deCordova's Galleries Stay Closed Until 2028, and Its Winter Calendar Has Moved Outdoors

When deCordova closed its indoor galleries after the exhibitions that ended March 12, 2023, the Lincoln Squirrel reported that the building would be closed for at least two years. The goal was to fix the climate-control systems, which could no longer keep conditions steady enough for museum-standard care of the collection. Even the outer end of that two-to-three-year estimate, early 2026, has come and gone. In May the Lincoln Squirrel reported that The Trustees now plans to begin interior construction this winter, 2026–27, and to reopen the galleries in spring 2028. So for at least one more winter, plus another year after that, the art at 51 Sandy Pond Road is outside. The November and December calendar shows the museum working that way already.

The HVAC fix became a redesign

The project grew. D.A. Hayden, The Trustees' vice president for the MetroWest region, told the Lincoln Squirrel that a new five-year strategic plan, launched in 2025, gave the organization a chance "to step back and look at deCordova in a more holistic manner." Instead of a mechanical upgrade inside one building, the plan now covers the facilities plus specific improvements across the campus for visitors.

The invitation to deCordova's May 9 fundraising gala described three goals: better climate control in the galleries, "new, creative ways of integrating indoor and outdoor locations," and improved educational and community spaces. Hayden also told the paper:

"This work will not expand the existing footprint of the building; rather it will improve how these spaces function for art and people. We look forward to building improvements which share the beauty of the outdoors with the indoor spaces."

The money involved looked large from the start. In February 2023, ARTnews reported that then-interim president and CEO Nicie Panetta said the cost of the upgrade hadn't been determined, and that fundraising would likely run into the millions. Asked about the scale, she said, "Definitely eight figures." Sarah Montross, who has worked at deCordova since 2015, has since been promoted to museum director and chief curator.

The building hasn't been empty in the meantime. It still hosts public programs such as the Rappaport Art Prize lecture and the Cronin lecture, along with private events. The store and café operate in separate buildings. As of The Trustees' October update, the deCordova property page says the indoor galleries are closed "in anticipation of building renovations," while the sculpture park, café and retail store stay open.

What's standing in the park this winter

The sculpture park covers the whole 30-acre campus along Flint's Pond, and more than 50 sculptures are on view at any given time. The Trustees' Sculpture Park page lists four works under "What's New & Coming," and each is worth seeing on a cold afternoon.

• Silvia López Chavez, Chromatic Portals. Three metal structures draped in fabric, representing Land, Water and Sky. The exhibit page lists it through May 28, 2027, so it will be up through this winter and next spring.
• *Arlene Shechet, Channel Liberty (with Fallen Arm).* A work in iron, steel and cast aluminum that references the Statue of Liberty.
• Moko Fukuyama, Menagerie. Built from salvaged timber in the shape of a fishing-tackle box, with brightly painted forms.
• Venetia Dale, Within Time. Pewter casts of houseplant clippings donated by deCordova staff, volunteers and families from Lincoln Nursery School.

Within Time is the most local of the four. Lincoln Nursery School is the preschool on the deCordova campus, and The Trustees describes it as the first preschool in the United States embedded in a contemporary art museum. That means some of the pewter clippings in the park started as houseplants in Lincoln homes. Within Time was one of six featured works in Nature Sanctuary, the exhibition that ran from June 5, 2025 to October 4, 2026, and it is still listed among the park's current works.

Chromatic Portals also continues indoors. Silvia López Chavez made an indoor mural called Touching the Portal, and a November program is built around it, which makes the mural one of the few things to see inside the building right now.

The calendar runs outdoors and after dark

The galleries usually fill the indoor calendar in winter. With them closed, most of what's scheduled for the rest of the season either takes place in the park or uses the darkness that comes early in winter. Here is what's posted from publication day through the end of the year.

The two evening programs show the change most clearly. The Beaver Moon tour is a guided walk after closing hours on the theme of animals getting ready for winter. Visitors are asked to bring a flashlight or lantern and wear sturdy shoes. Less than four weeks later, the Solstice Stargazing evening starts with the last of the sunset over the park. Members of the Aldrich Astronomical Society, which was founded in 1932 and is one of the oldest astronomy clubs in the United States, set up telescopes to show constellations and planets. Museum Guides lead lantern tours, and there are self-guided activities for all ages. The Trustees asks guests to bring their own flashlight or lantern, and the deCordova Store and Twisted Tree Café will be open for holiday shopping and warm drinks.

Both programs treat the park in the dark as the main attraction. Hayden described the renovation as a way to connect indoor and outdoor spaces, and this winter the calendar is already doing that, with no new building yet.

Getting in, and what changes after New Year's

General admission is free for Lincoln residents, Trustees members and children 12 and under. Other visitors pay $14 for adults and $12 for seniors and students. Program tickets are booked separately on each event page, and the free general admission doesn't necessarily cover them. Book the moonlight and solstice programs early in any case. The Trustees also strongly recommends advance passes for the grounds because entry is managed to prevent overcrowding.

The posted hours for the Sculpture Park and the deCordova Store are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both are closed Mondays except on certain holiday Mondays. Twisted Tree Café closes an hour earlier than the park each day: 3 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends. The Trustees also describes the park as open Wednesday through Sunday in winter, so check the day's hours before a weekday visit.

After New Year's, the courtyard restrooms close from January until spring. The café restrooms are wheelchair accessible, and accessible restrooms are also on the museum's third floor, reached by elevator. Leashed dogs are welcome. Most of the grounds are grass or paved path and drive, with one accessible route through the property. A few sculptures sit on uneven or steep ground. Trail maps are free at the ticket booth when supplies last, and The Trustees suggests saving one to your phone before you go.

Spring 2028 is still about a year and a half away. Until then, Lincoln residents get free admission to more than 50 sculptures on 30 acres, plus a winter calendar planned for walking, telescopes and lanterns.

If family is coming for the holidays and you're planning a Lincoln outing around the Beaver Moon tour or the solstice evening, Leah Hart is happy to share what she knows about the town's winter calendar beyond Sandy Pond Road. Let's Connect.