“To travel is to live.”
People of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures travel for a variety of reasons. Some travel to explore new cultures and experience a different way of living. Some seek adventures in far off places; others may simply want to get away from everyday routines. No matter the reason, travel can be an incredibly rewarding experience that gives us the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, to inspire, and to connect us to the beauty of the world that surrounds us.
In the 1920s Hermitage Museum founder Florence Sloane worked tirelessly to create an art and cultural life in Norfolk. At the same time, travel was an important part of her life. She traveled extensively through Europe, to over twenty-five cities in ten different countries, throughout more than a decade. Florence Sloane’s travels abroad from the 1920s to 1930s significantly impacted her outlook on life and were a tremendous source of inspiration to her as an appreciator of world culture, history, and as an avid art collector. Her experiences and exposure to the beauty of the world around her dramatically shaped the Hermitage Museum as it developed from a private residence into the unique art museum it is today.
This summer, join us aboard the “U.S.S. Hermitage” as we travel back in time alongside Florence Sloane when she journeyed to Europe. The exhibition, An American Abroad: Florence Sloane in Europe, 1920s-1930s, sheds new light on the real-life adventures of this cultural trailblazer during an important historical period in modern world history. Rare archival collections selected for display will illustrate Florence Sloane’s impressive trek abroad and provide insight into her life and interests. Among the rare items on view are excerpts from Florence Sloane’s personal travel journal and letters in which she recounted her experiences and described places she visited in impressive detail. Intricate textiles, historic photographs, personal souvenirs, and mementos that remain from her trips will be shown alongside selected items from the museum’s permanent collection–all on view for a limited time this summer.
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
Friday, May 24th
An American Abroad: Opening Night Celebration
Tickets
Saturday, July 6
Stories on Stage: It Happened on Vacation
Tickets
Friday, August 30
Sail Away: A Night of Yacht Rock
Tickets
June – October
Going Places: Children’s Reading Programs
Select weekends. More information coming soon.
June – October
Children’s Scavenger Hunts
Ask to participate at the front desk when visiting the exhibit!
Friday, May 24th | 6-9 pm
Opening Night Celebration
Dress in your favorite travel-inspired flair—safari gear, nautical wear, Hawaiian shirts, resort dress, a French beret — or whatever you feel most comfortable in! Our itinerary will be your guide as you journey through the galleries while enjoying delectable hors d’oeuvres, a signature cocktail, music, and exploration-themed activity stations. Bon Voyage!
Saturday, July 6 | 7:30-9:30pm
Stories on Stage: It Happened on Vacation
Join us at The Goode Family Visual Arts School for a night of true stories & spoken word performances from real people about vacations gone right, vacations gone wrong, and everything in-between. Doors open at 7pm. Ages 18+ (under 18 admitted with parent or guardian)
Friday, August 30 | 6:30pm-9:30pm
Sail Away: A Night of Yacht Rock
Wear your finest nautical wear or cruise ship gear and climb aboard the Hermitage’s back lawn for a evening of music, mingling, and simulated travel.
Stay tuned, musical acts & more details will be announced soon!
ACCESSIBILITY INFORMATION
Please note that this exhibition is located in the museum’s second floor galleries which is only accessible by stairs. Visitors requiring alternative arrangements to experience the exhibition may inquire at the visitor experience desk about our digital offerings. For more information, please review the Hermitage’s Accessibility Page.
