Explore the work that curators, conservators, and students do to understand, care for, and interpret the objects in Winterthur’s collection. Watch the gallery transform over time as new voices join the conversation to share their discoveries.
On view in the First-Floor Galleries.
Stitched in Place
Discover how American needlework has and continues to serve as a medium for expressing identity, belonging, and awareness of place. Samplers, needlework pictures, tools, garments, accessories, and other textiles from the 17th through 20th centuries invite reflection on how makers used needle and thread to communicate who they were, where they came from, and how they wished to be seen. On view through April 4, 2027.
Fishing Lady needlework picture, 1740–1760, probably Boston, museum purchase, 1956.0062
Uncovering Historical Upholstery: Hamilton’s Chairs
Explore the conservation efforts to closer identify the original upholstery of a set of chairs once owned by Alexander Hamilton. Conservators examined objects including a chair given to Winterthur in 1952 and six donated in 2021. On view starting August 4, 2026.
Side chair, 1790–1800, Elbert Anderson, New York, Gift of Henry Francis du Pont, 1952.0131
How Does Your Silver Stay Shiny?
Polishing silver is time-intensive, and Winterthur has more than 2,250 pieces of silver openly displayed in the rooms of the mansion. With an on-site conservation department and a graduate program in art conservation offered in conjunction with the University of Delaware, Winterthur is a leader in the field of conservation. So, it is no wonder that museums around the world look here for advice about keeping it silver shiny. See how we make that possible with a visit to this exhibit. On view starting August 25, 2026.
Tankard, 1696–1702, Boston, gift of Great B. Layton in honor of Foster Macfarland Bartovics and Alexander Macfarland Layton, 2007.0018