Meadow Brook Hall presents Meadow Brook in Bloom and Behind-the-Scenes tours. The new summer tours open May 31.
Matilda Dodge Wilson's fascination with gardens did not end at the front door. For centuries, whether painted on canvas, carved in stone or painted on glass, the flower -- with all of its symbolism, beauty and allure -- has been a popular subject matter inside homes, and Meadow Brook Hall was no exception. Opulent and sometimes whimsical examples of floral inspiration flourish in The Hall, from the Paul Poiret rugs to the Parducci ceilings to the Tiffany favrile glass. Meadow Brook in Bloom examines both The Hall's collection and family history for ties to the history of floral motifs and the impact of gardens on the lives of people in the early 20th century.
Meadow Brook Hall has many stories to tell. The new Behind-the-Scenes tours explore rarely seen areas of the home on this extended tour (including staff wings, bathrooms, closets and playrooms) and hear the personal stories of both the Wilson family and staff.
Meadow Brook in Bloom tours are offered daily at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Reservations are not required. Behind - the - Scenes tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Space is limited. Admission for each tour is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors. Children age 12 and under are free.
FYI
Meadow Brook Hall relies on tours, special events and museum rental revenue for the preservation and interpretation of this great American estate. For more information call 248-364-6200 or visit meadowbrookhall.org.
Meadow Brook Hall is the
historic home built by one of the automotive aristocracy's most remarkable women, Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of auto pioneer John Dodge, and her second husband, Alfred Wilson. Constructed between 1926 and 1929, Meadow Brook Hall represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in America, and is especially renowned for its superb craftsmanship, architectural detailing and grand scale of 88,000 square-feet. It was the center of a country estate that included 1,500 acres, numerous farm buildings, recreational facilities, several residences and formal gardens.
Listed in both the national and state registers of historic places, Meadow Brook Hall strives to preserve and interpret its architecture, landscape, and fine and decorative art so that visitors may be entertained, educated and inspired by history.
