Gareth Thomas

American Museum & Gardens

The American Museum & Gardens is truly unique. Founded in 1961 to bring American history and cultures to the people of Britain and Europe, it is the only museum of Americana outside the US. Set within a Grade 1 listed Georgian manor house on the edge of Bath, the Museum houses fascinating period rooms and a remarkable permanent collection of folk, decorative arts and cultural objects, showing the diverse and complex nature of American traditions, focused primarily on the 14th-20th centuries. A separate Exhibition Gallery offers two showcase exhibitions per year, covering a diverse range of subjects including fashion, photography, art, American culture and family-friendly shows. Throughout the year there's a programme of exciting events offering concerts, outdoor theatre, family activities, workshops, talks, a wellbeing programme, a Christmas illuminations trail, and new in 2022, a three-day summer festival of music, comedy, and food. The Museum is situated within a Georgian estate of 125 acres of historic parkland, ancient woodland and formal gardens, with a gallery shop, café and Children's Garden. Located in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Area of Special Scientific Interest, the countryside views across the Limpley Stoke Valley from the lawns and café terrace are unrivalled. In recent years the gardens surrounding the manor house have been developed as The New American Garden, the first European commission for renowned US landscape architects Oehme, van Sweden. The design is characterized by large swathes of grasses and fields of perennials, a planting style made famous by the OvS founders, and includes a replica of George Washington's garden at Mount Vernon and an Arboretum. The American Museum & Gardens is a registered charity governed by a Board of Trustees. The organisation receives funding from foundations membership, patrons, sponsors and individual donors, and generates additional income through admissions, cafe, shop and events.