Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
Lillian Nordica (front) as “Columbia” in the Woman Suffrage Party’s 1913 pageant “Dream of Freedom.” Photograph from the Nordica Homestead Museum.
A Cause for Singing
On View May 23 - October 12, 2026
The 2026 exhibition "A Cause for Singing," highlights four noted opera singers and the causes they championed both on and off the stage: Marcella Sembrich (1858-1935), who used her concert platform to raise thousands of dollars for humanitarian aid during WWI; Lillian Nordica (1857-1914), who raised her voice to support the fight for women’s right to vote; Marian Anderson (1897-1993), whose voice was a beacon of hope and a symbol of equality throughout the Civil Rights Movement; and Ululani Robertson (1890-1970), the first Hawaiian artist to achieve international fame in opera and an outspoken champion of Hawaiian culture and equal rights. The exhibition includes artifacts loaned from the Nordica Homestead Museum and the Danbury Museum.
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Online Exhibitions
The Thatcher Photos
Presented in Partnership with Google Arts & Culture
This five-part series features images captured by Lake George photographer Fred Thatcher (1881-1969), some of which have never been published. See Sembrich’s teaching studio, her Bay View estate, and the surrounding area as they were from 1922 - 1934. Thatcher’s photography is accompanied by additional items from The Sembrich Collection including additional photographs by Lake Placid photographer G.T. Rabineau and historic press clippings.
Past Exhibitions
Viva Verdi!
From Verdi’s prolific output, Marcella Sembrich found herself a champion of three roles during her career – Rigoletto, Ernani, and La Traviata. “Viva Verdi” explores these three Verdi heroines and uncovers little known connections between Verdi and Mme. Sembrich. Featured in the exhibition is Sembrich’s couture silk gown for her portrayal of Violetta, the tragic Lady of the Camillas, from La Traviata.
This is an abridged version of an original physical exhibition presented at The Sembrich in 2025.
Mastering Mozart
Marcella Sembrich was considered one of the finest interpreters of Mozart at the turn of the 20th century. Her polished bel canto technique, combined with an endearing stage presence, earned her praise as “the greatest florid dramatic artist… of modern times.” Knowing this, it is no surprise that nearly one fifth of her performances at the Metropolitan Opera were in Mozart operas.
This is an abridged version of an original physical exhibition presented at The Sembrich in 2024.
Trailblazing Trends
“Trailblazing Trends” explores several dominant fashion trends—from the Gilded Age to the Roaring 20s—including fans, lorgnettes, handbags, tortoise shell, and more. The accessories featured in the exhibition belonged to Marcella Sembrich and were used by the famous singer both on the stage and the social scene - including items by noted the designers Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, and Calvaire.
This is an abridged version of an original physical exhibition presented at The Sembrich in 2023.