A few weeks ago, I discovered an art museum and historic home gem tucked away in Glens Falls, New York. I first heard about the museum from my daughter, who interned there this past spring. We visited together so I could see the exhibit she curated during her internship—definitely a proud mom moment!

If you’re drawn to beautifully restored homes from the early 1900s, you’ll love touring the historic house portion of the museum. If you’re an art lover, the Hyde’s permanent collection is full of treasures from across centuries. And if you happen to enjoy both (like I do), this place is like hitting a jackpot!

Charlotte Pruyn Hyde and her husband Louis were passionate art collectors. Their early acquisitions included works by European masters like Rembrandt and Rubens, as well as American favorites such as Whistler and Homer. After Louis’s death in 1934, Charlotte significantly expanded the collection, adding pieces by Degas, Picasso, and Renoir.

Charlotte established The Hyde Collection in 1952 “to maintain a Museum for the exhibition of the permanent collection and to promote and cultivate the improvement of the fine arts, for the education and benefit of the residents of Glens Falls and vicinity and the general public.” After her death, the museum officially opened to the public in 1963.

I have to brag a little—this is the exhibition curated by my daughter during her internship! She selected 35 prints from the Hyde’s permanent collection, exploring how prosperity and exclusion was expressed in European Prints through themes of romance, religion, and politics. Featured artists include Rembrandt, Dürer, and Hogarth. It was fascinating to hear how she chose the works, organized them, and wrote the thoughtful interpretive notes. On view until September 21, 2025.

This striking exhibition showcases kinetic stainless steel sculptures by George Rickey, spanning four decades of his career. The works range from simple to intricate, featuring geometric shapes that come alive with movement. Some of Rickey’s original sketches are also included, offering a glimpse into his creative process. Indoor works on view until September 28, 2025. Outdoor works remain on view through April 26, 2026.

This exhibition highlights twentieth- and twenty-first-century paintings, photographs, and prints depicting architecture both realistically and abstractly. All pieces come from the Hyde’s permanent collection, donated by two Schenectady architects in 2016. On view until September 28, 2025.

You’ll find the Hyde House through the gallery on the right from the main entrance, by following a hallway that connects to the historic home.

The Hyde House is a masterpiece, designed by Boston architect Henry Forbes Bigelow in a Renaissance Revival style. Built in 1912 for Charlotte and her husband, by Charlotte’s father, Samuel Pruyn. (Mr. Pruyn was instrumental to Glens Falls’ economy, founding a lumber business in 1865 and later a paper factory in 1904.)

As you wander through this gorgeously restored two-story house, you’ll spot world-class artworks casually hung on walls or set upon furnishings—an amazingly wonderful way to experience iconic art.

The Hyde Collection is open Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults (18+), $10 for seniors (60+), and free for everyone on the second Thursday of each month.

Especially getting to see my daughter’s exhibit on display. :-) If you find yourself in Glens Falls, I definitely recommend making time to wander through. I’m not sure where my travels will take me next, but hopefully I’ll find a new hidden New York gem to share. Stay tuned!

‘til next week, happy exploring!
Kathleen

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