Skip to Main Content

 Admission is always freeOpen today: 10:00  to 5:00  Directions             Play Artle            

                  -  Visit                      - Visit
                    - Getting Here
                    - Accessibility
                    - Tours, Guides & Maps
                    - Food & Drink
                    - Gallery Shops
                    - Visitor Policies 
                  -  Collection                      - Collection
                    - Highlights
                    - Search the Collection
                    - Artists Search
                    - Acquisition Highlights
                    - Stories 
                  -  Exhibitions                      - Exhibitions
                    - Current
                    - Special Installations
                    - Upcoming
                    - On Tour
                    - Past 
                  -  Calendar                      - Calendar
                    - Films
                    - Performances
                    - Talks
                    - Guided Tours
                    - After Hours
                    - Fun for Kids
                    - Festivals
                    - Workshops 
                  -  Learn                      - Learn
                    - Teachers
                    - Families
                    - Teens
                    - Adults
                    - Learning Resources
                    - Music Programs
                    - Film Programs 
                  -  Conservation                      - Conservation
                    - Projects
                    - Publications
                    - Resources 
                  -  Research                      - Research
                    - The Center
                    - Publications
                    - Make an Appointment
                    - Archives
                    - Library
                    - NGA Online Editions 
                  -  Support                      - Support
                    - Donate Now
                    - National Membership
                    - Circle Membership
                    - Leadership Groups
                    - Planned Giving
                    - Major Giving
                    - Gifts of Art 
                  -  Shop                      - Shop
                    - Books
                    - Jewelry
                    - Apparel & Accessories
                    - Kids
                    - NGA Custom Prints 
                  -  Play Artle

Home>Exhibitions>Special Installations>Masterpieces of American Furniture

# Masterpieces of American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection, 1700–1830

Now on View

## OngoingWest Building Ground Floor

One of the largest and most refined collections of early American furniture in private hands—acquired over the course of five decades by George M. and Linda H. Kaufman—was promised to the National Gallery of Art in October 2010. A new installation on the Ground Floor of the West Building highlights nearly 100 examples of early American furniture and decorative arts from this distinguished collection, including French floral watercolors by Pierre Joseph Redouté and American, Chinese, and French porcelains.

In addition, the installation will include paintings by celebrated American artists in the Gallery's collection such as Gilbert Stuart. The Kaufman gift dramatically complements the National Gallery's fine holdings of European decorative arts with equally important American works of art.

Exhibition Brochure
A Look Inside
*Masterpieces of American Furniture from the Kaufman Collection, 1700–1830* offers visitors to the nation’s capital an unprecedented opportunity to view some of the finest furniture made by colonial and post-revolutionary American artisans. 
View PDF

Audio
Four Centuries of American Chairs
Oscar Fitzgerald, adjunct professor of decorative arts and design history, Corcoran School of Art and Design, George Washington University, traces the evolution of furniture styles from the 17th to the 20th century. Fitzgerald discusses 17th-century mannerism; baroque, rococo, and neoclassical styles of the 18th century; the Victorian reaction to classical design in the 19th century; and 20th-century modernism, with its rejection and then rediscovery of ornament.
Listen

**Organization**                        Organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington                    

**Passes** Admission is always free and passes are not required.

**Banner detail**: *Grecian Couch*, attributed to John Finlay (1777–1851) and Hugh Finlay (1781–1831), Baltimore, 1810–1830, walnut and cherry; paint; gold leaf, promised gift of George M. and Linda H. Kaufman

### Stay connected

Learn more about our exhibitions, news, programs, and special offers.

About
            - About the National Gallery
            - Stories
            - Press
            - FAQs
            - Contact Us

Plan a Visit
            - Getting Here
            - Accessibility
            - Today's Tours
            - Food & Drink
            - Calendar
            - Downloadable Map

Get Involved
            - Donate
            - Membership
            - Volunteer
            - Opportunities
            - Shop Online

Resources
            - Search the Collection
            - Conservation
            - Library
            - Archives
            - The Center
            - Film Programs
            - Music Programs
            - Audio/Video
            - Open Access Images

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

**West Building**6th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter or exit from Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, or 7th Street. The Madison Drive entrance is currently closed.*

**East Building**4th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 4th Street.*

**Sculpture Garden**7th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 7th Street, Constitution Avenue, or Madison Drive.*

We are closed on December 25 and January 1.

*The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.*

            -  Twitter 
            -  Facebook 
            -  Instagram 
            -  Pinterest 
            -  YouTube 

© 2024 National Gallery of Art   Notices   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy