries and coffee
Photo ops and dancefloor
Valet parking with Express Valet
Hermitage Museum Members are invited for early access beginning at 6 pm.
Member tickets: $25 per guest
Non-Member tickets: $30 per guest
Children 12 and under do not require a ticket
Burden of the Beast Specialty Packages
NOLA: $150
Package includes 2 admission tickets, 4 beverage tickets, one reserved cocktail table
Curious Clowndroid: $300
Package includes 4 admission tickets, 8 beverage tickets, one bottle of champagne, one reserved cocktail table
Please note:
This event will take place outdoors throughout the front portion of our site, and under an event tent. The event will require moderate walking upon arrival and throughout the evening to access various areas. Guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and to review our accessibility information here.
Thank you to our party partners and sponsors:
Curated Events
Big Top Entertainment
Creative Catering of Virginia
Traditions Catering & Events
Taste Catering & Events
Studio Posy
Reverend Spirits
Smartmouth Brewing Co
An Evening with Artist Walker Babington
Friday, July 25, 2025
6:00pm-9:00pm at The Goode Family Visual Arts School and across the Hermitage Museum grounds.
An intimate and exclusive opportunity to meet the artist and learn about his life and work. Hear the stories behind the creation and construction of the Burden of the Beast exhibition. Complimentary lite bites by Chef by Design.
Learn More
Gates Open: 6:00pm
Exhibition Exploration: 6:00pm-6:45pm
Artist Talk: 7:00pm
Audience Q&A: 7:30pm
Artist Meet & Greet: 8:00pm
Carnival of the Beast
Saturday, August 9, 2025
7:00pm-10:00pm
(Adults, 21+). A New Orleans-inspired nighttime event featuring contemporary art, live music, and a one-of-a-kind costume parade. Unleash your imagination and dress as an extinct or endangered animal (or wear whatever makes you most comfortable).
*Ticket includes 1 (one) complimentary beverage (signature cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage)
Buy Tickets
High Water City
Thursday, September 4, 2025
6:00pm-8:30pm at The Goode Family Visual Arts School and across the Hermitage Museum grounds.
Members: FREE
Inspired by Walker Babington’s artwork, join us for an informative and engaging event to discuss the issue of sea-level rise and its impact on Norfolk’s neighborhoods. We’ll delve into the specific challenges facing each community and explore potential solutions to safeguard our future. Hosted by Barbara Hamm Lee.
Learn More
Gates Open: 6:00pm
Exhibition Exploration: 6:00pm-6:45pm
Event Begins: 7:00pm
Audience Q&A: 8pm
Special Screening of, “Against the Current: Life on the Eastern Shore”
Presented by WHRO x Hermitage
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
6:00pm-7:00pm
(FREE, All Ages). Goode Family Visual Arts School. AGAINST THE CURRENT provides a powerful look at how residents of Virginia’s Eastern Shore, like many coastal towns, are subject to rising sea waters and the challenges it has on their lives and livelihood.
Rising Tides, Resilient Minds
Sunday, October 5, 2025
11:00am-1:00pm
(FREE, All Ages) Join the movement towards a resilient future! Rising Tides, Resilient Minds offers a unique blend of nature exploration, hands-on science, and artistic expression. Bike the Elizabeth River Trail to the Hermitage and engage with wetlands tours, creative art workshops, and more!
Presented by:
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Joan Brock
Al and Kay Abiouness Charitable Fund
Hermitage Museum Board of Directors and Hermitage Foundation Board of Trustees
Goode Family Foundation
Work Program Architects
Exhibition Development:
Weinstein Properties
