northernneckinn
Stopped in at National Historic Site at St. Gautens on the recommendation of a local Vermont friend and enjoyed a peaceful reflective couple of hours walking the property. Some very nicely designed indoor and outdoor galleries displayed August St Gaudens work including demonstration castings for major monuments and reliefs on buildings. Indoors there many castings and moulds for US coin currency and medals. A walk in to the woods brought us to a cabin studio with an artist in residence working on castings and we were able one on one to learn about the lost wax process. All in all a great break in the long drive North and well worth the time! And it was free as we have our senior NPS pass!
DrBillCorcoran
The displays are interesting and thought provoking.When you see the sculptures you'll recognized many of them.Be sure not to be rushed.
KatherineGow
I only wish we'd had longer to enjoy this exceptional site. We toured and enjoyed the beautiful sculptures, done by Saint-Gaudens, who ought be credited with the artistic aesthetic of the U.S. (he is the artist behind the most famous American monuments). When you are in their presence, the humanity of the figure is so present. You want to unfurl their collar, smooth back that lock of hair...Would have loved to enjoy the hiking trails, or a picnic at sunset on the grounds. I imagine their special events are well worth their ticket price.
jamesl618
I have to admit I had never heard of Augusta Saint-Gaudens. I guess as an engineer I didn't take sufficient art course. He was a very talented gentleman artist. His home and studio is wonderful to tourn. The NPS has kept this country home in great condition. Walking the gardens is a lovely experience and add in the statues. Wow, what a great afternoon. We visited at just past the tree color peak, but enjoyed every moment of our visit. If you're in the area this is well worth the time to tour New Hampshire's only National Park
TVL4Ever3
Beautiful sight, history and gardens. There is a 10 minute film that helps set the stage for your visit to this beautiful and historically significant site.
bigtyke
I knew of St. Gaudens as the designer of the $20 gold piece. My wife had never heard of him (and she is an art type person - what does that say about our education system?). The movie at the visitor center gives a good overview and the statues, reliefs, and coins displayed show his genius. Beautiful setting, the trip there was excellent with the fall foliage. We came from the south. Just before turning into the park is the longest covered bridge - a bonus to the trip.We did not take the house tour. We spent about 90 minutes there.I used my 'geezer pass' (oops, I mean my Senior Pass) - the best bargain around.
ifindsnook
We visited Saint-Gaudens recently while in the area. It's a peaceful, relaxing, and interesting place to spend some time. The sculptures are really interesting, and the history of the place was also neat to hear. There was a sculpture who was working in the studio while we were there. The grounds are beautiful in the fall. Our visit was in October during the height of the foliage change. There are also two small hiking trails that are nice. There are some climbs on these trails, so they might not be suitable for all. I would highly recommend visiting if you're in the area.
J5463FBkarenc
Learn about one of the great American sculptors you've probably never heard of. The grounds are beautiful and the sculptures fit in perfectly to their surroundings. Definitely worth the stop if you like art, civil war memorials, or house tours.
KathiC948
The statuary, the gardens, the home all blend together to reveal the soul of a master sculptor.You may not readily know the name of Augustus Saint-Gaudens but you will be surprised by the familiarity of his work. Afterwards, you'll not soon forget his name nor the delightful memory of your time spent there. You'll be stunned by the sweeping majesty of the eloquent Shaw Memorial and cut to the quick by the haunting "Mystery of the Hereafter...beyond pain and beyond joy", as Saint-Gaudens called his funerary sculpture known to most as the Adams Memorial. You'll be up-lifted by the rarefied air which surrounds Saint-Gaudens' home and his life's work. Definitely a must-see!
kazooloo
This historic site consists of the home, gardens and studios of one of American's greatest sculptors, Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Guided tours are offered and should not be missed. Our guide was Kate and she was one of the most entertaining and knowledgeable guides we have ever had. She not only offered a lot of interesting information and stories about Augustus, but had a wonderful sense of humor and a unique way of engaging people in the tour group.
lmsgroup
Thank you, National Park Service! This place is wonderful! Well maintained! Gorgeous gardens! Informative Rangers (thank you, Ranger Tatem)! What an unexpected treat to be able to walk the grounds, visit the home of one of the greatest American artists! The exhibits are fantastic! The Farragut, Diana, Sherman... WOW! Ample parking. Family friendly. If you have read McCullough's 'Americans in Paris', you MUST GO TO THIS PLACE! We DEFINATELY will return!
RoseDunmorePA
This is a must see historical home, gardens and studio of Sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens in the beautiful state of New Hampshire!! The house and gardens are lovely along with the beautiful sculptures!! I only wish we had more time to explore the grounds more...but glad we made the stop on our way!!
522kathleenh
At this park you get to see some of Saint-Gaudens amazing sculpture in such a setting. They are arranged with hedges around them so one can enjoy them privately and quietly in a serene atmosphere. The mountain vista and lovely gardens complete the setting. Besides the great beauty, the movie, the house tour, and the displays help visitors learn much about Saint-Gaudens and his life and his work. It is an amazing place to visit.
bhaas01
We were impressed with the grounds, the man and his works, and especially our National Park Service Guide. Kate made history come alive with her witty commentary and excellent knowledge of history and the art work. Definately worth the stop.
bostowyo
This small park celebrates the life and art of one of America's greatest sculptors. Many of his most famous works are represented here in a beautiful, peaceful setting with fabulous views. The park is very well maintained and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. You can tour the grounds, studios, and, when accompanied by a ranger, the first floor of the family residence. There are also two wooded, walking trails for further exploration. The park is close to one of the longest covered bridges in the US and the Harpoon Brewery and Beer Garden is a short drive away. Definitely worth a visit!