For over a decade, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site has been the place for inspiration and scholarship on the birth of America’s first major art movement. Through exhibitions, lectures, special events and tours of the historic buildings and grounds, the Hudson River School has been brought to life.
“I am now sitting in my New Studio which is about completed though the walls are not quite dry…”
–Thomas Cole, December 1846
At the heart of the organization are the 19th century spaces where Thomas Cole made history: the 1815 Main House, the 1839 Old Studio, and the gardens and views that surround them. One critical piece, however, had been missing for the last forty years – Thomas Cole’s New Studio.
Built in 1846 according to Thomas Cole’s own design, the building stood a few hundred yards from Cole’s home at Cedar Grove for 125 years. Tragically, it was torn down in 1973 after falling into disrepair. However, we joyfully announce that the New Studio has been rebuilt and constructed in May of 2016. We’ve raised 97% of our $1.6 million campaign goal. For a behind-the-scenes look into the reconstruction process visit Reconstructing Thomas Cole’s New Studio.