The Hyde Collection
Author: Camille
Summary: The Hyde Collection is considered one of the premiere small art museums in the Northeast with art comparable to that found in major metropolitan art museums. The architecture of the building is art on its own and the art is displayed in bedrooms, libraries and drawing rooms in a beautiful fashion. A visit to the Hyde Collection should be added to every Adirondack and Upstate NY itinerary.
Date: Observations and data recorded on January 18, 2024
Site/Location: 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801
Distance from Camp Hudson Pines: 15 Miles (approx. 25 minute drive)
Participants: An Adult Woman
Length of Observation: Approximately 1 hour
Links: https://www.hydecollection.org/
Activity: The Hyde Collection is a small art museum located in Upstate New York in the charming town of Glens Falls. The Hyde Collection is recognized as a “World-class art museum in Upstate New York” and has art that hung in Charlotte and Louis Hyde’s home from old masters such as Botticelli, El Greco, Raphael, Rembrandt and Rubens. After Louis died in 1934, Charlotte continued collecting with the idea of establishing a trust to make her home a museum and added works by modern masters such as Cézanne, Degas, Picasso, Renoir, Seurat, and van Gogh. She also added in work by American artists including Eakins, Hassam, Homer, Peto, and Ryder.
The art hangs in the house and the furniture and house are as much of a draw as the art itself. Charlotte Pruyn Hyde grew up in Glens Falls and she and Louis moved back from Boston to be near her family. Her two sisters built neighboring houses and together there are seven acres of land and gardens. The house was designed by a Boston architect, Henry Forbes, and is in the style of an Italian Renaissance Palazzo.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibits throughout the year and has art programs and classes for adults and children you can sign up for through their website or by calling.
Photographs:
Reflections: The Hyde Collection is a delight and should be on everyone’s “must see” list when visiting the Saratoga Springs and Lake George area. The breadth of art is astounding for a small museum in a small town. In every room, I was amazed at the incredible art both by names well known and less well known (to me). But the fact that they're hanging in an architecturally beautiful house was what made it one of my favorite art museums I have ever visited. The light-filled atrium has beautiful tiled floors, wood and iron tables, and a beautiful piece of art hanging from above. The library is filled with old colorful books housed in floor to ceiling wood shelves and paneling. Treat yourself to this museum; you won’t regret it.
Some logistical tips - Parking is very easy and there is a lot right before (not in front of) the museum. Make sure and check their hours if there is bad weather but generally they are open Thursday - Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.
And while you are in Glens Falls, make sure and stroll down Broadway or visit The Shirt Factory.
