Olana State Historic Site, Hudson

Perched atop a grassy hill overlooking the Hudson River, the Olana State Historic Site is a treasure nestled in Columbia County, New York. This exquisite museum was once the home of Frederic Edwin Church, one of the key figures in the Hudson River School of landscape painting. The estate's vibrant, eclectic architecture and the panoramic views it offers make it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history buffs alike.

The main attraction of Olana is the Persian-inspired mansion at its heart, designed by Church himself in collaboration with architect Calvert Vaux. The building is a testament to Church's artistic vision, blending Victorian, Middle Eastern, and Moorish styles into a unique architectural masterpiece. The interior of the house is just as impressive, adorned with original furnishings and artworks by Church and his contemporaries.

Visitors can explore the richly decorated rooms of the mansion on guided tours, which delve into the life and work of Frederic Church, as well as the history of the estate. The surrounding landscape, designed by Church as a living work of art, features a carriage road system that offers stunning vistas of the Catskill Mountains and Hudson Valley.

The Olana State Historic Site also hosts a variety of events and educational programs throughout the year, including art exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that celebrate the Hudson River School and its influence on American art.