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Meadow Brook Hall’s outdoor evening light show, Winter Wonder Lights, is a remarkable feat of design, development and storytelling. While it is filled with beautiful, sparkling environments, each area is also inspired by the people, places and design of the Great Estate itself. Art & Inspiration One such remarkable environment is the magnificent Rose Garden, … Read more
The holidays were always a special time for the Dodge-Wilson family. We’re sharing some of their favorite memories and traditions in a special holiday edition of our Estate Stories series. Home for the Holidays “When I was a girl, at home, our Christmases were very simple.” Matilda Dodge Wilson told the Detroit Free Press in … Read more
Our historic elevator is now running! After nearly a year-long restoration project the Main Elevator of Meadow Brook Hall is ready to offer access to all main levels of The Hall. Follow along with our curator Madelyn Chrapla to learn more about this beautiful – and functional – element of the the Great Estate. … Read more
After a remarkable 43-year career of devoted service to Meadow Brook Hall, Director of Operations and Estate Development Kim Zelinski will celebrate her retirement. Zelinski’s dedication to preservation and leadership in numerous projects have left an indelible impact on this museum, cultural center and National Historic Landmark. “I follow Matilda’s little mantra,” Zelinski says. “That … Read more
Happy Halloween from Meadow Brook Hall! Dating back almost 2,000 years to Ireland, Halloween celebrations have changed quite a lot through the decades. This year we’re looking back on the history of Halloween and the past celebrations of this frightful night at Meadow Brook Hall. Dressing in costume for Halloween started as a pagan belief … Read more
On the 81st birthday of Matilda Dodge Wilson, the founder of Oakland University, the students of OU planned a special – and mischievous – surprise. At the stroke of midnight on October 19, 1964 Matilda was presented with a “borrowed” MSU touchdown bell, which she rang 81 times to be heard across campus. When Mrs. … Read more
This summer, Meadow Brook hosted the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner to celebrate the devoted and passionate group of volunteers that lead tours, tend the gardens, and create preservation projects to restore the history and legacy of The Hall. Meadow Brook Volunteers reaching at least fifty hours of service during 2022 joined in on a night … Read more
The National Historic Landmark’s holiday events are around the corner—making holi-days and nights bright from Nov. 24 – Dec. 30, 2023 It may be sunshine and flowers now, but soon it will be snowflakes and carols! It’s Christmas in July and time to look ahead to the spectacular Holidays at Meadow Brook! By day, the … Read more
In honor of President’s Day, we’re sharing this portrait of George Washington that hangs in Meadow Brook’s Christopher Wren Dining Room. The painting is one Matilda Dodge Wilson was particularly fond of, and it is said that when she went to live at her different properties, she would bring this portrait with her. Painted by Gilbert … Read more
While many avid DIYers have been busy sewing costumes for Halloween, few are sewing or altering clothes on a daily basis. In Matilda’s day, it was important to have a Sewing Room and seamstress on staff to alter, repair and adjust gowns, clothes, and household items. Today, the Sewing Room is part of our … Read more
In honor of the Woodward Dream Cruise rolling through town, we’re taking a look back at some classic cars that once revved up at Meadow Brook. With her automotive roots, Matilda Dodge Wilson graciously allowed major motor car brands such as Cadillac and Oldsmobile to shoot photos and create imagery at Meadow Brook Hall in … Read more
Without question, the Christopher Wren Dining Room is one of the most beautiful rooms in The Hall. It is also home to the elegant portraits of Matilda and Alfred Wilson. Both paintings were created in 1927 by society portrait painter Louis Betts. Each painting shares a significant insight into the personalities of the Wilsons, and … Read more
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