September 26, 2026–May 2, 2027
In 2026, Winterthur Museum celebrates its 75th anniversary—and America’s 250th—with a bold and beautiful exhibition showcasing more than 70 standout pieces from the collection, each chosen for its exceptional craftsmanship, inventive design, or use of rare or unexpected materials.
But this isn’t just about admiring fine furniture. It’s about rethinking what makes something a “masterpiece.” Through immersive displays and up-close looks at construction details, the exhibition invites you to explore deeper questions: Who gets to decide what’s considered great design? Whose stories have been left out? And is the term “masterpiece” still appropriate today?
Whether you’re drawn to the artistry of a hand-carved leg, the cleverness of a hidden drawer, or the cultural stories behind a chair’s design, Challenging Masterpieces offers a fresh perspective that celebrates creativity, identity, and the evolving legacy of American furniture—designed to spark curiosity and conversation.
Early American Furniture and the Idea of Masterpiece
A Two-Day Symposium | Friday, April 23, and Saturday, April 24, 2027
8:30 am to 5:00 pm
The exhibition Challenging Masterpieces: Art and Identity in American Furniture highlights examples of extraordinary furniture in the Winterthur collection to explore ideas about what makes a “masterpiece” and how the concept has been understood and used by collectors, connoisseurs, and museums.
The two-day symposium Early American Furniture and the Idea of Masterpiece will continue that exploration, delving deeper into design, craftsmanship, and the history of antiques collecting itself. These inquiries are designed to engage furniture enthusiasts, experts, historians, museum professionals, and others interested in material culture and American history.
This event includes lectures, workshops, case studies, an evening reception, and exhibition viewing.
Registration opens December 2026.
Enhance Your Visit
Get the most of your visit to Winterthur with these activities, included with your General Admission ticket, which is good for two consecutive days!
Take the Self-Paced House Tour. Explore American history through the spaces, stories, and objects that shaped the nation. Discover the enduring influence of colonial American architecture, an unparalleled collection of decorative arts, and the transformation of a private estate into a museum devoted to preserving and interpreting the American experience.
Explore the galleries and garden. Take a stroll in the world-renowned 60-acre garden or explore one of our walking trails throughout the 1,000-acre estate. And, no visit is complete without our garden tram tour. Our guides share highlights of the garden and the history of Winterthur on this 30-minute narrated tour. Then, head inside to be inspired by the galleries, featuring two floors of the finest examples of American decorative arts.
Chest of drawers, Philadelphia, PA, 1765–1775. Mahogany, cedar, tulip poplar, brass, and lacquer. Gift of Henry Francis du Pont 1957.0506