Chesterwood, the summer home of sculptor Daniel Chester French and his daughter, sculptor Margaret French Cresson, will open its doors to the public on May 14, 2025. The extensive renovation project, which closed Chesterwood's main residence for four years, had four goals: to complete an exterior envelope restoration, to boost the site’s accessibility, to create a climate-controlled storage space for the site’s art collection, and to complete all other interior restoration and renovation work.

Today Chesterwood houses an artist-in-residence program, staff, visitors, and a robust art collection. This National Trust Historic Site and member of the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios Program continues to serve the fields of art, history, and preservation in new ways.

When asked about the impact of the renovation project, Miguel Rodriguez, executive director of Chesterwood said, “This is an exciting time for Chesterwood. The recent renovations enrich the visitor experience, and the new exhibition rooms allow us to activate the collection in a way it has never been before, showcasing works and spaces rarely shown to the public.”

So, what should you keep an eye out for during your next visit to the site? Let’s explore five freshly unveiled features at Chesterwood's main residence and then plan your visit!

1. The Unique Stucco Exterior

The exterior envelope restoration involved work on the site’s roof, windows, stone foundation, and—perhaps most painstakingly of all—repairing the site’s stucco exterior. To recreate the stucco as it existed during French’s time, staff needed to source marble and coal byproducts (including cinders and slag). Large rollers were brought onto the property to crush the coal byproducts into smaller pieces, which were then used along with clean marble fragments in the stucco finish. Two trained mason workers from England and Ireland were hired to install the fresh stucco the same way it was historically—with lime mortar.

This process involved a hefty amount of research and collaboration, and the result is an unusual, custom stucco exterior that aligns with French’s vision. Next time you visit Chesterwood, be sure to take a look at the stucco!

2. Three New Exhibit Spaces

Beginning this summer, visitors will be able to explore the second floor of Chesterwood’s main residence. The upstairs includes three bedrooms that have been renovated and converted into additional exhibition space. The exhibits on show this summer explore works by artists Margaret French Cresson and Evelyn Beatrice Longman. Also highlighted are oil paintings that showcase the collaborations between Daniel Chester French and the models he worked with, including professionals, friends, and family members.

3. The Ability to View Artworks in Chesterwood’s Private Collection

For the first time ever, anyone interested in viewing art that is housed in Chesterwood’s private collection is now able to. During the renovation, Chesterwood’s basement was converted into a sealed, climate-controlled storage space. While staff expect nearby colleges and universities to take advantage of this new opportunity, they also encourage interested individuals to reach out in advance of their visit if they wish to view art works in the collection.

4. Fresh Safety and Accessibility Features

An ADA-compliant entrance with an exterior ramp to Chesterwood’s main residence was built for artists, staff, and visitors. Inside, the site’s bathrooms on both floors were renovated and an interior elevator was installed. The servants’ quarters were converted to office space, and an interior sprinkler system was established. These changes were made to meet modern standards and to increase Chesterwood’s safety and accessibility, ensuring as many visitors as possible are able to explore and engage with the site.

5. Ongoing Wallpaper Restoration Onsite

A project to restore the wallpaper in two rooms—the dining room and the parlor—of Chesterwood’s main residence is still underway. The wallpaper that will soon decorate the dining room is a replica of a paper originally chosen by Margaret French Cresson. The wallpaper for the parlor was printed by the same manufacturer that created the original wallpaper in the early 1900s.