The present invention encompasses chimeric capsid proteins, nucleic acids encoding such proteins and capsids containing chimeric capsid proteins. Methods of making the chimeric capsid proteins, the nucleic acids that encode such proteins and capsids that contain chimeric capsid proteins are also encompassed within the scope of the invention. The invention further encompasses the use of the chimeric capsid proteins to produce protein elements and to present the elements for use in structure-function studies, for use as therapeutic factors and for other purposes. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.