Chesterwood, the summer home of sculptor Daniel Chester French and his daughter, sculptor Margaret French Cresson, will open its doors to the public on May 14, 2025. The extensive renovation project, which closed Chesterwood’s main residence for four years, had four goals: to complete an exterior envelope restoration, to boost the site’s accessibility, to create a climate-controlled storage space for the site’s art collection, and to complete all other interior restoration and renovation work.
Today Chesterwood houses an artist-in-residence program, staff, visitors, and a robust art collection. This National Trust Historic Site and member of the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios Program continues to serve the fields of art, history, and preservation in new ways.
When asked about the impact of the renovation project, Miguel Rodriguez, executive director of Chesterwood said, “This is an exciting time for Chesterwood. The recent renovations enrich the visitor experience, and the new exhibition rooms allow us to activate the collection in a way it has never been before, showcasing works and spaces rarely shown to the public.”
So, what should you keep an eye out for during your next visit to the site? Let’s explore five freshly unveiled features at Chesterwood’s main residence and then plan your visit!