February 2019 Events for the Design Minded

Empresses of China’s Forbidden City at the Peabody Essex Museum

There’s no reason to stay inside in February!

Beneath the Breakers
Ongoing
See what happens down below one of the country’s most noted mansions. Guides will take visitors through the boiler room, basement, and underground tunnels of the home. You’ll learn about the new domestic technology, from elevators and electricity to modern plumbing and laundry, that transformed daily life in the Gilded Age. Daily 10:30 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. Newport, R.I. $20, newportmansions.org

Empresses of China’s Forbidden City
Through February 10
Nearly 200 objects from the Palace Museum tell the stories of how imperial women shaped art, court politics, and religion in China’s last dynasty, the Qing dynasty. Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Mass., pem.org

Boston Made: Arts and Crafts Jewelry and Metalwork
Through March 2020
The International Arts and Crafts movement spurred a renaissance of hand craftsmanship in Boston at the turn of the twentieth century. The city emerged as a vibrant jewelry-making and metalworking community. The movement is characterized by works featuring bold color, gemstones, enamels, and history-inspired designs. Boston Made showcases more than 75 works—including jewelry, tableware, decorative accessories, and more. Perhaps the designs of this noted movement will inspire your designs today? Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, mfa.org

Arnold Arboretum Garden Design Workshop for Home Gardeners
February 6–March 6
Wondering how to begin when it comes to your home’s garden? Award-winning designer Christie Dustman will take you through the process of organizing a coherent garden in this five-session class. Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. $150 members, $188 non-members. Arnold Arboretum, Boston, arboretum.harvard.edu

Home Show Boston
February 22–24
More than 50 experts will be on hand to answer your building and remodeling questions and share the latest in building products and technology. After you pick the brains of all the industry pros, you can enjoy cooking demonstrations, a furniture-building zone, craft zone, and food specialty area. Friday noon–9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $9. Seaport World Trade Center, Boston. Tickets: $9,
newenglandhomeshows.com

Behind the Scenes in Collections Storage
February 28
Get a first-hand look at what goes on behind the scenes at Historic New England’s collections storage and conservation lab. Learn about current conservation projects and see favorite items from the organization’s permanent collection, including paintings, needlework, ceramics, and furniture. 1 p.m.–3 p.m., advance tickets required. Haverhill facility, Haverhill, Mass., historicnewengland.org