Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

Nestled in the charming city of Winter Park, Florida, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a hidden gem that beckons art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. This museum, renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau collection, houses the most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany found anywhere in the world. From exquisite ceramics to breathtaking stained glass, the Morse Museum offers a delightful journey through the artistic achievements of late 19th and early 20th-century America.

The History of the Morse Museum

The Morse Museum was founded in 1942 by Jeannette Genius McKean, in honor of her grandfather, the Chicago industrialist Charles Hosmer Morse. Initially located on the campus of Rollins College, the museum's first director was Jeannette's husband, Hugh McKean. In 1955, the McKeans organized the first exhibition of Louis Comfort Tiffany's works since the artist's own exhibition in 1933, marking the beginning of the museum's deep connection with Tiffany's legacy.

In 1957, Hugh McKean learned from Tiffany's daughter that the artist's estate, Laurelton Hall, had fallen into ruins. Driven by a shared vision to preserve Tiffany's legacy, the McKeans acquired numerous items from the estate, including parts of Tiffany's 1893 chapel for the World's Columbian Exposition, award-winning leaded-glass windows, and significant architectural elements. These acquisitions formed the cornerstone of the museum's Tiffany collection.

In 1978, the museum relocated to East Welborne Avenue in Winter Park, and in 1995, it moved to its current location on Park Avenue. With over 19,000 square feet of public and exhibition space, the Morse Museum continues to expand and enchant visitors with its ever-growing collection. In February 2017, the museum celebrated its 75th anniversary with a retrospective exhibition, showcasing its rich history and remarkable collection.

The Tiffany Collection

The Tiffany collection is the centerpiece of the Morse Museum, showcasing the full range of Louis Comfort Tiffany's artistic endeavors. Visitors can marvel at award-winning leaded-glass windows, intricate glass buttons, and an array of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, enamels, mosaics, watercolors, lamps, furniture, and blown glass. Each piece offers a glimpse into Tiffany's creative genius and his exploration of various media throughout his career.

A highlight of the collection is the reconstructed Tiffany Chapel, originally created for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This chapel, with its vibrant Byzantine-Romanesque windows, mosaics, architectural elements, and furnishings, was meticulously reassembled and opened to the public in April 1999 for the first time in over a century. Measuring approximately 39 feet long and 23 feet wide, with a height of 24 feet at its tallest point, the chapel is a testament to Tiffany's visionary artistry.

In February 2011, the Morse Museum unveiled a new wing, providing an additional 6,000 square feet of gallery space for the permanent exhibition of art and architectural objects from Tiffany's Long Island estate, Laurelton Hall. This expansion allows visitors to immerse themselves even further in the world of Tiffany and his extraordinary creations.

Other Collections

While the Tiffany collection is undoubtedly the star attraction, the Morse Museum boasts an impressive array of other collections that are equally captivating. The museum's collection of leaded-glass windows includes works by renowned artists such as William Morris, Louis Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, John LaFarge, and Arthur J. Nash. In the realm of jewelry and silver, visitors can admire pieces by Émile Gallé, René Lalique, and Peter Carl Fabergé.

The museum's furniture collection features masterpieces by Emile Gallé, Louis Majorelle, Gustav Stickley, and, of course, Tiffany himself. Additionally, the Morse Museum houses over 800 pieces of 19th-century American art pottery, including approximately 300 pieces from the renowned Rookwood Pottery Company. The sculpture collection includes works by Thomas Crawford, Hiram Powers, Daniel Chester French, John Rogers, and other notable artists.

Art enthusiasts will also appreciate the museum's collection of American paintings and prints. The paintings include works by Samuel Morse (a relative of Charles Hosmer Morse), Thomas Doughty, George Inness, John Singer Sargent, Rembrandt Peale, Cecilia Beaux, Martin Johnson Heade, Maxfield Parrish, Arthur Bowen Davies, Hermann Ottomar Herzog, Thomas Hart Benton, and Samuel Colman. The prints feature creations by artists such as Grant Wood, Mary Cassatt, Paul Cézanne, Childe Hassam, John Steuart Curry, and Edward Hopper.

In conclusion, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is a treasure trove of artistic wonders, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich heritage of American art, particularly the unparalleled works of Louis Comfort Tiffany. Whether you are an avid art aficionado or simply seeking a delightful cultural experience, a visit to the Morse Museum promises to be an unforgettable journey through the beauty and creativity of the American artistic spirit.