Events and Tours
Tours of the Eli Wilner & Company studio are always greatly enjoyed by guests. Recently hosted VIP groups include The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sotheby's, AXA Art Insurance, Chubb Insurance, the Guggenheim Museum, and many more.
At the studio visitors learn about the age-old art of frame making and frame restoration. Eli Wilner & Company produces frames using old-world methods and materials, devoid of mass production practices. Visitors have the opportunity to meet the artisans, each of whom brings an incredible level of skill, creativity and craftsmanship to their work. Carvers, woodworkers, mold-makers and gilders demonstrate the skills that are involved in creating and restoring fine frames. Guests have the unique opportunity to try their hand at each of these skills as well.
Eli Wilner has been involved in the framing of artwork for over 35 years. Highlight projects include framing 28 works in the White House and re-creating the lost original frame for Washington Crossing the Delaware at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The monumental painting measures over 12 x 21 feet, and showcases the woodworking, carving, and gilding skills of the exceptional craftspeople.
If you have a group that would be interested in touring our studio or gallery, please email info@eliwilner.com to schedule a time and date to come. We would be happy to show you around either of our facilities. Note that the tour date and time must be arranged in advance and is subject to availability. Tours generally last 45-60 minutes. Please note: at this time we do not offer individual tours.
Studio Event Remarks
“The welcome for attendees at the studio was beyond compare, and the hands-on environment and your happy willingness to answer questions and speak with the appraisers made this program stand out as exceptional.”
Appraisers Association of America, 2015
“The visit truly brought to life the frame-making and conservation process, which further enlivens the experience of viewing works of art themselves. I was blown away by the skill of your team’s artists, and appreciated learning the many steps that are involved, from the profile sketching to the gilding. I will certainly be thinking of you and your firm the next time I see a complex, beautiful frame.”
Winston Art Group, 2015
“Of course, the highlight was seeing the various demos from the artisans themselves, and it’s wonderful to know that this craft is being preserved at the highest quality by Eli Wilner & Co.”
Apollo Circle, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2014
“We were overwhelmed with the wonderful experience of visiting the studio. You would have been pleased to hear the docents raving that it was their favorite stop on our NYC tour!”
Smithsonian, 2013
“Thank you for such a wonderful tour of your studio. We were all mesmerized by the skilled craftsmen, who contribute every step of the way, from carving to gilding. To have seen the Leutze frame, and to have met its carver was very special. On behalf of all of us, a heartfelt thanks. We shall all remember our Wilner Studio outing for years to come.”
Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2007
“Our visit to Eli Wilner’s studio was both a thrill and privilege for our Fellows! Thank you so much for organizing such a fascinating and truly enjoyable program that provided wonderful knowledge and insight into this critical – albeit generally behind-the-scenes – aspect of the art world. You and your team were incredibly generous to share your expertise and to provide this close-up and hands-on experience for us. It certainly made for a very memorable and meaningful program that we appreciated very much. The talent all around the studio was instantly evident, and each of them couldn’t have been more gracious and kind in sharing their work with us.”
Harvard Art Museum Fellows, 2015
“We appreciate all the time and effort that you and all of the artisans devoted to ensuring that an educational and fun time was had by all.”
Save Venice, 2015
“I just wanted to thank you for arranging the tour yesterday. Everyone appreciated the visit, it was something they couldn't have experienced anywhere else.”
Sotheby's Institute, 2014
“Thank you so much for giving us all a tour of the restoration studio. It was really interesting and I had no idea how much detail and work is put into every frame. I am glad I got to see it all firsthand. You guys are amazing! Thank you for everything!”
Christie's New York, 2008