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After Years Of Restoration, Weir House, Weir Studio, And Young Studio To Reopen To The Public

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By NPT Staff - May 7th, 2014
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The dining room ofthe Weir House with its Bavarian Chandelier./NPS 

Some restoration projects take longer than others. Such is the case at Weir Farm National Historic Site, where 10 years of work are coming to an end and the public will soon be able to tour the Weir House, Weir Studio, and Young Studio.

The National Park Service says artist Julian Alden Weir "was a 19th century rockstar in the world of Impressionist painting. He also had a stylish flair for interior design that will inspire you to you rethink your own living room. How do we know? We've seen inside the wildly artistic Weir House, Weir Studio, and Young Studio. Now it's your turn to join us for the "big reveal" on the Grand Opening Weekend, Saturday, May 24, and Sunday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

After a decade of state-of-the-art restoration work, these nationally celebrated buildings have been completely restored with original furniture and artwork. Wander through the eccentric and charming house and studio spaces that inspired generations of famous and talented American artists. The unique décor includes many European elements from Weir's overseas travels, including rich Flemish tapestries, a Bavarian staghorn chandelier, a Delft tile framed fireplace, and medieval stained glass.

The interior design and outdoor landscapes also reflect Weir's fascination with nature. Walk in his footsteps as you explore 60-acres of national park landscape, including the Weir Pond, historic gardens, orchards, fields, and forest. Be inspired by the artistic legacy started in the Weir Studio and enjoy free-to-use watercolor supplies and laid-back instruction from local professional artists as part of the park's popular Take Part in Art program.

Inside the Artist-in-Residence Studio, you'll find a new exhibit of paintings by Sperry Andrews, the last artist to live on-site. A display of works by local, contemporary artists will be available for purchase in the visitor center.

To preserve the park grounds, there will be no on-site parking during the Grand Opening Weekend. All parking will be at nearby Branchville Elementary School, 40 Florida Road Ridgefield, CT 06877. Free shuttle service will run continuously between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

Weir Farm National Historic Site was home to three generations of American artists. Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism, acquired the farm in 1882. After Weir, the artistic legacy was continued by his daughter, painter Dorothy Weir Young and her husband, sculptor Mahonri Young, followed by New England painters Sperry and Doris Andrews. Today, the 60-acre park, which includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond, is one of the nation's finest remaining landscapes of American art.

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