Road Trip: Katonah Museum of Art blends historic treasures, live events and creative experiences
The museum features a rotating lineup of exhibitions, educational programs and community events connecting visitors with both contemporary and historical works.
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The Katonah Museum of Art is a hidden gem in Westchester County, bringing art, history and creativity together through exhibitions, educational programs and community events.
“The Katonah Museum of Art was founded in 1954 by Inga Brown and a group of women who wanted to bring the best of the art world to their community,” said Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe, the museum's director.
The museum features a rotating lineup of exhibitions, educational programs and community events connecting visitors with both contemporary and historical works. Officials say the museum typically hosts three major exhibitions each year, along with its annual student art show.
The current exhibition, "Diplomacy at Home: The Domestic Lives of the Founding Family," includes artifacts such as a 1786 letter from Abigail Adams to Thomas Jefferson and a chair once owned by Benjamin Franklin.
“We have a 10,000 square foot sculpture garden with 100-year-old Norway spruce trees that grace and dot the grounds. We often have dance performances, music performances,” Mapplethorpe said.
The museum also offers hands-on experiences through its Pollack Family Learning Center.
“Our Pollack Family Learning Center is one of the only drop-in art making spaces in Westchester County," Mapplethorpe said. "You can stay and create art and tap into your creative side as long as you would like.”
From unique exhibitions and historical artifacts to live performances and family-friendly activities, the museum offers something for everyone, from longtime art lovers to first-time visitors.
“The Katonah Museum of Art is really such a hidden gem,” Mapplethorpe said.
