The Picture Gallery at Saint-Gaudens National Historical Park stands on the site of the first studio built by Augustus Saint-Gaudens after he decided to live in Cornish year-round in 1900. Called the Large Studio, it burned down in October 1904, resulting in the loss of all ongoing projects and many of Saint-Gaudens personal items. In its place, an even larger studio was built called the Studio of the Caryatids, named for two statues of Caryatids (draped, Greek-style female figure that usually serves as a support column for a building) that stood on either side of the entrance. Saint-Gaudens sculpted the Caryatids for the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York, and apparently cast two extras for himself. This studio was mainly used by Saint-Gaudens’ assistants; he preferred the Little Studio. Today’s Picture Gallery originated as a chicken coop located next to the Studio of the Caryatids and was also built in 1904.

When Saint-Gaudens’ wife, Augusta, died in 1926, the house and property were opened to the public, and the Studio of the Caryatids was used as an art gallery where some of Saint-Gaudens’ larger sculptures were displayed. Unfortunately, the studio burned down in 1944, destroying everything inside. The chicken coop and adjacent shed—today’s New Gallery—were left untouched, and between 1946 and 1948 these buildings were remodeled and enlarged to create art galleries. The Atrium was constructed at this time as well to join the two buildings together.

Today, the Picture Gallery serves as a display area for changing art exhibits by contemporary artists. It was closed when I visited so that it could be prepared for a new exhibit grand opening later that evening, but it is typically open to park visitors from Memorial Day weekend through October 31^st between the hours of 9 AM and 4:30 PM. It is closed the rest of the year.

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