Arts and Entertainment, Fine Arts, culture, art museums, performing arts, art galleries, and music are all key aspects of the vitality of a town, city, and state. Often indicative of the economic viability of an area as much as of the cultural life of the place, arts and entertainment, or culture, are important considerations when selecting a place to live. A vibrant and developing community has arts and culture at the heart of it's success. By sharing the experiences of theatre, fine art, literature, lecture series, art museums, music, and dance, a community builds on its intellectual capital, making it a place of excitement and vitality. For this reason, we have included directories of art museums, historical museums, architectural resources, performing arts centers, educational institutions, and related arts and intellectual venues for the regions we cover.

Art Museums and Galleries in Massachusetts

BERKSHIRES/PIONEER VALLEY/MOHAWK TRAIL

Amherst History Museum
The Strong House, 67 Amity Street
Amherst, MA
Phone: 413-256-0678
Exhibits of 18th and 19th century art and furniture. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

Berkshire Museum
39 South Street
Pittsfield, MA
Phone: 413-443-7171
An all-in-one museum, featuring galleries of art, natural science and history exhibits, and a cinema. The museum schedules programs for children, lectures and art classes throughout the year. There is an admission charge.

Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum
Willow Creek Road
Lenox, MA
Phone: 413-637-2210
Exhibits on railroad history and a ride on a historic railroad train await visitors to this museum. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Children's Museum at Holyoke
444 Dwight Street
Holyoke, MA
Phone: 413-536-KIDS
Hands-on exhibits for children. There is an admission fee.

Connecticut Valley Historical Museum
The Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle
220 State Street, Corner of State and Chestnut Street
Springfield, MA  01103  
Phone: 413-263-6800
Changing exhibits tell the story of the region from 1636 to the present through the museum's collection of hand-crafted furniture and silver by local craftsmen, motorcycles and antique autos made in Springfield, industrial objects from the region's factories, and historical firearms from the area's gun industry.

Crane Museum
Housatonic Street
Dalton, MA
Phone: 413-684-2600
This museum focuses on papermaking and developments in that industry since the dawn of the 19th century. Open seasonally.

Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
125 West Bay Road
Amherst, MA  01002  
Phone: 413- 658-1100
Email: info@picturebookart.org
Founded in part by Eric Carle, the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar., The Museum features three Galleries dedicated to rotating exhibitions of picture book art, a hands-on Art Studio, an Auditorium for performances and lectures, a comfortable Library for reading and storytelling, a Café serving simple and delicious fare, and a Museum Shop stocked with creative gifts and old and new picture book favorites.

George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum
The Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle
220 State Street, Corner of State and Chestnut Streets
Springfield, MA  01103  
Phone: 413-263-6800
An outstanding collection of Japanese arms and Middle Eastern rugs, Chinese cloisonné and other Asian decorative arts, as well as 19th-century American paintings and a classical sculpture cast gallery. Create your own art in the Hasbro Games Art Discovery Center.

Hadley Farm Museum
208 Middle Street
Hadley, MA
Phone: 413-584-8279
This barn, built in 1782, now holds an exhibit of early American farm equipment. Open seasonally.

Historic Deerfield
88 Old Main Street
Deerfield, MA  01342  
Phone: 413-775-7214
Email: info@historic-deerfield.org
Historic Deerfield is “New England as you hope to find it!” Located in western Massachusetts off Routs 5 and 10 in the 330-year old village of Deerfield, the Museum has been called “the gem of rural New England,” by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. This Museum of New England’s history and art welcomes visitors of all ages from around the world to Deerfield’s mile-long thoroughfare. Open Daily, year round, 9:30-4:30 except Thanksgiving, Dec. 24 & 25.

Indian Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame
33 Hendee Street
Springfield, MA
Phone: 413-737-2624
Exhibits of motorcycles and memorabilia. Includes a photo gallery. There is an admission fee.

Joseph Skinner Museum
35 Woodbridge Street
South Hadley, MA
Phone: 413-538-2085
Set in a church built in 1846, this museum feature 19th century glassware, furniture and musical instruments. An exhibit of locally unearthed minerals is also of interest. Open seasonally.

NORTH OF BOSTON/SALEM/CAPE ANN

Addison Gallery of American Art
97 Main Street
Andover, MA
Phone: 508-759-4015
Visitors will enjoy this collection of American paintings and sculpture. The exhibition of model ships is of particular interest. Open seasonally. No admission charge.

