Hermitage Museum and Gardens, Norfolk

The Hermitage began as the Sloane family’s summer estate in the early 20th century, built as a modest five-room retreat for William and Florence Sloane. The Arts and Crafts–style home expanded over decades into a 42-room residence by 1936, reflecting both their growing collection and love for craftsmanship. In 1937, the Sloanes formed the Hermitage Foundation and bequeathed the house, its contents, and surrounding gardens to this nonprofit, opening as a public museum in 1942.

Today, the museum showcases the remarkable Sloane Collection, spanning more than 5,000 years and representing cultures from over 30 countries. Its galleries now include changing exhibitions alongside this permanent collection, and it’s also a proud member of the Smithsonian Affiliations program. Beyond exhibitions, the Hermitage fosters creativity through its Goode Family Visual Arts School, offering classes, workshops, and art camps year-round. It also hosts outdoor concerts and seasonal events.

The Hermitage’s gardens, initially designed by Florence Sloane in the 1920s, are as much a highlight as the art indoors. Visitors can explore formal garden rooms framed by Eastern red cedars and live oaks, wander under the shade of a Himalayan cedar, and discover camellias, azaleas, and native tree species. These cultivated landscapes extend into natural woodlands and wetlands, offering both tranquility and horticultural beauty.