Classes, Workshops, Demonstrations, and More...

Experience a variety of entertaining and educational programs, from classes and hands-on workshops to demonstrations and tastings. See program details below. Some events require advance registration. Interested in spending time in our garden? Learn about garden programs here.

To register for any of the adult classes, workshops, and demonstrations listed below, please call 800.448.3883.

Winterthur Institute

2013 Session
September 23–October 4, 2013

Wintherthur Institute Application Form
 
Escape into the world of decorative arts from the 17th through the early 20th centuries. This intensive course offers an in-depth, two-week study of domestic furnishings made or used in America. Designed to appeal to individuals interested in American decorative arts, content for the course centers on the Winterthur collection, the world's largest assemblage of decorative arts made or used in America between 1640 and 1860.  

The course includes an orientation to Winterthur and an introduction to the principles of connoisseurship. Students also utilize resources in the Winterthur Library facilities. The program also includes field trips to local historic sites.

Sessions take place in classrooms, period rooms, and the exhibition areas of Winterthur. Classes are held five days a week from approximately 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Each day begins with lectures by Winterthur staff and/or guest speakers. Most afternoon programs are conducted in museum period rooms or with artifacts in classrooms. Guide specialists lead groups of five in "room studies." Workshops are small to allow close examination of the objects.

During the program, participants may take special-subject house tours that allow more in-depth study of particular styles and media. Participants will also have the opportunity to undertake small research projects while attending Winterthur Institute.

Cost for the two-week session is $1600. By application only. Call 302.888.4786 for more information. 

 
Spring Museum Programs

History through Fiction Book Club
First Tuesday of every month, March through May, 10:00 am–12:00 pm
Join us for informal discussion of new and classic works of fiction that broaden our understanding of objects in the museum collection or life at Winterthur during the first half of the twentieth century. $20 per member / $30 per non-member for the entire three-month series. Registration required by February 28. Call 800.448.3883 to register.

March 5: Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson (a compelling work of Young Adult Fiction).
April 2: The Cookbook Collector by Allegra Goodman
May 7: Summer, a novella by Edith Wharton

Crafternoon!
Second Friday of every month, March through May; 1:00–3:00 pm
Reconnect with your creative side while finding your inspiration in the Winterthur collection.  Each meeting features a show-and-tell about different objects in the museum or library and ample time to complete a small project to take home. Members only. $10 per person. Registration required by one week prior to each meeting.

March 8: Quillwork
Young women in the 1700s once decorated beautiful sconces with tiny pieces of rolled paper.  Come try your hand at delicate task at our first Crafternoon of the year!

April 12: Bookmaking
Learn about the ancient art of bookbinding and discover how to make a few examples wit the help of Winterthur's library conservator.

May 10: Decoupage
Make a beautiful decoupage plate using images from sources in the Winterthur library.

 

 

Spring Floral Arranging Workshops

Easter Bouquet
Wednesday, March 27
6:00 pm, Brown Learning Center
Join Winterthur’s talented floral arrangers in creating a stunning bouquet for your Easter table. The best of spring flowers will be chosen and the style will reflect the design aesthetic of the estate—abundant elegant flowers in wonderful color. Containers and flowers will be provided. Please bring clippers. $60 per Member. $70 per nonmember.

Ikebana
Wednesday, April 24
6:00 pm, Brown Learning Center
Midori Tanimune, a highly regarded designer of the Sogestu School of Ikebana, will teach the design principles of this graceful, Asian art form. Using fresh-cut flowers, you will create a take-home piece that engages harmony and balance in the process. Materials provided. $60 per Member. $70 per nonmember.

Upcoming Garden Workshops

Join us for one of our garden workshops—a perfect way to get energized in spring! All workshops take place in the new Brown Horticulture Learning Center in the Greenhouse Area.

Demos

Stitch in Public
Tuesday, April 23
10:00 am–4:00 pm, Galleries Reception Area

Stop by  to see members of the Brandywine Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America demonstrating a variety of needlework techniques.  Members free. Included with admission.