Things to See and Do
See exhibitions of 19th-century masterpiece paintings
Critically-acclaimed special exhibitions of American landscape painting from the 19th century.
Immerse Yourself in The Parlors
Digital storytelling installations infuse the historic spaces with Cole’s own words and images.
Discover Contemporary Art in Conversation with Cole
Our annual exhibition series “OPEN HOUSE: Contemporary Art in Conversation with Cole” features artist-driven installations of contemporary art throughout the historic house and grounds.
Join a Guided Tour
Museum Educators lead 45-minute guided tours of Thomas Cole’s 1815 Main House and 1839 Old Studio.
Explore at Your Own Pace
General admission to explore the historic buildings and grounds on your on schedule.
Experience Cole’s Studio Space
Thomas Cole painted some of his greatest works in the 1839 Old Studio that houses his original paint brushes and giant easels.
Visit the Gift Shop in the 1839 Storehouse
The gift shop offers a curated selection on speciality publications, custom merchandise, and curated items for kids, artists, nature-lovers, readers, travelers, and more.
Take a Stroll in the Garden
In front of the 1815 Main House is a perennial garden that features plants and flowers that were observed in letters and newspaper accounts of the Cole Family Garden.
Enjoy the View from the Main House Porch
Take in the sweeping view of the Catskill Mountains from the Main House porch. This is the view that Thomas Cole painted more than any other subject.
Step into a Landscape Painting
Maps and directions to the places in nature that Thomas Cole and his fellow Hudson River School artists painted.
Learn from Leading Thinkers
Lectures with leading scholars from across the country on American art and landscape.
Arrange a School Visit
We use Thomas Cole’s art and writing and creative activites to teach curriculum themes.
Supported by New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.
Select photos by Zio & Sons.
Select photos by Peter Aaron/ OTTO