Image
Photo courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
When the Playhouse became part of The Pocantico Center in 2018, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund elected to rename it Abeyton Lodge after the childhood home of the Fund’s founders.
In 1924, John D. Rockefeller, Jr., asked New York Architect Duncan Candler to prepare plans for a “playhouse,” similar in style to his Abeyton Lodge home, where he and his family could relax and entertain outside of the public eye. The Playhouse long served as the Rockefeller family seat and hosts the biannual gatherings of more than 270 members of the Rockefeller family today. Following in the footsteps of his brothers Nelson and Laurance, David Rockefeller bequeathed the Playhouse upon his death in 2017 to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. In 2018, it joined Kykuit as part of The Pocantico Center. The RBF elected to rename the Playhouse in homage to its founders’ childhood home, Abeyton Lodge. This new name honors the spirit of togetherness and innovative, cooperative philanthropy that was nurtured in the family’s home and reflects the nature of the building’s continuing use as a place of learning, collaboration, and growth. Today, Abeyton Lodge offers expanded rehearsal and meeting space to support cultural performances, conferences, presentations, and other programs in support of the Fund’s mission.
Image
Photo circa 1938 by William T. Snyder, courtesy of the Rockefeller Archive Center.
Completed in 1927, the Playhouse has been preserved much as the family kept it throughout the 20th century.
Image
Photo courtesy of the Rockefeller Archive Center.
John 3rd, Laurance, Abby Mauzé, Nelson, and David Rockefeller host a family meeting in the Playhouse living room, circa 1973. On the rear wall are portraits of Nelson and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller.
Image
Photo courtesy of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Inside the Playhouse, the room housing the indoor pool (since decked over) is lined with striking Mexican talavera pots and tiles.
Browse the major events in the Rockefeller Brothers Fund's history