Reynolda House Museum of American Art | Winston Salem

Reynolda House Museum of American Art, situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a distinguished museum that uniquely combines an important historic estate with a rich and diverse collection of American art. It serves not only as a repository of fine art but also as a cultural landmark reflecting early 20th-century American life, architecture, and philanthropy. The museum’s setting—the former country home of R.J. Reynolds, founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company—and his wife Katharine Reynolds, adds depth and historical context to the artistic experience.

Historical Background and Architecture

Reynolda House was built between 1912 and 1917 as the centerpiece of the Reynolda estate, a large country retreat encompassing more than 1,000 acres. The estate was designed to be a self-sustaining agricultural and residential community, featuring not only the main house but also outbuildings, gardens, a village, and farmland.

The architectural design was led by Charles Barton Keen, a noted Philadelphia architect, who collaborated closely with Katharine Reynolds to create a residence that blended modern amenities with the aesthetics of the Arts and Crafts movement and Colonial Revival styles. The house itself is a sprawling 30-room mansion designed with careful attention to natural light, spaciousness, and integration with the surrounding landscape. Its interior balances elegant formal spaces with practical domestic areas, reflecting both the social stature and family-oriented lifestyle of the Reynolds.

Reynolda House was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1980 in recognition of its architectural significance and the historical importance of the Reynolds family in the development of the American South and the tobacco industry.

Museum Foundation and Mission

In 1965, Katharine Reynolds’ daughter, Mary Reynolds Babcock, donated the house and its immediate grounds to Wake Forest University, which transformed the residence into a museum of American art. Since its public opening in 1967, Reynolda House Museum of American Art has aimed to present American art in a historic context, allowing visitors to appreciate artwork within the setting of a lived-in home rather than a traditional gallery.

The museum’s mission encompasses education, preservation, and cultural enrichment. It seeks to deepen the public’s understanding of American art history and provide a dynamic cultural resource for the region.

Art Collections

Reynolda House’s permanent collection features more than 200 works spanning roughly 250 years of American art, from colonial times to contemporary pieces. The collection is displayed throughout the house, enhancing the authentic atmosphere by placing art in period rooms furnished to reflect early 20th-century upper-class American life.

Highlights of the collection include:

Portraiture: Including Gilbert Stuart’s 1809 portrait “Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis,” known for its delicate realism and historical significance.

Landscape Paintings: Frederic Edwin Church’s “The Andes of Ecuador” (1855) offers an iconic example of the Hudson River School’s romanticism and detailed portrayal of American landscapes.

Folk and Regional Art: Edward Hicks’ “Peaceable Kingdom of the Branch” (circa 1826-1830) is an important representation of American folk art, notable for its symbolic narrative and historical context.

Modern and Contemporary Art: Works by Alfred Henry Maurer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Jacob Lawrence, and other artists reflect evolving artistic movements and diverse American experiences.

The collection’s range and quality make Reynolda House a vital institution for understanding the evolution of American artistic identity.

Special Exhibitions and Programming

The museum expanded in 2005 with the opening of the Mary and Charlie Babcock Wing, a modern gallery space that hosts rotating exhibitions. These exhibitions frequently explore thematic or chronological aspects of American art, highlighting both well-known masters and emerging voices.

Recent notable exhibitions have included:

"Good Impressions: Portraits Across Three Centuries" — tracing developments in portraiture and identity from the 1700s to the present day.

"Georgia O’Keeffe: Living Modern" — a comprehensive exhibition examining the life, style, and artistic innovations of one of America’s most iconic painters.

Educational programs, lectures, workshops, and family activities complement these exhibitions, engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Reynolda Gardens and Grounds

Reynolda House is surrounded by 134 acres of meticulously maintained gardens and grounds that provide a scenic backdrop and an additional cultural experience. The gardens include formal areas such as boxwood parterres, walking trails, woodlands, and the restored Brown Family Conservatory, originally built in 1913.

The conservatory is notable for its themed rooms, such as an orchid room and an orangery, offering visitors the chance to explore botanical collections and horticultural history alongside their art museum visit. The gardens serve as a place for reflection, community events, and educational programs, enriching the visitor experience beyond the galleries.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

Visitors to Reynolda House Museum of American Art enjoy a multifaceted experience that combines art, history, architecture, and nature. The museum offers guided tours, audio guides, and interpretive materials that provide context for both the art and the historic home environment.

Additional amenities include:

Gift Shop: Featuring art-inspired items, books, and locally crafted goods.

Café: Serving light refreshments and meals, often incorporating local ingredients.

Event Spaces: The museum and gardens are popular venues for cultural events, weddings, and community gatherings.

Practical Information

Location: 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Sunday 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM; closed Mondays and some holidays.

Admission: General admission is typically around $18, with free entry for children under 18, students with ID, military personnel, Forsyth County Library Pass holders, Museums for All participants, and Wake Forest University employees.

Accessibility: The museum is committed to accessibility, providing wheelchair access and accommodations for visitors with disabilities.

Summary

Reynolda House Museum of American Art stands as a cultural beacon that artfully bridges history, architecture, and American art. Its distinctive presentation of a major art collection within the lived-in setting of a historic estate offers a unique and intimate way to engage with American artistic heritage. The combination of the mansion’s architectural grandeur, the breadth of its art collections, and the beauty of its gardens creates a rich, immersive experience that appeals to art lovers, history enthusiasts, and visitors seeking a deeper understanding of America’s cultural landscape.