Tucked away just behind one of Ridgefield’s most recognizable landmarks, a significant expansion is about to open up a whole new world. As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, The Aldrich Museum is completely reimagining its outdoor space, making use of land it already owns that will change the way Ridgefielders interact with both art and nature. The project, which broke ground in February, is ambitious, including a new terrace, amphitheater, increased accessibility and ecological benefits. But possibly most exciting is the new pathway linking those strolling on Main Street directly to this new site of community and reflection.
“From the very beginning of the museum's history, the presentation of works of art outside was an important part of our founder’s vision for the museum,” says Aldrich Executive Director Cybele Maylone. “In 2020 we really saw that people loved being outdoors. People were seeking the space out as a place to be together, to find some kind of solace during difficult times, and also to see amazing art.”
At the time, the museum’s programming included a 10 foot tall, 20 foot long deer sculpture by artist Tony Tasset, as well as a large survey of work by Frank Stella. These works were beloved by the town, yet also highlighted one of the challenges of having such a massive open space. “It was inconceivable for us that we could present a sculpture that was at a human scale, or that someone could have any sort of intimate experience with,” says Maylone. “That's why we presented lots of really big work, both so that visitors could see it from inside the museum, but also because there was no opportunity to have a quiet moment.”
The new layout, designed by Massachusetts-based firm Stimson, will welcome visitors to the sculpture space right from Main Street, with a sidewalk leading to a pollinator path zigzagging down the side of the building to the amphitheater and “Secret Garden,” both including spaces to sit. The entire space is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, a fact Maylone hopes residents and visitors will take full advantage of. “There were lots of things that we felt like really prohibited people from feeling like it was a place that they could spend time in,” she says, “so this will really be an invitation for people to come and walk.”
For those who may come across this town treasure sight unseen, it’s helpful to have some background because as a non-collecting art museum, The Aldrich is unique. “We are always engaged with art at the moment, and we're constantly changing because we don't have a collection,” says Maylone, “and that was part of our founders' vision to support young artists, or artists that were otherwise not being recognized … maybe you will come here and see an artist who you've never heard of, but it’s likely that in some time you will.”
Beyond the art, Maylone is really excited for the positive effect this renovation will have on the environment. More than 20 trees and hundreds of plants have been planted, with an eye towards managing drainage issues for the museum and its neighbors. Through extensive consultations with the Inland Wetlands Board, it became obvious that there was nothing but benefit to revitalizing this natural space the museum already owned. “I think once we had the design in our mind's eye, I became kind of consumed by this idea that we had this beautiful building where incredible things happen, and then we had just this underutilized” space, Maylone tells us. “Before we really started this project, I hadn't given it much thought. And now it's all I can see.”
People were seeking the space out as a place to find solace during difficult times.
The Aldrich Museum’s Free Community Day! On Sunday, November 17, 12pm - 5pm, The Aldrich is throwing open its arms and welcoming people into the museum and out to the Sculpture Garden. Come get a tour, see the new space for yourself and experience this incredible natural resource right on Main Street. Visit thealdrich.org/events/community-day to learn more.