Chesterwood - Stockbridge, Massachusetts

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Chesterwood - A Historical Gem in Stockbridge, MA

Chesterwood, located at 4 Williamsville Rd, Stockbridge, MA 01262, is a must-visit destination for those interested in history, art, and nature. With a phone number of 32983579 and a website at chesterwood.org, Chesterwood offers a unique experience that combines a historical place museum, garden, and tour operator.

Specialties and Points of Interest

• Historical place museum showcasing the life and work of sculptor Daniel Chester French
• Beautiful gardens that provide a serene backdrop for outdoor events and relaxation
• Tours of the museum and studio, offering insights into the creative process of a renowned sculptor
• Tour operator for guided tours and special events
• Accessibility features such as wheelchair accessible parking, restrooms, and seating
• Family-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly environment, with gender-neutral restrooms available
• Active military discounts and discounts for kids and families

Chesterwood has received high praise from visitors, with an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 187 reviews on Google My Business. Many visitors commend the beautiful grounds, engaging tours, and the opportunity to learn about the life and work of Daniel Chester French, the sculptor behind the Lincoln Memorial statue.

One visitor described Chesterwood as: 'A gem of a historical house/studio museum in a magical setting in Stockbridge. While I did not tour the house, the Collections Gallery and Studio were amazing. Also did the short Woodland Walks and steep Ledges Trail whose panoramic mountain views at the top were sadly obscured by leaves still being on the trees.'

With its rich history, stunning gardens, and commitment to accessibility and family-friendly experiences, Chesterwood is a top choice for tourists and locals alike in the Stockbridge area.

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"summary": "Chesterwood is a historical gem in Stockbridge, MA, offering a unique blend of museum, garden, and tour operator experiences.",
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👍 Reviews of Chesterwood

Mitchell M.

5/5

A gem of a historical house/studio museum in a magical setting in Stockbridge. While I did not tour the house, the Collections Gallery and Studio were amazing. Also did the short Woodland Walks and steep Ledges Trail whose panoramic mountain views at the top was sadly obscured by leaves still being on the trees.

Ryan M.

5/5

Chesterwood was the summer home of Daniel Chester French. French was a renowned sculptor in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His most famous work is the sculpture of Abraham Lincoln seated at the Lincoln Memorial. Other famous French works include the Minute Man and John Harvard sculptures.
The self guided tour of Chesterwood includes the gardens and the artist's studio. After checking in at the gift shop there is a short introductory movie that is shown about the life of Daniel Chester French. After seeing the movie there is a small museum that depicts many of the sculptures that French made. There are an array of models and paintings to be seen here.
At the studio there is a docent who can answer any questions you may have. They also have a nice book of the different works that French completed. The studio has many different sculptures and models that French worked on and completed. French's equipment and tools can be seen in the studio as well.
There are some very nice walking trails in the woods surrounding the home. These trails include contemporary sculptures that are interesting. It is best to wear sneakers or hiking boots for some of these trails, as the walk in some areas is somewhat steep.
There is a house tour that can also be booked online. The house tour lasts about an hour and you see where French lived and learn a little more about him. Be sure to get tickets online for any tour that you're considering. The estate is both interesting and beautiful. Chesterwood is not all that far way from the Norman Rockwell Museum and together these two places are a great combination. Stop by Chesterwood to learn about and see the works of America's greatest sculptor.

A G.

5/5

It was a beautiful visit to learn more about the work of this prolific sculptor. The tour of the residence is limited to a few rooms on the first floor and outdoor spaces. The studio is the star of this site, and you can visit on your own, or for an extra cost, take a guided tour. Either way, don't omit visiting the studio. There are several picnic tables with a terrific view to use near the parking lot.

Davida A.

4/5

Once you recognize Daniel Chester French, you will see his sculptures on any major gilded age building. While the exhibits on DCF were of interest, I enjoyed the sculpture installation throughout the grounds more. Entry to the house requires a separate ticket and a tour.

Valerie S.

5/5

We bought our senior tour tickets online. The tour was utterly incredible. Our docent was himself a painter and brought a personal perspective to his comments about Daniel Chester French's work. The museum and visuals were historically informative. The tools were on display, and the visuals showed how sculptors work. Letters of commission were there, as well. The studio out back has been turned into an artists display. The large house/ workshop out back shows the incredible scale in which Daniel Chester French worked. The large doors and railroad tracks used to transport both marble and statues were silent testament to his era and the history of the place. The flower gardens were picturesque and well tended. There was also a woodland path for walking and reflecting on the history. The statues both on the lawn and in the studio were magnificent. There is a gift shop where one can buy replicas of statues. There are canvas stools available for those who would enjoy sitting during a presentation. The hills framed everything in a peaceful way.

Lisa B.

5/5

The first greeting by the gift shop attendant was friendly and engaging. We were introduced to the grounds map and told about the guided tour. The tour was highly educational and intriguing. The grounds were beautiful and manicured. Highly recommended for all art affecionados. We made use of our local library's free passes.

Mike Z.

4/5

I have mixed impressions visiting this museum. The entrance fee of $20 per adult seemed excessive given small footprint of exhibition gallery and mansion being under renovation. However, gardens, views from the property and trails added another star to my review. I recommend to try Ledges trails for hiking (hiking boots are recommended) although trail markings are only for start / end of the trails.

Meg

5/5

This truly is a beautiful and serene historical home and studio to visit. It is a well-preserved Homestead of Daniel Chester French who was the sculptor best know for the Lincoln Memorial and The Minute Man. We took the guided tour and you learn such intricate details that might be overlooked on your own. Worthy of a stop if you enjoy history.