Thursday, June 27 @ 8:15 am – 6:00 pm EDT
The Ridgefield Historical Society will offer a remarkable opportunity to interact with one of the leading tapestry designers of the 20th and 21st centuries, Ridgefielder Helena Hernmarck, as well as to delve into the history of design in a new exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum in New York on Thursday, June 27, 2024.
Ms. Hernmarck will meet the group, traveling by coach bus from Ridgefield, at the Cooper Hewitt Museum and as part of the day’s activities will introduce them to several of her large-scale works that were created for Manhattan locations.
First up will be the Cooper Hewitt, where participants will take a guided tour of Acquired! Shaping the National Design Collection, an exhibit that features more than 150 works representing what design meant to collectors from the 19th Century to the present day. Both Ms. Hernmarck and her late husband, the renowned industrial designer Niels Diffrient, are represented in these selections. The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historical and contemporary design. It was founded in 1897 and became a part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1967.
There will be time to explore further at the Cooper Hewitt before lunch at Island, a short walk from the museum, where a prix fixe menu has been arranged (and is included in the ticket price). The group will re-board the bus for visits to locations where they will have exclusive access to Ms. Hernmarck’s tapestries: 60 Columbus Circle, 450 Lexington Avenue and 35 Hudson Yards.
Helena Hernmarck, celebrated for her monumental tapestries designed for architectural settings, takes center stage as the tour showcases her masterpieces, featuring images ranging from the vibrant hues of Central Park’s changing seasons to a majestic beech tree that once graced her own Ridgefield garden. Each tapestry narrates a unique story, bridging the realms of nature and human creativity.
“This bus trip offers a rare opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich mosaic of New York City’s design landscape,” says Stephen Bartkus, Executive Director of the Ridgefield Historical Society. “Through Ms. Hernmarck’s evocative works, we will explore the symbiotic relationship between art, architecture, and cultural heritage.”
Tickets for this unique opportunity are $149 and are non-refundable. More information on how to purchase your tickets to come. For additional information contact: [email protected] or 203-438-5821.
The bus will leave the Municipal Parking Lot on Governor Street in Ridgefield, CT (between RVNA Health at 27 Governor St. and the Boys and Girls Club at 41 Governor St.) on Thursday, June 27, at 8:30 a.m.; check in no later than 8:15 a.m. The Cooper Hewitt guided tour is scheduled from 10:15 to 11 a.m. with free time to explore the rest of the museum until 11:45 a.m. (www.cooperhewitt.org/) Following lunch at noon, the afternoon touring will continue until 4:30 p.m., with return to Ridgefield planned for 6 p.m.
About Ridgefield Historical Society: The Ridgefield Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich history and cultural heritage of Ridgefield, Connecticut. Through engaging programs, exhibitions, and community events, the Society strives to connect residents and visitors alike with the stories that shape our collective identity. www.ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org
About Helena Hernmarck: Helena Hernmarck (b. Stockholm, 1941) is a tapestry artist and weaver best known for her monumental, commissioned tapestries designed for architectural settings. Active since the 1960s, Hernmarck has worked with architects including Philip Johnson, I.M. Pei, George Nelson, Chuck Bassett, and Kevin Roche. Her tapestries are in numerous museum collections including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. www.hernmarck.com
About Cooper Hewitt Museum: Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, is the only museum in the United States devoted exclusively to historic and contemporary design. Housed in the former residence of industrial magnate Andrew Carnegie, the museum showcases a diverse collection spanning over 30 centuries, offering insights into the evolution of design and its impact on society. www.cooperhewitt.org/
