Henry Francis du Pont became famous for amassing one of the most important collections of American decorative arts in the world, but his passion for collecting began in boyhood with things such as birds nests and seashells. The exhibition Outside In: Nature-inspired Design at Winterthur reveals in exciting new ways the evolution of du Ponts interests and the principles that informed his aesthetic. Opening Saturday, May 1, as Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library celebrates its 70th anniversary, this partnership with the Delaware Museum of Natural History (DMNH) unites selections from the DMNH collection of natural specimens with objects from Winterthurs museum and library holdings to demonstrate the powerful connection between nature and the decorative arts. The visually eclectic and immersive Outside In considers how du Ponts interiors looked to the outside and brought it inside in an aesthetic that has inspired designers ever since. As a child, H. F. du Pont collected birds eggs, plants, and other natural objects from the gardens and woods of his home at Winterthur and beyond. The same drive to gather and create beauty with objects was translated on a grand scale into his world-class garden and remarkable collections of decorative arts. The enduring theme of nature in design is seen in objects with naturalistic elements and objects like shells and minerals. Visitors will see motifs such as flowers and leaves in wallpapers, draperies, and other textiles, inlaid furniture, ceramics, and more. They will also discover how du Pont refined their arrangements according to principles that created a foundation still used by designers today. The exhibition considers his use of color, arrangement, floral design, and spaces that merge the inside with the outside. Organic objects such as ladles made from coconut shells and boxes made from tortoiseshell are included in the exhibition, inspiring visitors to consider current discussions about preservation and conservation of the natural world. Outside In also includes a full schedule of lectures, workshops, conferences, gallery walks, and more. This exhibition will capture the imagination of visitors of all ages with objects ranging from a hornets nest to shells, minerals, and fossils to exquisite cabinetry and shellwork grottos. In honor of Winterthurs 70th anniversary, Outside In looks at how Winterthurs mission to inspire has been realized by the ways in which Henry Francis du Ponts design aesthetic in the house and garden have been ongoing motivation for artists, designers, and visitors in creating unique interiors and objects, said Carol B. Cadou, the Charles F. Montgomery director and CEO of Winterthur. This partnership with the Delaware Museum of Natural History has given us the opportunity to examine the collection in new ways and to consider the preservation efforts of nature and its materials both inside and outside at Winterthur. About Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library Winterthur, known worldwide for its preeminent collection of American decorative arts, naturalistic garden, and research library for the study of American art and material culture, offers a variety of tours, exhibitions, programs, and activities throughout the year. Admission includes the garden and galleries. Located on Route 52, six miles northwest of Wilmington, Del., and five miles south of U.S. Route 1, Winterthur is closed on Mondays (except during Yuletide) and on Thanksgiving. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday. Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for students and seniors; $6 for ages 2 to 11. Memberships are available for free and discounted admission. Winterthur is committed to accessible programming for all. For information, including special services, call 302-888-4600 or TTY 302-888-4907, or visit www.winterthur.org. Winterthur is following state and national protocols for the health and safety of all visitors and staff. Capacity is limited, and reservations are required. Masks must be worn at all times indoors, as well as outdoors when safe physical distancing is not possible. All areas are cleaned frequently using EPA-approved disinfectants.