Weir Farm National Historic Site, Connecticut
Weir Farm National Historic Site is one of two national historic sites dedicated to the visual arts. Celebrating the life and work of impressionist painter, Julian Alden Weir, Weir Farm became a national historic site in 1990. Weir Farm is located in the Southwest corner of Connecticut, partially in Wilton and partially in Ridgefield on over 60 acres with 16 buildings, a hiking trail, lovely stone walls, gardens and Weir Pond.
Originally 153 acres, the farm was purchased in 1882 for $10 and a painting, which Julian Alden Weir brought back from Paris, France. Unfortunately prior to being designated as a national historic site, Weir Farm had been subdivided for housing developments in the 1980's. Through 12 dozen transactions, the Public Land Trust worked with Weir Farm and the State of Connecticut to reacquire the divided land and the farm was eventually placed under permanent protection.
The grounds are a lovely and peaceful setting for artists as wells as for nature lovers. In 2014, as a source of inspiration and after extensive restoration, the home and two artists studios were finally opened to the public. In 2018, the park enjoyed over 35,000 visitors through a variety of activities offered on a frequent basis. Check their calendar for current events and happenings and enjoy your day there!
Weir Farm National Historic Site is one of two national historic sites dedicated to the visual arts. Celebrating the life and work of impressionist painter, Julian Alden Weir, Weir Farm became a national historic site in 1990. Weir Farm is located in the Southwest corner of Connecticut, partially in Wilton and partially in Ridgefield on over 60 acres with 16 buildings, a hiking trail, lovely stone walls, gardens and Weir Pond.
Originally 153 acres, the farm was purchased in 1882 for $10 and a painting, which Julian Alden Weir brought back from Paris, France. Unfortunately prior to being designated as a national historic site, Weir Farm had been subdivided for housing developments in the 1980's. Through 12 dozen transactions, the Public Land Trust worked with Weir Farm and the State of Connecticut to reacquire the divided land and the farm was eventually placed under permanent protection.
The grounds are a lovely and peaceful setting for artists as wells as for nature lovers. In 2014, as a source of inspiration and after extensive restoration, the home and two artists studios were finally opened to the public. In 2018, the park enjoyed over 35,000 visitors through a variety of activities offered on a frequent basis. Check their calendar for current events and happenings and enjoy your day there!
Weir Farm Programs
Self-Guided Walking Tours of the grounds are available year-round and the visitor center provides a self-guiding walking tour map. Take Part in Art Encouraging visitors to discover their inner artist by loaning them colored pencils, pastel, and paper Wednesdays through Sundays and watercolor supplies on the weekends. Free one or two day art workshops for beginners through advanced artists to learn more about impressionism. Contact the visitor center 203-834-1896 for dates and times. Stone Walls Guided Hike Every two weeks on Fridays at 10:00 am, a park ranger provides a 1 hour guided hike through the farm, explaining the rich history of three different types of stone walls which have inspired many artists over the years. Yoga in the Garden Every Friday at 5:30 pm through the end of September. No registration required, but please bring your yoga mat and a water bottle. |
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Annual Art in the Park Festival on August 25.
Artists of all abilities can submit their work by dropping off their art at the Visitor Center to join the competition starting in May. Last day to submit is August 25. All entries are eligible to part of the C & B Cultural Center exhibit in September. Enjoy demonstrations, activity stations, free-to-use art supplies, refreshments, music, and more! Weir Art Where can you see Julian Alden Wiers' paintings? His paintings are located at nearly 65 locations in the United States along with two other locations, the British Museum in London and the Orsay Museum in Paris. |
Weir and Young Studio
Two art studios are located on the Weir Farm property. The first one was built in 1885 by Weir and the second one was built with a reference library in 1932 by Young. Both of these are now open to the public, Wednesday through Sunday, between Spring and Fall. |
Dorothy Weir and Mahonri Young
In 1931, Julian Alden Weir's daughter, Dorothy Weir, married the grandson of Brigham Young, Mahonri Young. Mahonri Young was a sculpture and artist with 320 sculptures, 590 oil paintings, 5,500 watercolors and 2,600 prints. Mahonri and Dorothy traveled to Utah on many occasions for his sculpture This is the Place Monument located in Salt Lake City, which is named for the settlers of the West and Mormon pioneers. |
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Weir Home and Studio Guided Tours See original masterpieces by From May through October, 30 minute guided tours of the Weir home are available at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Same day registration, first come, first served, is available at the Burlington House Visitor Center. Guided tours of the Weir and Young studios are offered from 10 am to 4:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Artist in Residence Program Selected artists spend one month living and working at the park in a modern studio right next to their residence. Resident artists will hold an open house where visitors can talk to them regarding their work. Applications are due November 1. Over 150 artists from all over the world have participated in this program. |
The National Park System
United States has a total of 419 national park areas which include national parks, monuments, battlefields, sites and preserves. It would be an amazing feat to visit all of them as many visitors have already achieved. The next time you're at one of these sites, pick up a National Park Passport and you'll soon be on your way to collecting stamps from each location.
United States has a total of 419 national park areas which include national parks, monuments, battlefields, sites and preserves. It would be an amazing feat to visit all of them as many visitors have already achieved. The next time you're at one of these sites, pick up a National Park Passport and you'll soon be on your way to collecting stamps from each location.