American Textile Museum
491 Dutton Street
Lowell, MA
Phone: 978-441-0400
This new museum details the history of the textile industry in America, long the major economic force in New England. Visitors will see examples of machinery and products from different periods in history, as well as an operating weaving room and wool mill.

Andover Historical Society
97 Main Street
Andover, MA
Phone: 978-475-2236
This home, built in 1819, features 19th century artifacts and furnishings. An 19th century barn is also on the property.

Bartlett Museum
270 Main Street
Amesbury, MA
Phone: 978-388-4528
Museum features collections of horse-drawn carriages and Native American artifacts. Open seasonally. Admission is free.

Cushing House Museum
98 High Street
Newburyport, MA
Phone: 978-462-2681
This mansion, built in 1808, features antique furniture, artwork and a carriage house. Open seasonally. There is a charge for admission.

Custom House Maritime Museum
25 Water Street
Newburyport, MA
Phone: 978-462-8681
Follow the history of maritime Massachusetts through the exhibits at this museum. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

John Heard House and Franklin Waters Museum
40 South Main Street
Ipswich, MA
Phone: 978-356-2641
Built in 1795, this home contains a collection of antique furniture from China and colonial America. Visitors will also find a display of carriages. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

top of listingsLynn Historical Museum
125 Green Street
Lynn, MA
Phone: 978-592-2465
Four rooms exhibit items tracing Lynn's history over a span of 100 years, from 1776 to 1876. There is an admission charge.

New England Quilt Museum
18 Shattuck Street
Lowell, MA
Phone: 978-452-2407
Exhibits on quilts and quilting from across the country and the world. There is an admission fee.

Paper House
52 Pigeon Hill Street
Rockport, MA
Phone: 978-546-2629
This home and everything in it are entirely made out of newspaper. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

Peabody Essex Museum
East India Square
Salem, MA
Phone: 978-745-1876
Exhibits feature Asian art, history and ethnology, also maritime history. There is an admission charge.

Salem Witch Museum
Washington Square North
Salem, MA  01970  
Phone: 978-744-1692
Email: faq@salemwitchmuseum.com
Salem’s Most Visited Museum
Words such as these struck terror into the hearts of Salem townspeople in the early spring of 1692 as hysterical young girls called out names. The Salem Witch Museum brings you back to Salem 1692. Visitors are given a dramatic history lesson using stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration - an overview of the witch trials of 1692.

Sandy Bay Historical Society and Museum
40 King Street
Rockport, MA
Phone: 978-546-9533
Local history is the focus of this museum, with particular emphasis on the fishing and granite industries. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Tsongas Industrial History Center
Boott Cotton Mills Museum, 400 John Street
Lowell, MA
Phone: 978-970-5080
Activities and exhibits highlight the history of industry and industrial development in New England and the United States. There is an admission charge.

Wenham Museum
132 Main Street
Wenham, MA
Phone: 978-468-2377
This museum is set in the Claffin-Richards House, built in 1660. Exhibits include antique furniture and household items. Of particular interest is the collection of 5,000 dolls. There is a charge for admission.top of listings

Whistler House Museum of Art
243 Worthen Street
Lowell, MA
Phone: 978-468-2377
The birthplace of James Abbott McNeil Whistler. Exhibits of Whistler's and other's artwork. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Witch Dungeon Museum
16 Lynde Street
Salem, MA
Phone: 978-744-9812
This museum features a tour of the dungeon where those accused of witchcraft were held. Reenactment of the trial is also part of the exhibits. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill
New Bedford, MA
Phone: 508-997-0046
The New Bedford Whaling Museum houses the world's most comprehensive collection of whaling and maritime artifacts. Climb aboard the world's largest ship model, the 89-foot bark Lagoda, and view the 66-foot skeleton of a rare blue whale. Open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Old Schwamb Mill
17 Mill Lane
Arlington, MA
Phone: 617-643-0554
19th century wood-working is featuring in exhibits at this museum.

French Cable Station Museum
Cove Road and Route 28
Orleans, MA
Phone: 508-240-1735
One of the most significant developments of the 19th century was the transatlantic cable connecting North America to Europe by telephone. This museum houses the original equipment used to lay that cable. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Heritage Plantation
Pine and Grove Streets
Sandwich, MA  02563  
Phone: 508-888-3300
The gardens, on 76 acres of gently rolling hills next to Upper Shawme Pond, are a showplace of distinctive rhododendrons with larger flowers in vivid colors. They usually bloom from late may through mid-June. Hours: January, February, March, by appointment or program registration; April 1-October 31, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fee charged.

