A season of holiday magic and miniatures at Brandywine Museum of Art

All aboard for a lifetime of memories!

Your favorite holiday tradition returns to the Brandywine Museum of Art this year with a variety of model trains, dollhouses and other miniature wonders on view, plus festive trees adorned with Brandywine’s signature, handmade “Critter” ornaments and a full suite of events for the whole family to enjoy. 

A holiday favorite since 1972, the Brandywine Railroad is one of our most cherished traditions each year. The expansive O-gauge layout includes model trains running on 2,000 feet of track through a small village, a farm, factories, a drive-in movie theater and even a carnival. And adding to the trove of tiny treasures on view this year, "The Wonderful World of Wyeth Miniatures'' is a new exhibition that features model trains, a dollhouse and other miniature wonders that were previously owned and created by members of the famously creative Wyeth family.

Train enthusiasts will love marveling at the two model displays that belonged to artist Jamie Wyeth and Nicholas Wyeth, both sons of the renowned American artist Andrew Wyeth.

Nicholas Wyeth’s 8x12-foot standard gauge train display features historic “tinplate” Lionel trains from the 1920s and 30s traveling around colorful buildings and scenery, including a grouping of military miniatures collected by his father, Andrew.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Jamie Wyeth’s 4x6-foot N-gauge train display – one of the smallest model trains – was originally co-owned by Wyeth and his friend and fellow toy collector, artist Andy Warhol. Their display features personalized details by both artists, including a miniature figurine modeled after Wyeth’s famous "Pumpkinhead" self-portrait.

"Wyeth Miniatures'' also includes one of the rooms from a captivating nine-foot-tall dollhouse previously owned by Ann Wyeth McCoy – the talented composer, pianist, and daughter of N.C. and Carolyn Bockius Wyeth – which was built by her husband, the artist John McCoy. Outfitted by her family with several handmade furnishings, the dollhouse room is decorated with miniature paintings by her sister and brother-in-law Henriette Wyeth and Peter Hurd, as well as by her brother Andrew Wyeth.

One of Jamie Wyeth’s tiny paintings designed for the dollhouse will be displayed for the first time in years, along with several miniature furniture creations by Nathaniel Wyeth, Ann's mechanical engineer brother. Outside of the gallery, visitors also can explore a Victorian dollhouse decorated for the season, featuring 11 rooms filled with hundreds of delightful miniature objects.

Adding to the holiday festivities, the Brandywine’s annual Critter Sale will return Thursday, Nov. 21, to Sunday, Nov. 24, with a member preview sale on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

Each year since 1971, these distinctive Critter ornaments have been carefully handcrafted by a dedicated group of Brandywine volunteers using all-natural materials such as teasel, pinecones, acorns, eggshells, flowers and seed pods. Thousands of “classic Critter” favorites and fanciful new creations will be available for purchase, including a new limited-edition series of Critters inspired by Philadelphia’s favorite sports teams.

This year’s sale will be held in person in the museum’s new Waterview Room on the second floor. All proceeds benefit the museum’s Art Education & Public Programming.

A smaller selection of Critter ornaments is also available for purchase online and can be shipped across the country by visiting brandywine.org/critters.

Other returning events include “Breakfast with the Trains,” “Polar Express Read-Aloud Pajama Party,” a festive “Children’s Holiday Party,” and our “Sensory-Friendly Access Hours” for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders to enjoy after-hours access to the Brandywine Railroad.

In addition to the holiday offerings, visitors also can enjoy "The Crafted World of Wharton Esherick'' through Sunday, Jan. 19. This major exhibition, co-organized by the Brandywine and the Wharton Esherick Museum, explores the artistic legacy of Wharton Esherick (1887-1970), one of the most creative and interdisciplinary figures of 20th-century American art, craft, and design.

"The Crafted World'' brings together 70 works from across different media mastered by the artist – from painting, sculpture, and printmaking to woodworking, furniture making, and illustration – including many objects never before seen outside of Esherick’s home and studio.

More:'My Old Ass' starring Aubrey Plaza begins streaming this week

More:Delaware Children's Theatre celebrates 51st season with full slate of fun

Now through Jan. 5, the museum will be open daily, from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours Dec. 26 to 30 (closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, and closing early on Christmas Eve).

Whether you’re a train enthusiast, an art lover, a fan of delightful miniatures, or simply looking for a festive day out with family and friends, the museum is a place where holiday magic truly comes to life.

We look forward to celebrating the season with you.  

Virginia Logan is executive director & CEO of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art.