Park Archives: Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Thomas Cole National Historic Site New York
NPS photo

VISIT THE PLACE WHERE ART WAS BORN

DISCOVER THE INSPIRING STORY of how one man invented a new way of looking at America, and through his paintings enabled future generations to "know better how to appreciate the treasures of their own country."

See the studio where Thomas Cole created his masterpieces, walk in his footsteps through the nearby hiking trails where the breathtaking views remain pristine, watch a film that tells the story of his rise to prominence, and tour the peaceful home and gardens where history was made.

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark that welcomes thousands of visitors each year, featuring changing exhibitions of landscape paintings, guided tours of his gracious 1815 home and studio, a museum shop stocked with art books and creative gifts, and a place to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring the landscape.

"...the enlightened of all ages and nations have found pleasure and consolation in the beauty of the rural earth."

—Thomas Cole

THOMAS COLE AND THE HUDSON RIVER SCHOOL

Regarded as the founder of America's first major art movement, known as the Hudson River School, Thomas Cole (1801-1848) is a central figure in the development of American culture. The art movement that he launched had a major influence on America's understanding of its natural environment, its national destiny, the idea that nature reflected the divine, and the desire for touring the country's natural wonders.

SEE ART HISTORY COME TO LIFE

Follow the Hudson River School Art Trail, which takes you to the sites that inspired America's first great landscape painters. Walk in Thomas Cole's footsteps, and compare his 19th-century paintings with the same magnificent views as they appear today.

Maps, directions and more information are available at the Thomas Cole Historic Site and at www.thomascole.org/trail.

HOURS & ADMISSION

The Visitor Center is open and guided tours of the Main House and Studio are offered May through October, Thursday through Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Please visit our website for exact opening and closing dates. Tours begin at the Visitor Center approximately every hour on a first-come-first-served basis. Tours last 50 minutes, and each tour is limited to 12 people. The last tour departs at 3 pm. For ticket prices, please visit our website, www.thomascole.org.

(click for larger map)

DIRECTIONS

The Thomas Cole National Historic Site is located near the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, in the village of Catskill, New York, at the foot of the Catskill Mountains in the Hudson Valley.

FROM NYC OR ALBANY:
Take NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 21 (Catskill). After the toll booth, make a left at the traffic light. Proceed 1000 feet and make a left onto Route 23 East. Proceed 2 miles and make a right at the traffic light onto Spring Street (Route 385).

FROM TACONIC PARKWAY:
Take the Hudson exit (Route 82 North) towards the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Follow Route 82, which becomes Route 23 West, and cross the Hudson River via the Rip Van Winkle Bridge. Turn left at first traffic light onto Spring Street (Route 385).

Source: NPS Brochure (undated)

Establishment

Thomas Cole National Historic Site — December 9, 1999

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