FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On view now

Stockbridge, Mass. –November 14, 2024–The Norman Rockwell Museum is thrilled to announce its seasonal exhibition, Norman Rockwell: Home for the Holidays, running through February 23, 2025. This heartwarming collection showcases the artist’s iconic holiday-themed works, capturing the spirit and warmth of American life across various festive occasions—from Valentine’s Day and Independence Day to Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Renowned for his ability to evoke joy, nostalgia, and togetherness, Rockwell’s illustrations presented in this exhibition reflect the essence of major American holiday seasons. Visitors will be treated to scenes of family gatherings, festive preparations, and the simple pleasures of cherished traditions. Through the artist’s masterful storytelling, the exhibition celebrates the enduring spirit of Americana that resonates with audiences of all ages.

Home for the Holidays delves into Rockwell’s lifelong connection to holiday-themed art, beginning in his youth when he designed Christmas cards for a parishioner of his family’s church at just fifteen years old. His collaboration with Hallmark solidified his legacy, as the company continues to market Rockwell‘s mid-century illustrations for holiday greeting cards. The Saturday Evening Post, which featured his work for nearly five decades, frequently showcased his holiday-themed covers, with the artist’s first December cover appearing in 1916.

Rockwell’s art captures seasonal rituals and the charm of snowy New England landscapes, portraying the experiences of homecoming veterans and the gathering of intergenerational families. These poignant works invite viewers to reflect on their own holiday experiences and traditions.

Despite his prolific output, Rockwell maintained a refreshingly candid perspective on the holidays. While he enjoyed creating art for seasonal cards, he humorously acknowledged the challenges of holiday traditions, stating, “I’ve never played Santa Claus in my life. I wouldn’t dare to.” Home for the Holidays encourages audiences to explore the contrasting emotions and memories tied to holiday festivities, offering a space for reflection and connection.

EXHIBITION RELATED PROGRAMS

Norman Rockwell‘s Life and Holiday Art Guided Tours
Daily (except Wednesdays)
Reserve an engaging and inspiring guided tour to enhance your Museum Visit. Discover Rockwell’s artistry, the social impact of his storytelling, and learn about his early influences, training, and the arc of his career. Tour includes highlights from our winter exhibition Norman Rockwell: Home For the Holidays.  40 min. Tours are limited to 25 people and often sell out in advance.

Holiday Week Programs 
Monday, December 23 – Sunday, December 29 
(except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
11 am – 3 pm
Families with kids of all ages are invited to get creative at the Norman Rockwell Museum! Join us for gallery activities and make your own art inspired by works on view in the collection and current exhibitions.  Free with Museum admission; free for kids and teens.