Updated: 3/11/2014 
Gari Melchers Home and Studio
Fredericksburg, Virginia
Description

Belmont, The Gari Melchers Estate and Memorial Gallery, in Stafford County near Fredericksburg, Virginia, is the former residence of the American figure painter Gari Melchers (1860-1932). The museum consists of the artist's home, studio and gardens. The stone studio and galleries house the largest collection of Melchers' works anywhere. Gari Melchers was one of the most decorated artists of his day. Today he is virtually unknown. His unvarying ambition to reproduce the essential character of a place and its people was the key to his international success, and yet it caused him to be considered old-fashioned by the close of his career. Nevertheless, his role in the history of American painting is secured because of the legacy of his work preserved at Belmont and because, like countless other Americans who made a living through their craft, his story testifies to the full breadth of our country's artistic vibrancy at the opening of the twentieth century. In 1942, the artist's widow, Corinne Melchers, deeded the property and its collections to the State of Virginia as a memorial to her husband. Belmont is administered by Mary Washington College, Fredericksburg, Virginia. A Virginia and National Historic Landmark, the museum is accredited by The American Association of Museums.

History

Gari Melchers Home and Studio, in Stafford County near Fredericksburg, Virginia, is the former residence of the American figure painter Gari Melchers (1860-1932). The museum consists of the artist's home, studio and gardens. The stone studio and galleries house the largest collection of Melchers' works anywhere.

Gari Melchers was one of the most decorated artists of his day. Today he is relatively unknown. His unvarying ambition to reproduce the essential character of a place and its people was the key to his international success, and yet it caused him to be considered old-fashioned by the close of his career. Nevertheless, his role in the history of American painting is secured because of the legacy of his work preserved at Belmont and because, like countless other Americans who made a living through their craft, his story testifies to the full breadth of our country's artistic vibrancy at the opening of the twentieth century.

In 1942, the artist's widow, Corinne Melchers, deeded the property and its collections to the State of Virginia as a memorial to her husband. Belmont is administered by the University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, Virginia. A Virginia and National Historic Landmark, the museum is accredited by The American Association of Museums.

Belmont is one of 28 Historic Artists' Homes and Studios selected by the National Trust for Historic Preservation because it exemplifies the best of America's legacy of artistic creation.

Governance

Administered by the University of Mary Washington

Library

Access: Students, Scholars

Appointment required: True

Services
Elegant Rental

We invite you to consider Gari Melchers Home and Studio as the setting for your wedding, reception, bridal luncheon, evening event or business meeting. The stunning Studio Pavilion at Belmont, situated in an elegant woodland setting, is connected to the artist’s original studio building and opens onto the estate’s gardens.

The Pavilion includes an event room with banquet seating for up to 120 and presentation seating for 150. The main estate lawn and flower gardens, including a charming summer house overlooking the Rappahannock River, are available for wedding ceremonies.

Event Rental
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

April 5 - 8, 2025

New York Museum Association 2025 Conference in Ithaca, NY

Ithaca Downtown Conference Center

Ithaca, New York

April 6 - 8, 2025

Nebraska Museum Association 2025 Conference

Hosted by the Knight Museum in Alliance, Nebraska

United States

April 6 - 9, 2025

Texas Association of Museums 2025 Conference Austin

AT&T Conference Center

Austin, Texas

April 27 - 29, 2025

Oregon Museum Association 2025 Conference

TBA

Independence, Oregon

May 5 - 9, 2025

Museum Store Association FORWARD 2025 in LA

The Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, California

RECENT UPDATES

Museums

04/04 Taylor Museum of Waco and McLennan County History

Waco, Texas

04/03 Palm Harbor Museum

Palm Harbor, Florida

Museum Associations

04/03 Florida Association of Museums

Tallahassee, Florida