DeCordova Sculpture Park and Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1950 |
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| Location | 51 Sandy Pond Road Lincoln, Massachusetts United States |
| Type | Art museum and sculpture park |
| Owner | The Trustees of Reservations |
| Public transit access | Lincoln stop on the Fitchburg MBTA Line and a 1.5 mile walk |
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is a special place in Lincoln, Massachusetts, near Boston. It's a park filled with amazing sculptures and a museum that shows modern art. It opened in 1950 and is the biggest park of its kind in New England, covering 30 acres (about 12 hectares).
At the deCordova, you can see over 60 large sculptures outdoors in the park. These artworks are always changing, making each visit unique! Inside the museum, there are different art shows that change regularly. The deCordova also has its own collection, focusing on photography and art made by artists from New England.
Contents
History of the deCordova Museum
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum is built on what used to be the home of Julian de Cordova. He was a collector, but his art wasn't considered very valuable. So, his collection was sold. The money from the sale was used to create a new museum.
The people in charge wanted a museum that focused on modern art from the local area. There weren't many places in Boston at the time showing this kind of art. When the museum officially opened in 1950, it was called the DeCordova and Dana Museum. It was the only museum focused on living artists from New England. It also offered art classes.
Early Years and Changes
The first director was Frederick P. Walkey. He worked hard to create exciting art shows and art classes. The deCordova quickly became known for showing new and important art trends. This included Pop Art and other art styles from the Boston area after World War II.
Around 1989, the museum changed its name to the deCordova Museum and Sculpture Park. A famous photographer named Georgia Litwack even taught classes there. In 2019, a group called The Trustees of Reservations took over the deCordova. They are a non-profit organization that protects land and historic places.
Designing the Museum Building
The deCordova Museum is located in Julian de Cordova's old mansion. Before it opened in 1950, a New England architect named John Quincy Adams made many changes to the building. He turned the lower floors into art galleries. The third floor was used for studio art classes.
Expanding the Art School
Many students wanted to take art classes at the deCordova. Soon, the museum didn't have enough space. So, in 1966, deCordova built four new studio buildings. These new spaces helped the art school grow and offer better equipment. Later, in the early 1980s, some buildings were updated to create offices for the art school.
Modern Upgrades
In 1998, the museum completed a big project to improve its building. The architects Kallmann McKinnell & Wood helped modernize and expand the educational areas. They added a new studio, a gift shop, and a gallery for art by teachers and students.
The museum's main exhibition space also grew with a large new addition. A roof terrace was added, offering great views of the Sculpture Park. The main galleries were also updated with a climate control system, a café, and a library.
Amazing Art at deCordova
The deCordova became very popular in the 1950s and 1960s because it focused on modern art. By the 1980s, more museums and galleries started showing similar art. To stay special, deCordova began new art programs.
Showcasing New England Artists
In 1982, director Paul Master-Karnik started the Annual Exhibition. This show featured works by new and exciting artists from New England. It gave a yearly look at the talent in the region.
Later, director Dennis Kois started the PLATFORM series. This ongoing series features special art installations made just for the deCordova by New England artists. In 2010, the Annual Exhibition was replaced by the deCordova Biennial. This show happens every two years and highlights leading artists from New England. It really shows the quality of art made in this area.
The Sculpture Park Experience
In 2009, the museum officially changed its name to deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum. This change emphasized its focus on the outdoor sculpture park. The park's lawns, forests, and fields are filled with modern and contemporary sculptures. These artworks show how artists work outdoors and how art interacts with nature.
The Sculpture Park has a mix of permanent artworks, loaned pieces, and special projects. The permanent collection includes sculptures by famous artists like Dorothy Dehner, Antony Gormley, Sol LeWitt, and Jaume Plensa. You can also see sculptures on loan from artists like Jim Dine and Paul Matisse.
Some artworks are created especially for the deCordova park. Recent examples include Big, with Rift by Steven Siegel and Watershed by Andy Goldsworthy. These unique pieces make visiting the deCordova Sculpture Park a truly special experience!
Images for kids
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Texas Triangles, by Charles Ginnever at the DeCordova Sculpture Park
