Reynolda House is one of those places that makes you wonder why more people outside of Winston Salem have not heard of it. It is a 64 room mansion built by the founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, filled with one of the best collections of American art in the Southeast, surrounded by 134 acres of formal gardens and walking trails. Admission is free. The gardens are open dawn to dusk, year round. And somehow it still flies under the radar for most people visiting North Carolina.
The History
The house was built by Katharine Smith Reynolds and R.J. Reynolds between 1912 and 1917. It was designed by architect Charles Barton Keen as the centerpiece of a 1,067 acre estate and model farm. The Reynolds family moved in during December 1917. R.J. Reynolds died just seven months later, in July 1918, from pancreatic cancer.
The estate remained in the family for decades. In 1965 it was opened to the public as an institution for arts and education, and in 1967 it officially became an art museum. In 2002, Reynolda House became an affiliate of Wake Forest University, whose main campus sits on land donated by the Reynolds family. The house is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Art Collection
The museum's collection includes more than 6,000 objects spanning 250 years of American art. The names on the walls are serious: Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Mary Cassatt, Alexander Calder, Jacob Lawrence, John Singer Sargent, Grant Wood, and Romare Bearden, among many others. The range covers everything from colonial era portraits to modern and contemporary work.
The art is displayed throughout the rooms of the historic house, which adds a layer to the experience you do not get in a traditional gallery. You are walking through a home that was actually lived in, seeing art in rooms with original furnishings and period details. It makes the whole thing feel more personal and less like a museum.
The Gardens and Grounds
Reynolda Gardens covers 134 acres and is free and open to the public year round, from dawn to dusk. The formal gardens follow an English design with a restored 1913 greenhouse, a vegetable garden, and a Japanese teahouse. The 1.7 mile Perimeter Trail loops the entire estate and passes through meadows, woodlands, and past historic features of the property.
The grounds are also part of the North Carolina Birding Trail, which makes them a popular spot for birdwatchers. Even if you are not into birding, the gardens are worth a visit on their own. On a clear morning before the museum opens, the estate is one of the most peaceful places in Winston Salem.
Reynolda Village
Adjacent to the museum is Reynolda Village, a collection of restored early 1900s buildings from the original estate that now house restaurants, shops, and cafes. Village Tavern is the most well known dining option. Penny Path Cafe serves crepes. Mozelle's does fresh Southern food. There is also an independent bookstore, home decor shops, and a coffee shop. It is a good place to eat before or after the museum, and the buildings themselves are part of the experience.
The Wake Forest Connection
Wake Forest University's main campus sits on land that was donated by the Reynolds family through the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. The university moved to Winston Salem in 1956 and has been connected to Reynolda ever since. Reynolda House became an official affiliate of Wake Forest in 2002. College students with a valid ID get in free, and the museum regularly hosts classes and academic programming. If you are visiting Wake Forest, Reynolda House is a five minute drive from the main campus.
Plan Your Visit
Give yourself at least two hours. Start with the gardens if you arrive early, then move into the museum when it opens. After the art, walk over to Reynolda Village for lunch. The whole experience is free except for food and shopping in the Village. It is one of the most complete cultural experiences in North Carolina, and the fact that it costs nothing to visit makes it even better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reynolda House free?
Yes. General admission to Reynolda House Museum of American Art is free for all visitors. The gardens and grounds are also free and open year round from dawn to dusk.
Who built Reynolda House?
Reynolda House was built by Katharine Smith Reynolds and R.J. Reynolds, the founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Construction lasted from 1912 to 1917. The 64 room mansion was the centerpiece of a 1,067 acre estate.
What kind of art is at Reynolda House?
The collection includes over 6,000 objects spanning 250 years of American art. It features works by Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Mary Cassatt, Alexander Calder, Jacob Lawrence, John Singer Sargent, and many others.
How long should I spend at Reynolda House?
Plan for at least two hours to see the museum and walk the gardens. If you add lunch at Reynolda Village and time on the 1.7 mile Perimeter Trail, you could easily spend a half day.