America 250
14 February 2026 – 3 January 2027
America 250
2026 promises to be an exciting and memorable year at the American Museum & Gardens. We'll be celebrating our 65th anniversary and America 250, with inspiring exhibitions and events for all ages. The year ahead invites discovery and reflection across our galleries, period rooms and gardens as we celebrate American arts and artistry.
New Museum Trail
America 250 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Throughout the year, we will explore the ideas, events and people behind the American Revolution and reflect on its lasting legacy. When we reopen on 14 February, discover our new America 250 displays in the Museum, which are part of a special exhibition and trail exploring this fascinating time in US and UK history, including a full-scale replica of the declaration itself. Find out about the human stories bringing our period rooms alive and fascinating objects from the time period, and enjoy a spotlight family trail for kids too.
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.
Events
Join us for exciting events throughout 2026 celebrating American art, history and culture, including welcoming back Professor David Olusoga OBE to the American Museum & Gardens, with his lecture revisiting the Declaration of Independence 250 years on. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.