Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum

The Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum is an art museum in Williamsburg that specializes in American folk art and houses an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted objects. The pieces on display span different time periods and show the wide range of artistic practices that developed across America.

The museum was established in 1957 and was initially based on a collection donated by Abby Aldrich Rockefeller. The institution later received additional support and donations that enabled its growth and expansion.

The works on display come from self-taught artists who developed their skills independently and reflect different traditions from American society. Visitors can see how these pieces show the everyday experiences and creative expressions of people who worked outside formal art institutions.

The museum is open daily and shares its location with the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum within Colonial Williamsburg. Visitors can explore both museums in a single visit and should allow plenty of time to see the different collections.

The collection includes the notable watercolor painting 'The Old Plantation' by John Rose, which offers insights into life in South Carolina during the colonial period. This artwork is a rare and valuable documentary record of a historical era.