Pablo Picasso's Hidden Tapestry Treasure Buried Beneath New York Mansion

Nelson Rockefeller's secret underground gallery at Kykuit estate showcases rare Picasso tapestry reproductions.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Kykuit estate in Pocantico Hills, New York, once home to the Rockefeller family, contains a hidden underground gallery commissioned by Nelson Rockefeller that houses a collection of rare Picasso tapestry reproductions. Rockefeller, a patron of the arts, worked with Picasso to transform some of the artist's most famous paintings, including Guernica, into large-scale tapestry versions that offer a unique perspective on the original works.

Why it matters

This secret gallery provides a fascinating glimpse into Rockefeller's passion for art and his efforts to make masterpieces more accessible. The tapestries also offer an intriguing commentary on authorship, authenticity, and the transformation of iconic paintings into textile form.

The details

In the 1960s, Nelson Rockefeller commissioned architect Wallace Harrison to reshape the long, narrow basement space of the Kykuit estate into a purpose-built art gallery. This gallery now houses large-scale sculptures and commissioned installations, including a collection of 18 Picasso tapestries that Rockefeller worked directly with the artist to create. These tapestries, woven in collaboration with Picasso to ensure accuracy, transform the Spanish painter's most famous works, such as Guernica, from oil on canvas into monumental textile reproductions.

  • In the 1960s, Rockefeller commissioned the underground gallery at Kykuit.
  • The Picasso tapestry collection was created in collaboration with the artist during this time period.

The players

Nelson Rockefeller

The former US Vice President and Governor of New York who was a passionate patron of the arts, helping to shape New York City's cultural landscape through his support of institutions like the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Primitive Art.

Wallace Harrison

The architect commissioned by Rockefeller to redesign the basement of the Kykuit estate into a purpose-built art gallery.

Pablo Picasso

The renowned Spanish artist whose most famous paintings, including Guernica, were transformed into large-scale tapestry reproductions in collaboration with Rockefeller.

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What they’re saying

“Art is a religion... collecting is a form of prayer.”

— Nelson Rockefeller, Former Governor of New York (MoMA)

What’s next

The Kykuit estate, including the secret underground art gallery, is open for public tours, allowing visitors to experience this unique collection of Picasso tapestries firsthand.

The takeaway

Nelson Rockefeller's hidden gallery at Kykuit showcases his visionary approach to art patronage, blending masterpieces with architecture to create an immersive experience that challenges traditional notions of authorship and authenticity. This little-known collection offers a fascinating alternative perspective on some of Picasso's most iconic works.