Event
Manitoga/The Russel Wright Design Center: House, Studio, Landscape Tour
Manitoga's mission is to preserve the legacy of pioneer designer Russel Wright-his home, landscape, products, archives and philosophy, and share them with professionals and the public. In the 1930s, 40s and 50s, the Russel Wright signature on a set of dinnerware or piece of furniture elicited instant response. At that time, Wright was one of the best known designers in the U.S. At the apex of his career, Wright left New York City and moved his base of operations to Garrison. It was here that he created a unique home and designed landscape. He named it Manitoga, meaning Place of Great Spirit in Algonquin. Wright shared the Native Americans' respect for the earth.
When Wright first found this property in 1942, it had been damaged by a century of quarrying and lumbering. Over the next three decades, until his death in 1976, he carefully redesigned and re-sculpted Manitoga's 75 acres using native plants, his training as a theater designer and sculptor, and his innovative design ideas. Though the landscape appears natural, it is actually a careful design of native trees, rocks, ferns, mosses, and wild flowers.
Manitoga is the only 20th century modern home site open to the public in New York, and one of a few on the east coast. Wright considered it his most important creative effort. In 1996 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and in 2006 it was designated a National Historic Landmark.
Visitors meet at Manitoga Guide House next to the parking lot located off Route 9D in Garrison, NY. The guide will arrive just before the tour begins.
Tour experience:
Tours begin with a 15 minute documentary about Russel Wright's life. Afterward, visitors follow the inner quarry pond trail around to his home and studio. The landscape features views of Dragon Rock, a field of mountain laurel, a moss room, a stone staircase up the hill, and a wood plank bridge over the waterfall.
Tours last approximately 90 minutes and are conducted rain or shine. Please wear sturdy walking shoes as this is a moderate hike. Visitors need to be able to negotiate uneven ground, cross a small dam and climb a long series of stone steps.
No pets allowed; no exceptions.
When purchasing tickets, please be sure you have the correct Day of the Week, as Brown Paper Tickets only specifies the date and time. We can not guarantee room on our tour if you arrive on a different day of the week than the day for which you purchased a ticket.
Notes Disclaimer: By purchasing ticket(s) and participating in this tour the attendee(s) waive(s) all claims of liability against Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center for any illness/injury to anyone on this tour and/or loss/damage/theft to any participant's property while they are participating in the Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center house and landscape tour. All participants have been advised that the natural setting, foot bridges and natural materials used in the construction of the house and paths may result in difficult footing. All participants walk at their own risk and waive any liability claims against Manitoga / The Russel Wright Design Center. Manitoga retains all rights and the right of use, for promotional purposes, any image taken on the 80 acre property.
If you are purchasing a discounted ticket (student / senior / special membership) please bring the appropriate form of identification for that discount.
Please note that all tickets are non-refundable.
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LocationManitoga/Russel Wright Design Center
584 Route 9D
Garrison, NY 10524
United States
Categories
Kid Friendly: No |
Dog Friendly: No |
Non-Smoking: No |
Wheelchair Accessible: No |
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Contact
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