Feb. 1, 2026, 4:00 a.m. ET
The Washington County Museum of Fine Arts will host an exhibition exploring Scandinavian art and culture from 1880 to 1920.
“The Scandinavian Home: Art and Identity, 1880-1920” is the first exhibit of its kind in North America. It will feature works from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, according to a community announcement.
The exhibit will run from Feb. 7 to May 17.
Exhibition showcases art, culture and history
The exhibition will feature more than 80 objects, including paintings, textiles, ceramics, furniture and silver. It is organized into thematic sections such as Norwegian Revival, An Artist’s Home/Art Nouveau, Vitalism in Finland and Denmark, Symbolist Experimentation, Rural Craft Traditions, Interiors and History of Landscape.
The entry gallery will focus on the Norwegian Revival, with works inspired by medieval history and folk traditions. Tapestries by Gerhard Munthe and furniture by Lars Kinsarvik will be showcased.
The exhibition draws primarily from the private collection of Dr. David and Susan Werner, as well as public collections to which they have donated, according to the announcement.
Local connection adds significance
The exhibition holds particular significance for Hagerstown, as museum founders William Henry Singer Jr. and his wife, Anna Brugh Singer, built a home in Olden, Norway. Singer’s connection to the Norwegian landscape is evident in many of his paintings, which feature snowcapped mountains, rivers and villages.
The museum’s presentation will include works from its collection, such as Swedish glass and etchings by renowned Swedish artist Anders Zorn.
“The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see Scandinavian art in dialogue with the local history of our museum,” Linda Johnson, Agnita M. Stine Schreiber curator, said in the announcement. “Visitors can explore how international developments in Nordic art connect to our museum’s founders and their deep engagement with Norway’s landscape and culture.”
Highlighting a connection to nature
As the 20th century began, some artists were attracted to Vitalism, a movement that advocated physical health through outdoor activities. The works of Jens Ferdinand Willumsen, including beach scenes and sunlight, exemplify Vitalist interests.
Renowned artist Edvard Munch also participated in the movement. His print “Omega’s Flight” is part of the exhibition.
Scandinavian artists sought to convey the unique beauty of their homelands, from luminous northern skies to rugged fjords. Landscapes were not only aesthetic subjects but also symbols of national identity.
Opening weekend to feature activities
The opening weekend will feature a barista from Cannon Coffee mixing Swedish-inspired coffee beverages from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 7 and 8.
On Feb. 7, members of With Hands and Hearts Antietam Fiber Artists, The Weavers’ Roundtable and the Hagerstown Chapter of the Embroiders’ Guild of America will demonstrate traditional rug hooking from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Exhibition tours and gallery talks will be available throughout the weekend.
For more information, visit wcmfa.org.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@usatodayco.com with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.
