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Art is blooming in the Berkshires. Regardless of the season, there's always a great reason to head to the colorful Berkshires to tour historic galleries, walk in the footsteps of great American artists, or check out the thriving local art scene in Pittsfield, MA. Debunking the myth that you have to deal with crowds to enjoy great art, the artistic jewels hiding in plain sight in the highlands are rival institutions in major cities across the country. If you plan a getaway among the sugar maples, put these unique cultural attractions in Western Massachusetts on your list. Everything you'll find below is interesting and engaging for visitors of all ages!
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA)
One of the country's best art museums is tucked away in the picturesque valley town of Adams, Massachusetts. Featuring a mix of indoor exhibitions and outdoor venues, MASS MoCA celebrates and examines visual art, sculpture, dance, film music, photography, theater, and more. Visitors are treated to a multimedia experience in a bright, spacious setting with stunning 19th-century courtyards. Artists worldwide visit for performances, lectures, exhibitions, and artist-in-residency engagements.
Norman Rockwell Museum
A testimony to the power of American illustration and art, the Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to art education and appreciation. Possessing an archive of original works, studio pieces, personal memorabilia, and supplies belonging to the artist, the Norman Rockwell Museum is home to the world's most significant public Norman Rockwell collection. In addition to preserving the life and work of Norman Rockwell, this institution also hosts compelling exhibits from both classic and contemporary artists.
Lichtenstein Center for the Arts
Considered the pinnacle of the local art scene in Pittsfield, MA, the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts is an art center housed in a stunning historic building within Pittsfield's Upstreet Cultural District. This is where a living artist studio merges with a gallery. Guests can enjoy exhibits, live performances, workshops, a ceramic studio, and a darkroom.
Berkshire Museum
The Berkshire Museum houses more than 40,000 objects of interest spanning art, history, and natural science in a century-old three-story building. This is one of the most engaging cultural activities in the Berkshires for all ages. For families, the aquarium level is a wonderland containing exotic fish, native fish, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. The upper levels offer engaging encounters with fine art, artifacts, and special collections featuring an Egyptian mummy, Babylonian tablet pieces, ancient Mediterranean jewelry, and fossils.
Berkshire Botanical Garden
The Berkshire Botanical Garden is a manicured 24-acre labyrinth featuring over 3,000 plant species. Highlights of any visit include the Pond Garden, 1937 Herb Garden, Daylily Walk, Children's Discovery Garden, and Foster Rock Garden. In addition to garden tours, this popular attraction offers a variety of rotating workshops and art exhibits. Feeling inspired to put this green space on your must-see list? Check out our guide on what to see when visiting the Berkshire Botanical Garden.
Paint the Town With an Art Holiday in The Berkshires
As you can see, you simply need to paint the art scene in the Berkshires with a broad brush! The galleries and museums here celebrate everything from horticulture to modern art. Start planning your trip to explore gardens, estates, and the local art scene in Pittsfield, MA, and ensure a trip to Berkshire Museum Pittsfield is on your list!