John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum
397 Main Street
Hyannis, MA
Phone: 508-790-3077
This museum focuses on Kennedy's life and activities during the times he vacationed in Hyannis. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

Museum of the Truro Historical Society
Highland Light
North Truro, MA
Phone: 508-487-3397
Exhibits of antique firearms, historic artifacts, and items from shipwrecks. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

Museum of Woods Hole
Woods Hole Road
Woods Hole, MA
Phone: 508-548-7270
Set in the historic Bradley House, this museum features a model of the village of Woods Hole as it was in 1895. There is an admission fee.

New England Fire and History Museum
1439 Main Street
Brewster, MA
Phone: 508-896-5711
The highlights of this museum are its collection of antique fire engines and firefighting equipment. A blacksmith shop and apothecary are also on display. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Osterville Historical Society Museum
Parker and West Bay Roads
Osterville, MA  02655  
Phone: 508-428-5861
Set in the home of a sea captain built in the 18th century, the museum features home-oriented exhibits, a boat shop and outdoor gardens. seasonally. There is an admission fee. Hours: June-September, Thursday-Sunday, 1:30 -4:30 p.m. Fee charged.

Provincetown Heritage Museum
356 Commercial Street
Provincetown, MA
Phone: 508-487-7098
Exhibits of 19th century art and Victorian artifacts. Of particular interest is the replica of the schooner Rose Dorothea, built to half scale. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Provincetown Museum
High Pole Hill
Provincetown, MA
Phone: 508-487-1310
The history of the Cape is detailed here, including a granite tower monument commemorating the Pilgrim's first landing on the Cape in 1620. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Provincetown Museum of Art
460 Commercial Street
Provincetown, MA
Phone: 508-487-1750
This museum focuses on art exhibits, lectures and art classes. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

Sandwich Glass Museum
129 Main Street
Sandwich, MA
Phone: 508-888-0251
Sandwich was home to a glass factory throughout much of the 19th century. This museum features exhibits of glassware made from 1825 to 1888. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Thornton W. Burgess Museum
4 Water Street
Sandwich, MA
Phone: 508-888-6870
The literary father of Peter Rabbit lived in this home and did much of his work here. There is an admission fee.

Wellfleet Historical Society Museum
Main Street
Wellfleet, MA
Memorabilia featuring toys, marine equipment, and needlework. Tours of the area's historic sites are available. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS/STURBRIDGE

Clara Barton Birthplace Museum
68 Clara Barton Road
North Oxford, MA
Phone: 508-987-5375
The first home of one of America's most famous women: the founder of the American Red Cross. Exhibits feature Barton's career and history, in addition to family memorabilia. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

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Fitchburg Art Museum
Merriam Parkway - main entrance
185 Elm St.
Fitchburg, MA  01420  
Phone: 978-345-4207
Fax: 978-345-2319
Email: meletarte@fitchburgartmuseum.org
The Fitchburg Art Museum was founded by the bequest of Miss Eleanor Norcross. During the years between 1880 and 1920 when Miss Norcross lived in Paris, she became deeply impressed by the quality of small rural museums and their impact on public education. The museum is open to the public from Tuesday through Sunday, 12 – 4. Admission Adults , Seniors & Students , Members & Children Under 12 Free.

Fruitlands Museums
102 Prospect Hill Road
Harvard, MA
Phone: 508-456-3924
Set on the site of an 1843 social experiment by A.B. Alcott. Fruitlands was conceived as a 19th century utopia, but is now home to a museum exhibits focusing on the Shaker society, the region's native American population, in addition to Fruitlands itself. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Higgins Armory Museum
100 Barber Avenue
Worcester, MA  01606-2444  
Phone: 508-853-6015
Email: higgins@higgins.org
The Higgins Armory Museum is the only institution in the Americas solely dedicated to arms and armor, and their cultural impact on the modern world. The Higgins Armory Museum celebrates its 75th anniversary year in 2003, with 75 events and programs that illuminate the culture of the Middle Ages. Immerse yourself in the romance of troubadours, the pageantry of Joan of Arc's campaigns, and the thrill of live medieval swordplay. Closed Mondays and select holidays.

