New York - museums

Magazine Antiques, April, 2000

ALBANY: Albany Institute of History & Art, 125 Washington Ave., 122.10. Discover the history, art and culture of the Upper Hudson Valley at one of the country's oldest museums. Founded in 1791, the museum is nationally-known for its outstanding collections, including Hudson River School paintings, Albany silver, furniture, sculpture, textiles, other decorative arts and more. While AIHA is under construction, please visit our satellite location at 63 State Street in downtown Albany. Changing exhibition gallery and Museum Shop. 10:00 am - 5:00 pm M-F. (518) 463-4478.

ALBANY: Historic Cherry Hill, 523 1/2 South Pearl St., 12202. "Where History's All in the Family". Explore five generations of continuous family living in Albany's South End. The Cherry Hill Van Rensselaer-Rankin family left 20,000 decorative and household objects and 30,000 manuscripts spanning 300 years! Guided tours of the 1787 Georgian-style home are offered. Feb-Dec. Tues-Sat 10-3, Sun 1-3. (518) 434-4791.

BLUE MOUNTAIN LAKE: The Adirondack Museum, P.O. Box 99, Route 30, 12812. The Adirondack Museum is called "The Smithsonian of the Adirondacks" by the National Geographic Traveler. An average of 90,000 visitors each year come to this large indoor/outdoor museum which tells the stories of how people lived, worked, traveled, and played in the Adirondacks, and how artists have responded to the region. The Adirondack Museums Antiques Show is scheduled for September 23, 2000, with a Benefit Preview September 22. Open daily June 14 - October 15, 2000, except September 22 to allow for antiques show preparation and benefit. (518) 352-7311, fax (518) 352-7653.

CANANDAIGUA: Sonnenberg Estate and Gardens, 151 Charlotte St., 14424. Sonnenberg is probably the most important turn-of-the-century country estate in the USA because it remains virtually intact with its mansion, outbuildings, conservatories, and 50 acres of landscaping and nine formal gardens. Open daily, 9:30-5:30, mid-May through mid-October. Admission. (716) 394-4922.

COOPERSTOWN: The Farmers' Museum and 19th-Century Village, Lake Rd., (NYS Route 80), P.O. Box 30, 13326. Stroll through history at The Farmers' Museum. Explore the 1845 Village and Lippitt Farmstead. Craftspeople, presentations, hands-on activities. Witness 19th-century restoration techniques on newly acquired buildings. See 19th-century furnishings, period gardens, and more! Museum shop, restaurant. Open April-November. For hours call: 1-888-547-1450.

COOPERSTOWN: Fenimore Art Museum, Lake Rd., (NYS Route 80), P.O. Box 800, 13326. New exhibitions include Shining Objects from Our Past: Silver from the Albany Institute; and The Kindoms of Edward Hicks. Terrace garden cafe and museum shop. Open April-December. For hours call (607) 547-1400 or 1500.

GARRISON-ON-HUDSON: Boscobel Restoration, Inc., 1601 Route 9D, 10524. Magnificent New York Federal-style house overlooking the Hudson River and West Point. Features an exceptional collection of decorative arts and New York furniture including pieces by Phyfe, Allison and Lannuier. Guided tours, special exhibits, enchanting gardens, special events, group rates. Write or call for our Calendar of the Seasons. April-Oct 10-4:15, Nov-Dec 10-3:15. (914) 265-3638, fax (914) 265-4405.

HUDSON: Olana State Historic Site, Rte. 9G, 12534. Olana, an 1870s Persian mansion with dramatic views of the Hudson Valley, was designed by artist-owner Frederic Edwin Church. The aesthetic interior and 250 acre picturesque landscape remain virtually intact. September 9th auction features 19th c. paintings, fine furniture, and decorative arts. Open April 1-October 31, Wednesday-Sunday 10:00am-4:00pm. (518) 828-0135.

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY: Historic Hudson Valley. Six must-see landmarks in Westchester County's Sleepy Hollow Country including Washington Irving's Sunnyside and Kykuit, the Rockefeller estate. (See separate listing) Major collections of decorative arts at Van Cortlandt Manor and Philipsburg Manors. Also visit A.J. Davis' meticulously restored Montgomery Place, near Rhinebeck. Daily except Tuesday, 10-5. (914) 631-8200, fax (914) 631-0089. Tickets, information on-line: www.hudsonvalley.org.

HUDSON RIVER VALLEY: Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate. Splendid Beaux-Arts house, gardens built for John D. Rockefeller. Fascinating collections of decorative arts, Asian ceramics, 20th century sculpture. A historic site of The National Trust; maintained and operated by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. Closed Tuesdays. Weekend boat trips from Manhattan. Information on-line: www.hudsonvalley.org fax (914) 631-0089; phone (914) 631-9491.

MUMFORD: Genesee Country Village and Museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd., 14511. Recreated 19th-century village. 57 authentically furnished buildings. Demonstrations of 1800s domestic, industrial arts. Heirloom gardens. Events include ethnic festivals, Civil War reenactments, fiddlers' fair, holiday celebrations. Shops, restaurants, free parking. May 13 to October 15. Off-season programs. Closed Mondays. (716) 538-6822. www.gcv.org.