Pure Inspiration
As we drove away from the train station my husband turned to me and said, “you look happy.” I was returning from the Fleurs de Villes exhibit at the Lynnewood Hall Reopening in Elkins Park Pennsylvania. It was a day trip that provided an experience that was nothing short of pure inspiration.
For more than 80 years, one of the grandest estates in American history sat decaying behind closed doors before it was recently purchased by the Lynnewood Hall Preservation Foundation (LHPF). If you’ve been following CoveredKay for the past decade, you know that I am a lover of old mansions, elaborate gardens, historic towns and fashion from bygone eras. I wasn’t sure what to expect for this exhibit and tour as this would be my first time touring a gilded age estate of this scale actively under restoration and preservation. As I entered its doors, I was immediately immersed in the grandeur of the great hall flanked with decadent floral masterpieces strewn about the interiors. It’s the kind of beauty that you see with your eyes but feel deep in your gut.
The fireplace in the Grand ballroom at Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
A ball room that beckons for a twirl!
As I continued the tour, there are wafts of sweet florals floating in the air as if it were an invitation to discover the next exhibit. All at once my senses come alive in the most fulfilling way. The reopening of Lynnewood Hall was paired with an “Fleurs de Villes: The Gilded Age” exhibition in collaboration with HBO. I’ve seen Fleurs de Villes online but to experience what they do in-person is something you owe yourself if they have an exhibit near you. Each fresh floral mannequin was designed by local floral artisans who transformed the rooms of the estate using the character themes from the HBO movie “Gilded Age.”
There are times we encounter certain people, places or things and our soul responds with fullness. This was one of those few times. I don’t have the words to explain it, but when my husband picked me up and said “you look happy,” he recognized my fullness too.
Entranced by the scale of this massive 110 room – 110,000 square foot property, I continue up to the Tea Room where I get a glimpse of another grand room, the Van Dyck Gallery but both rooms are mostly empty. On the walls are historical pictures, and stories of the past, present and future plans for the preservation of this incredible neoclassical mansion.
Known as “the last Versailles,” in America, this estate was built for Peter Arrell Browne (PAB) Widener at the turn of the century in 1899 by neoclassical master, Horace Trumbauer. Sadly, PAB died in 1915 from rapidly declining health after his heir and eldest son, George Widener and grandson, Harry Elkins Widerner died during the sinking of the Titanic. The estate was pass down to his surviving son Joseph Widener, who stewarded this masterpiece until his passing in 1943. To learn more about the history of Lynwood Hall directly from the members of Lynwood Hall Preservation Foundation, I invite you to watch the two-part documentary on “Bros of Decay” YouTube channel.
While the event provided pure inspiration, the true magic lies in what is ahead as this piece of architectural history undergoes one of the largest restorations in American history. I invite you to visit and experience this estate and Fleurs de Villes exhibit open from September 25 – October 4, 2026. For more information about Fleurs de Ville and learn about their next exhibits around the world, visit www.fleursdevilles.com. To learn more about the preservation of this historic estate or to plan your visit, go to www.LynnewoodHallPreservation.com.
(This is not a sponsored post. All thoughts and words are my own. Historical references based on data found in public domain )
With grace & gratitude always,
Kay
