Realism

Chesterwood is the former summer home, studio and gardens of America’s foremost public sculptor, Daniel Chester French (1850-1931). French is best known for his Minute Man, in Concord, MA, and the Abraham Lincoln for the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC. However, he created over 100 monuments during his lifetime, which can be found in 16 states across the country and in Paris, France. Chesterwood encompasses French’s intimate house, his European-inspired landscape and gardens, and his impressive studio, which showcases original plaster models and sculpture in bronze and marble. Admire the view of the Berkshire Hills or stroll around the buildings and grounds as well as the well-established woodland paths designed by French himself.

All the rooms in the rambling bungalow of American Regionalist painter, muralist, sculptor, writer, and musician, Thomas Hart Benton, remain virtually as he left them, with his painting tools, supplies, and stretched canvas in the studio.

This Mediterranean-style residence and studio of internationally known Czech-American sculptor, Albin Polasek, features classical busts, decorative works, and grand sculptures displayed in several rooms and in the sculpture gardens. The historic home, chapel, gardens, and temporary exhibition gallery are open to the public. Our story, although it is Albin Polasek’s story, resonates with every visitor on an intimate level. It is one of perseverance, determination, passion and the American Dream. Our mission is to enrich lives by sharing our story, our setting and our art.