National Plastics Center and Museum
210 Lancaster Street
Leominster, MA
Phone: 508-537-9529
Discover the science, history, and many uses of plastic. Included is the Plastics Hall of Fame Exhibit. There is an admission fee.

Old Sturbridge Village
1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Off Rte 20
Sturbridge, MA  01566  
Phone: 508-347-3362
Toll-Free: 800-SEE-1830
Old Sturbridge Village: The Story of a New Nation
Step out of your world and into ours. Explore early New England in the company of farmers, craftsmen, and fascinating characters. Celebrate yesterday's proud traditions on your remarkable journey into America's past. Old Sturbridge Village offers a variety of ways to experience the artifacts, activities, and seasonal celebrations of rural New England during the first 50 years following the American Revolution (1790-1840).

Toy Cupboard Puppet Theatre and Museum
57 East George Hill Road
South Lancaster, MA
Phone: 508-365-9519
Puppetry is the focus at this museum. Exhibits of antique marionettes, dolls, and children's books are available for visitors. Puppet shows are scheduled in the theatre throughout the year. There is an admission fee.

Willard Clock Museum
11 Willard Street
Grafton, MA
Phone: 508-839-3500
An extensive collection of clocks and furniture. The museum is open Tues-Sat, 10 am-4 pm, and Sun 1 pm-4 pm; guided tours conducted year-round. Reservations requested for groups of eight and larger. Admission is charged.

Worcester Art Museum
55 Salisbury Street
Worcester, MA  01609  
Phone: 508-799-4406
Fax: 508-798-5646
Email: information@worcesterart.org
Experience magnificent artwork from five millennia of world cultures in a richly historical museum building. Opened in 1898, the Worcester Art Museum features a 35,000-piece, world-class collection of antiquities, oils, prints, photographs, sculptures, decorative arts, and more. View paintings by Cassatt, Gauguin, Goya, Monet, Sargent, and Whistler. Enjoy a delectable lunch in the Museum Café, and browse the shop for unique gifts and mementos.

Worcester Center for Crafts
25 Sagamore Rd
Worcester, MA  01605  
Phone: 508-753-8183
Fax: 508-797-5626
Email: wcc@worcestercraftcenter.org
The craft center facility was built in the mid-1950s and occupies more than 26,000 square feet of space comprised of eight studios, an exhibition gallery, a gift shop, a student supply store, and administrative offices. The Worcester Center for Crafts is one of New England's busiest centers for contemporary American crafts education. The gallery, gift and supply shop, and studios are open 10 am-8 pm.

Worcester Historical Museum
30 Elm Street Street
Worcester, MA
Phone: 508-753-8278
This museum focuses on the history of the city of Worcester. A library also is on the site. There is an admission fee.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD AND NANTUCKET

Cottage Museum
1 Trinity Park
Oak Bluffs, MA
Phone: 508-693-0525
This campground, a popular attraction on the island for years, is now a museum. Artifacts include furniture and memorabilia. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Fair Street Museum
Fair Street
Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508-228-5205
This museum features temporary exhibits on a variety of subjects. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Maria Mitchell Science Center
Vestal and Milk Streets
Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508-228-9198
Nantucket's most famous astronomer and her work are the focus of this museum's many exhibits. This science museum is open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Museum of Afro-American History, Boston and Nantucket
46 Joy Street, Beacon Hill
Boston, MA
Phone: 617-725-0022
The Museum of Afro-American History is New England's largest African American history museum with three historic sites built in the early 1800s, historic artifacts, works of art, and two Black Heritage Trails. Exhibits and programs highlight the contributions of African Americans and those who have found common cause with them in the struggle for equal rights during the 19th century.

Museum of Nantucket History
Straight Wharf
Nantucket, MA
View a comprehensive overview of the island's history. Of particular note is the 13-foot-tall diorama showing the layout of the town before the Great Fire of 1846. An excellent collection of early photographs depicting Nantucket throughout history is quite impressive. Don't miss the live demonstrations of early island crafts.

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Nantucket Life Saving Museum
Polpis Road
Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508-228-1885
This museum is the recreation of the 1874 life guard station originally at that site. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Old School House Museum
Main Street
Vineyard Haven, MA
Visitors will find historic items related to the whaling industry and the Revolutionary War. Open seasonally. There is an admission charge.

