Daly Mansion, Hamilton MT

The Daly Mansion preserves history and connects communities, celebrating the rich heritage of the Bitterroot Valley. Its historic 24,000-square-foot estate, lush gardens, and expansive grounds provide the space to explore, learn, gather, and experience Montana's past. The Daly Mansion started as a modest farmhouse purchased by copper king Marcus Daly, growing into a grand summer home and a vision of preserving western Montana’s architectural and cultural history for all to enjoy.

Today, they still share this heritage through guided mansion tours, educational programs, and community events. Visitors explore over 50 rooms filled with original furnishings, stroll through the 46-acre tree-lined arboretum, and host gatherings on the historic grounds.

Daly Mansion Website

The Daly Mansion offers artists across disciplines the opportunity to immerse themselves in Gilded Age architecture, regional history, and expansive grounds.

While in residence at the Daly Mansion, staff will coordinate access to its collections, historic spaces, and grounds with each artist, tailored to their individual project focus and scheduling requirements.
Resources include:

• A wall tent for the artist's exclusive use on the estate grounds. Indoor space can be designated for additional storage if needed.

• Access to historical collections, photographs, period furnishings, and research materials detailing early Montana mining, agriculture, timber history, and the Daly family legacy.

• Musicians, sound artists, and performers may have access to historic spaces—such as the Music Room featuring original architectural detailing—for practice or recording.

• Access to historic outbuildings, garden spaces, and tree-lined pathways ideal for plein air painting, installation concepts, writing, or architectural research.

The Daly Mansion is located just 2.5 miles northeast of downtown Hamilton, just off the Eastside Highway. The mansion is accessible by car and bicycle. Onsite parking is available. 251 Eastside Highway, Hamilton, MT 59840

Artists should keep in mind that the Mansion grounds are open to the public and are actively used for public and private events throughout the summer.

Hamilton serves as the vibrant cultural and historic hub of southwestern Montana. Founded in 1890 by Irish-born Copper King Marcus Daly, the town was originally established as a strategic center to harvest timber for his massive copper mining operations in Anaconda. Daly envisioned Hamilton as far more than an industrial outpost, investing heavily in the area's infrastructure and establishing his renowned Bitterroot Stock Farm for thoroughbred horse breeding. His legacy remains central to the town's identity, anchored by the magnificent Daly Mansion—a 24,000-square-foot Gilded Age estate that offers visitors a captivating glimpse into Montana's rich 19th-century history.

Beyond its deep mining and timber roots, Hamilton evolved through an early 20th-century agricultural boom famous for its extensive apple orchards, and later established itself as a pioneer in scientific discovery with the founding of the renowned Rocky Mountain Laboratories. Today, Hamilton seamlessly blends its storied heritage with modern Western charm. Featuring a historic main street lined with local shops, craft breweries, and turn-of-the-century architecture, the town acts as the gateway to world-class fly fishing on the Bitterroot River and endless backcountry trailheads.

The artist will be housed in Hamilton in a centrally located, furnished home or apartment with a private bedroom. Exact location to be determined. Applicants will have the opportunity to share their housing needs in the Artist-in-Residence application. 

Artists applying for this residency must have a vehicle.

In addition to an artist presentation, the artist will have the opportunity to teach a compensated workshop on-site if interested.

• READ ADDITIONAL FAQ’s document

• Open AIR is committed to accessibility. If the application process or fee poses a barrier,  please reach out to Rachel at program@openairmt.org