Guests touring the “Big House” at Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum have the chance to see works of art recently acquired from the estate of Christine “Nina” Wainwright, Nicholas Biddle’s great-great-grand-granddaughter.
These items, dating from the 19th and 20th centuries, include portraits of Commodore James Biddle and Nicholas Biddle Wainwright, a Mourning Pin with a lock of hair commemorating Thomas Biddle’s tragic death in a duel, a pair of classical carved tiger maple armchairs, and hand-colored lithographs showing the naval exploits of Commodore Biddle. An additional four newly-acquired works will be previewed in future installations.
Visitors are encouraged to pack a picnic basket and settle among the gardens, in the shade, or along the riverbank, for an afternoon recess. Guests are provided with a map of the grounds to aid them in their self-guided garden tours, during which visitors can explore the grounds and view hundreds of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous perennials,
Andalusia will host three “Open Saturdays” this fall, offering the public opportunities to enjoy the gardens and grounds during the weekends: Sept. 17, Oct. 29, and Nov. 5.
The grounds are open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours of the “Big House” are offered on Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m., and Monday through Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Admission is $20 a person for garden access only and $30 for “Big House” tours with garden access. Children under 12 are always free. Tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting the Andalusia Historic House, Gardens and Arboretum website.
The riverside estate and National Historic Landmark in Andalusia closes for the season on Nov. 5. Andalusia remains open during the late fall and winter by appointment only.
Andalusia, the ancestral home of the Biddle family, was placed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks in 1966. Visit andalusiapa.org for information.
Join our readers whose generous donations are making it possible for you to read our news coverage. Help keep local journalism alive and our community strong. Donate today.
