The estate was originally part of a 1,067-acre working farm called Reynolda Farm.
The mansion was designed by architect Charles Barton Keen in a bungalow style, which was highly unconventional for a residence of its massive scale.
The house was equipped with state-of-the-art 1917 technology, including an internal vacuum system and a private electrical plant.
Katharine Reynolds oversaw the development of the estate's extensive greenhouses, which were essential for providing fresh produce year-round.
The museum holds a permanent collection of approximately 6,000 objects including fine art, costumes, and archival photographs.
The estate includes a 'Village' section that originally served as the service and residential hub for estate employees and farm operations.
Reynolda House Museum of American Art is the preserved 1917 country estate of Katharine Smith Reynolds and R.J. Reynolds, situated within a 170-acre historic property. The museum features a significant collection of American art spanning from the colonial era to the contemporary period, housed within the original family residence. The 64-room bungalow-style mansion retains much of its original Gilded Age interior, including period furnishings and decorative arts. The surrounding Reynolda Gardens feature formal gardens designed by landscape architect Thomas W. Sears. The site is a core component of the Reynolda Historic District, which also encompasses Reynolda Village. It functions as a public museum and an affiliate of the North Carolina Museum of Art. The permanent art collection includes works by masters such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Gilbert Stuart, and Grant Wood.
The central lawn leading up to the front entrance of the mansion, offering the most iconic perspective of the architecture.
Prioritize walking the restored formal gardens, as they are maintained to reflect their original 1917 landscape design.
Visit the nearby Reynolda Village for dining and shopping options located in the repurposed historic estate buildings.
Check the museum's rotating exhibition calendar online, as they frequently host temporary installations in the second-floor gallery spaces.
Do not attempt to walk the entire perimeter of the historic farm grounds without proper footwear, as trails can be uneven and are separate from the manicured museum gardens.
Closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Photography is generally permitted in the galleries without flash; maintain a quiet demeanor consistent with an historic house environment.
