GALLERIES & MUSEUMS IN THE BERKSHIRES

The Most Popular Galleries and Museums in the Berkshires

Here in Western Massachusetts, our cultural roots run deep. We have a long tradition here of fostering the arts and love to showcase them to the world as well as keeping history alive.

We’ve gone ahead and put together a short list of galleries and museums in the Berkshires that we think you’ll enjoy.

Address: 9 Glendale Rd, Stockbridge, MA
Hours: Thurs - Tues, 10 AM - 5 PM, Closed Weds
Distance from us: 16.8 miles

Dedicated to one of the greatest American artists ever, the Norman Rockwell Museum is a cultural focal point in the Berkshires. It holds the largest, most significant collection of Rockwell’s works, including 998 original drawings and paintings. You can also take a look at selections from the Norman Rockwell Archives, a vast collection of letters, photographs, and more.

For those wanting to dig deeper into the working process of the famed fine arts master, visitors can also stop by his studio, though this does require an additional ticket purchase. The studio is kept in a state that reflects how it would have been if Rockwell was alive and currently painting.

In addition, the Norman Rockwell Museum also hosts exhibits showcasing local artists, helping to cultivate the same passion that Rockwell himself had.

Address: 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA
Hours: Daily 10 AM - 5 PM
Distance from Us: 9.1 miles

Hancock Shaker Village is a living history museum that offers visitors the opportunity to travel back in time to glimpse the lifestyle of one of America’s most intriguing social and religious movements: the Shakers.

During your visit, you’ll be able to see actual artifacts made by the Shakers, including art, furniture, and tools. You’ll also discover more about how members of one of the most successful examples of utopian, communal living went about their lives and how they worshiped.

The best time of year to visit Hancock Shaker Village is during the month of December, when they host their annual Hancock Holiday Nights. You’ll get the chance to see the wonders of the village dressed up for the holidays by lantern-light, making your way past candlelit buildings and see the nativity animals at the barn tucked into their stalls. Afterwards, you can warm up by the fire pit enjoying warm beverages.

Address: 1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA
Hours: Weds - Mon: 10 AM - 5 PM, Closed Tues
Distance from Us: 18.2 miles

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, or Mass MoCA, isn’t so much a museum or gallery as it is an adventure that can easily last the entire day.

Mass MoCA is a world-renowned institution that not only has mold-breaking galleries, it serves as a performance venue for:

Dance
Music
Avant-garde theater
Cinema
And more

You can also find exhibitions for photography, paintings, and sculptures, both more traditional art as well as creations that defy classification.

If that weren’t enough, Mass MoCA also has a restaurant, microbrewery, and coffee house, each of them renowned in their own right.

Address: 3 Elm St, Stockbridge, MA
Hours: Fri- Sun: 11 AM - 5 PM (subject to change)
Distance from Us: 16.6 miles

If you are interested in glass artwork of any kind, you must stop by this art gallery in the Berkshires during your visit.

The Schantz Galleries may be in a small location, but they boast a collection of works from over 60 nationally and internationally recognized artists. Both floors are meticulously designed to help showcase the works in their best light.

The staff members are welcoming and friendly and are more than happy to impart their knowledge about the craft of glass making.