Peter Foulger Museum
Broad Street
Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508-228-1655
Visitors to this museum will enjoy various exhibits of local furniture, artwork and other designed pieces. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

Seaman's Bethel
15 Beach Road
Vineyard Haven, MA
This museum focuses on the history of the areas maritime and whaling industries. Admission is free.

The Vineyard Museum and Dukes County Historical Society
School and Cooke Streets
Edgartown, MA
Phone: 508-627-4441
Several buildings comprise the museum and it is considered one of the best in the region. The Thomas Cooke House, on the museum property, was built in 1765 and is an excellent example of pre-Revolutionary War architecture. Next door is the Captain Francis Pease House, where you will find an art gallery, displays of Indian artifacts and other exhibits.

Whaling Museum
Broad Street
Nantucket, MA
Phone: 508-228-1736
An exhibit of whaling artifacts inside the former site of a 19th century candle factory. Open seasonally. There is an admission fee.

METROWEST BOSTON

American Jewish Historical Society
2 Thornton Road
Newton Centre, MA
Phone: 617-559-8880
Museum featuring exhibits and programs about the history of Jewish life in New England and the United States. The society also maintains an extensive research library. Free admission.

Cardinal Spellman Philatelic Museum
235 Wellesley Street
Weston, MA
Phone: 617-894-6735
Exhibits and a library focus on postage stamps and stamp collectings. More than 3 million stamps can be found on the site. Free admission.

Charles River Museum of Industry
154 Moody Street
Waltham, MA
Phone: 617-893-5410
The industrial revolution played an exceedingly important role in the history of New England. Exhibits at this museum trace the history of the revolution, with particular emphasis on the textile and electronic industries. There is an admission charge.

Concord Museum
200 Lexington Road
Concord, MA  01742  
Phone: 978-369-9763
Fax: 978-369-9660
Email: cm1@concordmuseum.org
Renowned as the site of the battle that began the American Revolution and as the home of the most original thinkers and writers of the American literary renaissance, the town of Concord has played a remarkable part in the history of New England and the nation.

Danforth Museum of Art
123 Union Avenue
Framingham, MA
Phone: 508-620-0050
Art museum with exhibits focusing on both traditional and contemporary art. There is an admission charge.

Davis Museum and Cultural Center
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA
Phone: 617-283-2051
At this art museum, exhibit galleries focus on medieval art, the old masters, 19th century Romanticism, Impressionists, and early and late 20th century collections. Free admission.

DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park
51 Sandy Pond Road
Lincoln, MA
Phone: 781-259-8355
Museum of modern art focuses on New England artists. There is an admission fee, but the outdoor sculpture garden is free.

Jackson Homestead
527 Washington Street
Newton, MA  02458  
Phone: 617-796-1450
The Jackson Homestead, a 1809 Federal-style farmhouse, is a nationally accredited museum and home to Newton's Historical Society. The exhibits and programs concentrate on topics of New England history, including the home as a site on the Underground Railroad. Collections include paintings, costumes, photographs, manuscripts, maps, and historical artifacts.

Milton Art Museum
44 Edge Hill Road
Milton, MA
Phone: 617-696-1145
Featured exhibits include 19th century bronze sculpture, prints, Asian artwork and contemporary artists. There is an admission fee.

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Museum of Our National Heritage
33 Marrett Road, Route 2A
Lexington, MA
Phone: 781-861-6559
Films, demonstrations and exhibits highlight America's colonial heritage. Concerts are also scheduled in the museum. Admission is free.

Museum of Transportation
15 Newton Street
Brookline, MA
Phone: 617-522-6547
This museum focuses on the automobile and society. The collection of automobiles is America's oldest. There is an admission charge.

New Bedford Fire Museum
51 Bedford Street
New Bedford, MA
Phone: 508-992-2162
Restored fire trucks and interactive exhibits highlight this museum of firefighting, firefighters and their tools.

Rotch-Jones-Duff House and Garden Museum
936 County Street
New Bedford, MA  02740  
Phone: 508-997-1401
This 28-room Greek Revival mansion was built for whaling merchant William Rotch, Jr. in 1834. The house and formal gardens chronicle 150 years of economic, social and domestic life in New Bedford. The grounds encompass a full city block of gardens including a Wildflower Walk, a formal boxwood rose parterre garden, a cutting garden, a boxwood specimen garden and an historic wood lattice pergola. Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Fee charged.

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