America 250
14 February 2026 – 3 January 2027
2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the American Declaration of Independence. This significant event sparked an American revolution and many more revolutions following. Throughout this year, the American Museum & Gardens will be commemorating the anniversary through an America 250 trail throughout our permanent galleries, two special exhibitions and an event programme which celebrates American arts, artistry and culture core to our mission.
Reflection
250 years since the declaration, we, as a museum of American arts and culture in the UK, are inviting visitors to reflect on the legacy and significance of the anniversary through today’s lens. It is our role as a cultural institution to offer an inclusive approach with diverse voices and perspectives which in turn give space for reflection, learning, dialogue and inspiration. Our mission is all ever more important today at a time in history of great division and where cultural organisations must strive more than ever to ensure openness and curiosity, which in turn create empathy, shared understanding, and progress towards a more just future.
America 250 Programme
We are proud to launch our America 250 programming that celebrates a range of American arts and culture showcasing the richness and complexity of American culture. We kick off 2026, with an America 250 trail in the manor house using the museum’s historic period rooms as backdrops to the anniversary. Many of our historic period rooms date from the time period of the American Revolution lending themselves perfectly to revisit the historic event through related objects and people connected to the revolution.
Our exhibition gallery starts the year with a special exhibition Kith & Kin: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend, featuring famous quilts from the world-renowned Gee’s Bend artists from Southern USA. It is an exhibition of stunning quilts which are works of art showcasing American design and the power of community, resilience and culture today and throughout American history. The exhibition was co-curated by Souls Grown Deep, a US non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the work of Black artists from the American South and supporting their communities by fostering economic empowerment, racial and social justice, and educational advancement and the Irish Museum of Modern Art.
The exhibition will be followed by a family blockbuster titled Circus of Curiosities: An exhibition of moving marvels. The exhibition celebrates the wonderful craft, art and joy of moving sculpture through animated models, toys and whimsical characters. It allows visitors to discover the fascinating world of mechanical art made by the finest contemporary makers and get hands on in a creative play workshop while celebrating American contributions to folk art, crafting and making.
Our special exhibitions will be supplemented by a vibrant public events programme, the highlight of which, is a custom speech by renowned British Nigerian historian David Olusoga OBE reflecting on the American Declaration of Independence 250 years later which will take place on 1st June at the Guildhall in Bath. Other events include our daily pop-up talks and monthly lecture series covering a wide range of topics alongside popular events celebrating all things American such as food, country line dancing, Jazz, gardens, outdoor theatre and concerts. For more information. check out our what’s on page for the latest news: What's On — American Museum & Gardens.
Gardens
All year we will be taking a closer look at the American garden designs that make our landscape and estate unique to Bath and Somerset, and a must-see garden in the UK. From the New American Garden created by world-renowned US designers Oehme, van Sweden (OvS), to our replica of George Washington's garden at Mount Vernon in Virginia, we'll be showcasing our contemporary and historic spaces for America 250 and their transatlantic links. Head Gardener, Annie Talbot, and the gardening team, are passionate about ecological gardening and environmental sustainability, and we can't wait to share more about their work across the estate.