Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts from the White House

Smithsonian American Art Museum Renwick Gallery

October 1, 2011 - May 6, 2012

We're very excited about Something of Splendor: Decorative Arts from the White House, which opens at the museum's Renwick Gallery this weekend. We managed to sneak some shots of the installation during the press preview - take a look!

Something of Splendor Installation Photo

See more installation shots on Flickr.

William Allman, curator of the White House, also recorded a ten-episode podcast about the exhibition. Check it out to discover some of the wonderful stories behind the objects on view. Selected works from the exhibition are featured in an online slide show too, including objects that were featured in First Lady Jackie Kennedy's famous 1962 televised tour of the White House.

The museum, in collaboration with the White House Historical Association, produced a film in which first families offer their personal recollections and memories about living in America's most famous home. A review of the exhibition ran in today's Washington Post and included a clip from the film. The film is available for sale in the museum store.

An illustrated catalogue, "Something of Splendor": Decorative Arts from the White House, accompanies the exhibition. It is on sale in the museum store and online.

Exhibition programs

Opening talk

White House curator William Allman

October 1 at 2pm

White House Curator William Allman tells the stories behind the exhibition artworks and the first families who lived among them

A Firsthand Experience with

Susan Ford Bales

October 13 at noon

Susan Ford Bales, daughter of former President and Mrs. Ford, shares memories & reflections on life in the White House

First Children

Antics in the White House

November 17 at noon

Presidential historian Doug Wead relays entertaining tales of first families and their antics inside the walls of the White House

Challenges of Caring for Collections of Craft and Decorative Art in a Home

October 30 at 2pm
Experts discuss how one can safely live with and care for personal collections of crafts and decorative arts

Images Above:

Armchair, 1818, photo courtesy White House Historical Association; Susan Ford and her date dance at the 1975 Holton Arms School Senior Prom, photo courtesy of the Gerald R. Ford Library; Vase, 1898, photo courtesy White House Historical Association; President Benjamin Harrison's family in a Second Floor bedroom, about 1889, photo courtesy Library of Congress

Images Above Right:

The President's House, Overmantel, about 1824, photo courtesy White House Historical Association; Service Plate (Reagan service), 1982, photo courtesy White House Historical Association; Centerpiece (Hiawatha boat), 1871, photo courtesy White House Historical Association

Upcoming Gallery Talks

Renwick Gallery @ noon

Multimedia

Something of Splendor
on Flickr

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Unless otherwise noted, programs at the Smithsonian American Art Museum are free and open to the public with seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.