Local historic treasure re-opens for public tours
(February 2005 #008)

For Immediate Release

CHADDS FORD, PA. - The restored home and art studio of famed American illustrator N.C. Wyeth re-opens for public tours on April 1, 2005. Tours depart from the Brandywine River Museum by shuttle Wednesday through Sunday at timed intervals through November 20, 2005.

In 1911, with the proceeds from his illustrations for Treasure Island, N.C. Wyeth purchased 18 acres of land on Rocky Hill in the village of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. Possessed of “the most glorious sight in the township,” Wyeth built his home and studio overlooking the valley. Here he set down roots, which for nine decades have nourished a family of extraordinary creativity. N.C. Wyeth lived there until his death in 1945, and Mrs. Wyeth continued to live in the house until 1973.

The Brandywine River Museum now owns the house and studio, as well as thousands of items that were part of the life of the Wyeth family and props that were part of the engrossing career of N.C. Wyeth. Educational tours of the N.C. Wyeth House and Studio permit visitors to experience the environment where Wyeth created many of his memorable works of art and the house where he raised his five extraordinarily gifted children. The N.C. Wyeth House and Studio is a National Landmark and a member of the Historic Artists' Homes and Studios group of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Admission for the N.C. Wyeth House and Studio tour is $5 per person in addition to museum admission. Children under 6 are not permitted on the tour. Admission is free for Brandywine Conservancy members. The tours last approximately one hour and are offered at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. 

Transportation to the House and Studio is by Brandywine River Museum shuttle bus only. The tour is handicapped accessible. For more information and tour reservations, call the Brandywine River Museum at 610-388-2700. 

Exhibiting American art in a restored 19th-century grist mill, the Brandywine River Museum is internationally known for its unparalleled collection of works by three generations of Wyeths and its fine collection of American illustration, still life and landscape paintings. Located on U.S. Route 1 in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania, the museum is open daily, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Christmas Day. Admission is $8 for adults; $5 for seniors ages 65 and over, students with I.D., and children ages 6 to 12; and free for children under six and Brandywine Conservancy members. Individual audio tours can be rented for $3. Group rates are available with advance reservations. For more information, please call 610-388-2700 or visit the museum's web site at www.brandywinemuseum.org.

Media Contacts: Halsey Spruance or Jennifer Maguire at 610-388-8337

Photography available upon request.

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