A Century of Creativity - The MacDowell Colony 1907-2007

Exhibition Highlights

Many American classics can trace their origins to The MacDowell Colony. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Aaron Copland’s ballet Billy the Kid, and Dorothy and DuBose Heyward’s play Porgy number among them.

A Century of Creativity

History

Edward and Marian MacDowell met in Germany, where each had come to pursue a musical education. Their marriage in 1884 created a partnership that would leave a lasting artistic legacy.

Early Years

The MacDowell Colony grew as artists began to seek it out. Many of those who came to work there in the early years became distinguished names in American arts and letters.

Mid-20th Century

With no ideological agenda and the sole criterion for acceptance being talent, The MacDowell Colony's history offers a glimpse of America's rich cultural past.

Contemporary, 1980s to the Present

Today The MacDowell Colony serves a wide variety of artistic disciplines, including filmmaking and architecture. A residency is a highly regarded and much coveted honor.

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