All aboard for holiday fun as Brandywine Christmas returns
Chadds Ford, PA, November 4, 2019 — The magic of the holiday season returns to the Brandywine River Museum of Art during Brandywine Christmas, November 29, 2019 through January 5, 2020. This spectacular holiday experience for all ages includes a gallery filled with an expansive model train display; a special exhibition featuring a selection of three beloved fairy tales and their evolution through time and different cultures; towering trees decorated with whimsical Critter ornaments; and a wide selection of holiday events and programs for the whole family.
Cinderella & Co.—Three Fairy Tales Reimagined
On view through Sunday, January 5, 2020
Cinderella & Co.—Three Fairy Tales Reimagined explores the enduring stories of Cinderella, The Three Little Pigs and Goldilocks and the Three Bears, presenting a wide array of illustrations created through time and across cultures. For centuries, fairy tales have enchanted children and adults alike. These age-old stories, endlessly told and reimagined over time and place, spark our imaginations, teach life lessons, and touch on dark fears and basic truths. Guest curated by H. Nichols B. Clark and organized by the Brandywine, the exhibition includes more than 100 drawings from books illustrated by 35 artists, revealing both cultural and stylistic diversity.
Brandywine Railroad
On view: Black Friday, November 29, 2019 through Sunday, January 5, 2020
The Brandywine River Museum of Art’s model train display, a holiday family favorite since 1972, offers something for everyone with its dazzling array of both toy and scale model trains made by Lionel, Williams, Atlas, Mike’s Train House, K-line and others. The Brandywine Railroad features trains running on 2,000 feet of track and includes more than 1,000 pieces, including locomotives, passenger and freight trains, and trolleys that pass through a small town, a farm, factories and even a carnival.
Annual Holiday Critter Sale
Thursday, December 5, 4:30-8 p.m.
Friday, December 6 through Sunday, December 8, 9:30a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Critters are delightful, distinctive ornaments and tabletop decorations that are handmade locally using natural materials. Each Critter has its own unique personality and expression—no two are exactly the same. From whimsical animals—like cats, dogs, reindeer and bears—to heavenly angels and stars, Critters come in all shapes and sizes. Using their imaginations, the Critter-maker volunteers work with natural materials such as pine cones, acorns, egg shells, flowers and seed pods to give each Critter its own unique personality and expression. Brandywine volunteers have been creating Critters for more than 40 years with all proceeds benefiting the Volunteers’ Art Purchase Fund and Art Education & Programming. Critter prices range from $5 to $35, with specialty items from $50 to $250. Remaining critters will be on sale in the Museum gift shop beginning Monday, December 9, while supplies last.
Special holiday events and activities throughout the season include:
The Polar Express Read-Aloud Pajama Night
Thursday, December 5, 7 to 8 p.m.
$10 members; $15 non-members
Children are invited to wear their pajamas as they delight in the tale of The Polar Express and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, from 7 to 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and families are welcome to view the trains, trees and critter ornaments until the start of the program at 7 p.m.
Breakfast with the Trains
Saturdays, December 7 and 14, 8:30 to 10 a.m.
$20 members; $25 non-members
All Aboard! Join in an exclusive, behind-the-scenes visit with the Brandywine Railroad. Discover how the extensive layout is created and the complicated multitasking it takes to keep everything running. This before-hours event includes a private tour of the trains in action with Brandywine Railroad engineers, special activities for the younger train fans, and a continental breakfast in the Museum’s Millstone Café.
Stroller Tours: Brandywine Christmas
Tuesday, December 10, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Free with Museum admission
Enjoy a relaxed morning out with your little one while engaging with art in the galleries. This guided tour is designed especially for adults accompanied by babies. Stroller Tours are offered once a month, each with a different theme.
Children’s Christmas Party
Wednesday, December 11, 6 to 8 p.m.
Members: $12 adults, free for children. Non-members: $15 adults, $5 children (3-11), free for children under 3.
Enjoy magic and wonder during this beloved Brandywine family tradition! Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy entertainment, costumed characters, face painting, model trains, trees adorned with hundreds of “Critter” ornaments, and Cookie Land!
Piano Performance by Jennifer Nicole Campbell
Wednesday, December 18, 1-2 p.m.
Free with Museum admission
Award-winning pianist and composer Jennifer Nicole Campbell will perform a variety of classical and holiday songs in the Museum atrium for visitors.
Sensory-Friendly Train Morning
Saturday, January 4, 8:30–9:30 a.m.
Free with advance registration
Individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorder and their families are invited to join us for early access to the Museum’s Brandywine Railroad, a holiday favorite featuring O-gauge model trains running on nearly 2,000 feet of track. Created in conjunction with local families and occupational therapists, this inclusive and accessible program strives to provide a welcoming experience through offering: pre-visit social stories; reduced crowding and noise; a sensory break area; on-hand support of skilled and friendly volunteers which include occupational therapy graduate students and faculty; and fidgets and noise-cancelling headphones to borrow. This program welcomes participants of all ages and their families (siblings welcome!). Space is limited and registration is requested. For more information or to register, contact Laura Westmoreland at [email protected] or 610.388.8120.
Brandywine Christmas is made possible by the generosity of The Davenport Family Foundation Fund for Exhibitions and Otto’s BMW & Mini. Additional support is provided by Herr Foods, Inc., and The Freylinghuysen Foundation.
About the Brandywine River Museum of Art:
The Brandywine River Museum of Art features an outstanding collection of American art housed in a 19th-century mill building with a dramatic steel and glass addition overlooking the banks of the Brandywine. The Museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day) and is located on Route 1 in Chadds Ford, PA. Admission is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors ages 65 and over, $6 for students and children ages 6 and up; free for children 5 and younger and Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art members. Guided tours of the Andrew Wyeth Studio, N. C. Wyeth House & Studio, and the Kuerner Farm—all National Historic Landmarks—are available daily (for an additional fee) from April 4 through November 18; advance reservations are recommended. For more information, call 610.388.2700 or visit brandywinemuseum.org. The Museum is one of the two programs of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.
About the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art:
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art preserves and promotes the natural and cultural connections between the area’s beautiful landscape, historic sites, and important artists. The Conservancy protects the lands throughout the Brandywine Valley, developing new conservation approaches and assuring access to majestic open spaces and dependable water supplies for generations to come. The Museum of Art presents and collects historic and contemporary works of American art, engaging and exciting visitors of all ages through an array of exhibitions and programs. The Brandywine unites the inspiring experiences of art and nature, enhancing the quality of life in its community and among its diverse audiences.
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Presenting Wyeth & American Art