There is something for everyone at the Museum this holiday season.
Read the press release HERE!
BENNINGTON — Each year, Bennington Museum celebrates the coming of the winter season with a series of art-filled events geared towards families, the giving spirit, and bringing our community together.
The regional artists exhibit and closed-bid auction ushers in the season at the Museum.
Uncanny Valley: Magic Realism in Vermont opens on November 29th and features 25 regional artists who have created new works based on the theme for the major upcoming exhibit in 2025: “Green Mountain Magic: Uncanny Realism in Vermont”. The works created by these artists run the gamut from sculpture, to jewelry, to miniature collage art and large-scale oil pieces. All works are for sale, and the proceeds will be split equally between the Museum and the artists. As is tradition, this is a closed-bid auction, meaning that the artist sets a base amount, and people can submit bids above that amount in person, or online. On December 18th, the bids will be opened and the highest bidder will be notified as the winner. Although the exhibit will remain open through the end of the year, pieces may be collected before the holidays, too!
On Tuesday, November 26th from 4:30 to 6:30pm, the Museum will host a reception where you can meet and mingle with the artists, enjoy appetizers, music by the Mike McMann Band, and purchase artwork at BUY-IT-NOW prices before bidding formally opens on the 29th. The reception is free to Museum members and Gala ticket holders and $5 for anyone else thanks to support from MSK Engineers. This is a great chance to visit the Museum, do some early holiday shopping and enjoy time out with friends before the Thanksgiving break.
On the same night (November 26), the Museum will unveil the annual Silent Auction with over 40 lots donated by area businesses that can suit all tastes and budgets. Items range from jewelry and pottery to vacation packages, quilts, pet portraits and more. The auction can be accessed through the Museum’s website and online bidding will close on December 13th- the day before the Gala. The auction items will be displayed at the Museum Gala where attendees can place their final bids in-person. This fundraiser is a great way to get all of your holiday shopping out of the way from the comfort of your own home.
Family Day is a much beloved tradition for our youngest community members. On Saturday, December 7th, the Museum opens its doors to everyone for $5 only. Anyone 17 and under can attend the event for free if they bring an item to donate to this years’ Family Day Donation recipient, P.A.V.E. Suggested donations include: Personal Hygiene Products (toothpaste, shampoo, lotions, sanitary items, etc.) and Household Items (pillows, towels, washcloths). New and unopened items only, please. At Family Day there will be crafts in each gallery for kids, Santa in the Grandma Moses Schoolhouse, and the popular children’s shopping boutique- sign up online for this in advance because spots go quickly! The Museum store will be open with a special holiday sale for parents to peruse while their kiddos shop.
Also on view during family day are the Classroom Creations. Area schools received wooden cloud-shaped boards and the theme, Dreamscapes. The rest was up to them. See how 17 different classrooms interpreted the theme and buy your $1 tickets to try to win your favorite to take home! Winners will be drawn on December 18th and all proceeds support our educational programs for kids in kindergarten through high school.
On Saturday, December 14, Bennington Museum will host the annual winter gala: Dreamscapes, also based on the Magical Realism throughline for this year’s festival. This is the Museum’s largest fundraiser, and the most fun party in town featuring a sit down dinner and drinks by Pangaea, music by Midnight Choir, the last chance at the Silent Auction and other fun prizes. Early Bird tickets are on sale online through November 26 and seating is limited. All proceeds from this event will support the exciting capital projects coming up in 2025. Help make dreams reality and get your tickets today!
Finally, the last event of the year is focused back on our youngest guests…
Ringing in the New Year isn’t just for Adults! Want to celebrate the arrival of 2025 but bedtime is at 8:00? No problem. On Tuesday, December 31, put on your party clothes and head to Bennington Museum at 11:15AM to get ready to welcome in the “Noon” Year with music, party hats, noisemakers, sparkling grape juice, and the countdown to 12…PM! Admission to the Noon Year’s Eve event is $5/child. Adults are welcome to join the party at no charge, but to explore the galleries, regular admission will be charged. Registration is not required.
Family Day and Noon Year’s Eve are sponsored by Stewart’s Shops and the Golub Foundation.