Hill-Stead is the first architectural project of Theodate Pope Riddle, one of the first female architects in the U.S. Theodate designed the Colonial Revival mansion as a country home for her parents, and today it has over a million visitors since opening to the public in 1947. The 152 acres of gardens and grounds make Hill-Stead one of the nation’s few remaining representations of early 20th-century country estates. Visiting Hill-Stead is like taking a step back in time. The inviting and intimate museum gives its visitors a close-up, personal view of renowned masterpieces, textiles, and decorative arts that make it feel like you haven’t been cleverly taken to a historical era, but rather it has been carefully and creatively kept true and relevant. The museum’s collection of paintings by Monet, Degas, Whistler, Manet and Cassatt is a sight to behold and rivals artwork found in major art museums around the world. Theodate Pope Riddle was a true innovator and visionary, and Hill-Stead is a testament to her commitment to historic preservation and her passion for architecture. Her creation serves as a reminder of the beauty of the past, and a place to celebrate and understand the incredible pieces of artwork that still exist today.