Our Mission & Values

The Mount, located in Lenox, Massachusetts, is a vibrant cultural center inspired by the life and work of American author Edith Wharton (1862 – 1937) set among her historic home and gardens in Lenox, MA. Here, history, literature, and nature come together to spark ideas, creativity, connections, and cultural experiences.

The Mount engages readers, writers, artists, families, and lifelong learners through a rich range of programs, including author talks, educational offerings, house tours, art exhibitions, and writer residencies. Its thoughtfully designed gardens, grounds and trails extend the experience outdoors, inviting reflection and exploration.

Designed and built by Edith Wharton in 1902, the estate reflects her deep knowledge of architecture and landscape design, exemplifying aesthetic principles as she articulated in her 1897 treatise The Decoration of Houses and her 1904 text Italian Villas and their Gardens. During her years at The Mount, Wharton wrote some of her most influential works, including The House of Mirth and Ethan Frome, which continue to shape American culture. The property is a National Historic Landmark encompassing a restored house museum and stable, formal gardens, and 170 acres of publicly accessible parkland.

By honoring Edith Wharton’s legacy with contemporary programming, The Mount offers a place where past and present meet—encouraging inquiry, creativity, and dialogue across generations.