Stettheimer Dollhouse Returns to the Museum of the City of New York

The three Stettheimer sisters lived in New York City during the late 1800s and early 1900s, and spent their summers upstate. Florine was an artist, Henrietta, an author, while Carrie used her artistic and storytelling talents in another way – by constructing dollhouses. She began working on her first one in 1916 during their summer vacation and initially, according to some online reports, used whatever she could find. When she returned with her family to the city, she began making a dollhouse that would occupy her time for more than 20 years, creating a miniature world that reflected not only the stylish world of her family, but also New York City after World War I. For many years, the Stettheimer Dollhouse could be viewed at the Museum of the City of New York. This amazing structure is now back on display following an extensive conservation project.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the return of this extraordinary work of art,” said Stephanie Hill Wilchfort, Ronay Menschel Director and President of the Museum. “The dollhouse invites us into a rich narrative about the lives and passions of the Stettheimer sisters, making it a must-see for anyone. Interested in New York’s artistic heritage.”

While other dollhouse may add miniature reproductions of famous paintings to the walls, those on display in the Stettheimer Dollhouse were actually created by many of the family’s artistic friends, including Marcel Duchamp, who made a miniature copy of his Nude Desceding a Staircase. Other artists who created works include Gaston Lachaise, George Bellows, Alexander Archipenko, and Marguerite Zorach.

“The Stettheimer Dollhouse is not just a stunning object; it is a testament to the creativity and cultural vibrancy of its time,” said the Museum’s Curator Lilly Tuttle. “This conservation project has allowed us to showcase its beauty and significance in a way that will engage and inspire our visitors.”

Attention to detail in the dollhouses’ 12 rooms is incredible. In the kitchen, one may spy various equipment and utensils used to prepare the food as well as the food itself sitting on plates ready to be eaten.

A children’s room is filled with toys that were popular during the period, while the wallpaper creates a fantasy world fitting for a little one.

A game room has a table with playing cards and chips waiting for the players.

A sitting room boasts a golden tea set, while the chairs are covered in intricate needlepoint designs.

A dressing table has a brush and comb set on the top, along with a bouquet of flowers.

 Alongside the dollhouse, visitors cane enjoy dolls created in the 1970s by John Darcy Noble, the former curator of MCNY’s toy collection. He used one of Florine’s portraits of Carrie as a model, aiming to bring the “thoroughly Stettheimer” style and charter to each one. The dolls are dressed in elaborate outfits that Noble designed from the rich fabrics like tulle and chiffon that the women during those times would be wearing. 

The dollhouse conservation was done in collaboration with Art Conservation Group, a New York based studio that specializes in object conservation, according to MCNY.  The exhibition will open on November 22, just in time for the holidays. 

For more information go to the museum’s website.

Photos courtesy of the Museum of the City of New York.