East Hampton: History, Gardens, and Art

East Hampton brings together architectural history, garden art, and sculpture at several cultural sites. Home Sweet Home offers a look at the history of a saltbox house and its gardens; the Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio focuses on artworks by Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran; LongHouse Reserve combines gardens and art in a 16-acre sculpture garden. This gives you a clear choice of themes as you plan your trip: Are you especially interested in architectural and garden history, or in sculpture and art in the garden? When looking for a vacation rental, these interests can be a useful first filter.

Home Sweet Home: House History and Gardens

Home Sweet Home is a saltbox house dating from the first quarter of the 18th century; the paneling in the parlor was installed around the middle of the century. The house and its furnishings thus represent two different periods. This timeline offers a specific way to explore architectural history without conflating the house’s construction with the parlor’s later design. The house is located on the village green in the center of colonial East Hampton.

The gardens at Home Sweet Home also reflect several aspects of history: that of the saltbox house, the life of John Howard Payne, and the lives of the people who lived there or helped shape the gardens. This extends the view from the building to the people and the garden grounds. Architectural and garden history come together here as a shared theme, while retaining their distinct focuses.

Art at the Moran Studio and LongHouse Reserve

The Thomas & Mary Nimmo Moran Studio is a National Historic Landmark. The studio is associated with artworks by Thomas and Mary Nimmo Moran. If you would like to see these works during a visit, check the latest exhibition details in advance.

LongHouse Reserve is a 16-acre sculpture garden that is open in all weather. It welcomes people of all ages and abilities to explore and enjoy its gardens and art. The combination of a sculpture garden and art offers a different focus from the architectural history of Home Sweet Home.

Reservations for LongHouse Reserve are recommended but not required; visitors without reservations are welcome during opening hours. Free parking is available on site during regular opening hours. Visitor policies can change, so check the official visitor information before your visit.

Practical Information

If you also plan to visit facilities in East Hampton Town, East Hampton Town recommends contacting the Parks Department before your visit. This will help you learn about on-site expectations and plan your visit.

Discover more destinations: Wading River, Bohemia, Hampton Bays, Saltaire, Holtsville, Calverton, Mattituck, Bellport.

View the regional travel overview: Suffolk.