The Museum of Scent with Mandy Aftel


Enter the enchanting world of the Aftel Archive of Curious Scents—the first museum of natural fragrance in the United States. Artisan perfumer, educator, author, and founder Mandy Aftel will reveal her latest publication, The Museum of Scent, which is a richly illustrated dedication to her museum's rare collection of natural essences.

Aftel, one of the world's preeminent natural perfumers, will guide you through the different families of botanical fragrances—including flowers, woods, leaves and grasses, and resins. Her book depicts each plant with a hand-colored antique woodcut and reveals its olfactory notes and uses. She'll also share excerpts from chapters devoted to the most rare and precious fragrances—such as ambergris, botanical treasure boxes, Books of Secrets, and other evocative artifacts from her collection.

Through this captivating presentation, full of fascinating stories and lore, you'll explore the natural and cultural history of scent. Q&A to follow.

To purchase a copy of Aftel's The Museum of Scent, please visit the NYBG Shop.

Sessions Available for Registration

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