Opening Reception: Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard

Celebrate the newest special exhibition in the galleries at the Eustis Estate: Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard. Filled with vintage photographs, historic drawings, and fun period advertisements, the exhibition reveals how the mid-century backyard became an integral part of American popular culture. See it before it opens to the public and enjoy a light reception. Retro backyard party attire (think summer garden parties and backyard barbecues) is highly encouraged.

Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard is presented by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the Smithsonian Gardens’ Archive of American Gardens.

Image from Patios, Pools, & the Invention of the American Backyard: Lakewood Plaza, outdoor living space. Long Beach, Calif., 1950s. Maynard L. Parker, photographer. Courtesy of The Huntington Library, San Marino, Calif.

Advance tickets required. Please call 617-994-6600 for more information or buy online.