Planning a Trip to the Berkshires in Massachusetts? Put these World-Class Museums on Your Itinerary

Are you wondering where to go for world-class cultural experiences and outdoor adventures without the big-city crowds?

Our top suggestion, especially if you are located in the Northeastern US, is the Berkshires of Massachusetts.

A man stands in one of the galleries in Mass MoCA looking out the window at the view. — MASS MoCA is one of our favorite artistic escapes in the Berkshires.

When choosing the perfect vacation spot, we often look to small towns instead of big cities, and New England usually wins out over the rest of the country. Care to explore the creative side of the Berkshires with us?

These are our favorite Berkshires museums that we can’t get enough of.

MASS MoCA, North Adams: Best Contemporary Art Museum in the Berkshires

Several kids stand under a giant art installation at MASS MoCA in the Berkshires.

The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the largest modern art centers in the whole United States.

The fact that it is tucked away in the Berkshire Hills and not living it up in some trendy city means that you can explore it with relative ease.

If you ask our kids, they will tell you that MASS MoCA is their favorite museum in the Berkshires, and we are lucky that it is just a short drive from our home in southern Vermont.

While the exhibitions at MASS MoCA are thoroughly contemporary, they’re housed in an ancient, converted factory complex.

The juxtaposition of old and new is so startling and beautiful. MASS MoCA is also huge – boasting more than 110,000 square feet of gallery space.

Give yourself plenty of time to wander through the sprawling chambers and hidden nooks. There’s even an old hallway that sings to you as you walk through it.

This is a great museum for kids to explore, and while they’ll enjoy many of the exhibits, the Kidspace gallery was created with children in mind.

Part exhibition space, part hands-on studio, you won’t have to worry about convincing your kids to keep their hands to themselves at Kidspace.

The beautiful, colorful exhibits change frequently, but they’re always mesmerizing. In fact, the last time I visited MASS MoCA, I went without my kids, and the Kidspace exhibit was still my favorite!

Kids will love checking out the ArtBar, which is open on weekends and during school breaks. They can order up supplies and make their own masterpiece to bring home.

The Clark Art Institute, Williamstown: Fine Art in a Beautiful Setting

Two teenagers relax on the floor of one of the galleries at The Clark in Williamstown, Massachusetts. — Enjoying the galleries at The Clark, one of the best Berkshires museums/photo credit: The Clark Art Institute

The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute is located in Williamstown, a bustling college town that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The Clark is just a short drive from MASS MoCA, but the difference in artistic styles is striking. The fine art on display at The Clark is seriously impressive and, again, surprising to find in a New England town of fewer than 10,000 people.

Permanent collections include French Impressionist works by Degas, Manet, Monet, and Renoir, rubbing shoulders with American works by John Singer Sargent, Winslow Homer, and Frederic Remington.

Temporary exhibitions have included a visit from Whistler’s Mother, works by Van Gogh, and the Magna Carta.

Unlike the eclectic layout and exhibits of MASS MoCA, the collections at The Clark are displayed in a more traditional style.

One of the best things about The Clark, aside from the fantastic art, is the network of trails crisscrossing the grounds.

We almost always bring a picnic to enjoy next to the reflection pond, and afterward, We spend time meandering through fields and forests behind the museum.

Williams College Museum of Art, Williamstown: Family-Friendly Art for Everyone

A young girl takes a photo at one of the galleries in the Williams College Museum of Art in the Berkshires. — Fun and games at the Williams College Museum of Art/photo credit: WCMA

Also located in Williamstown, the Williams College Museum of Art is just one more surprise in this very creative corner of New England.

With more than 14,000 works spanning contemporary art, photography, prints, and Indian painting, the Williams College Museum of Art rounds out this inspiring trifecta of art museums that draws visitors to the northern Berkshires.

Families will appreciate the informal atmosphere at WCMA, where kids can begin their visit by climbing around the giant eyeballs—Eyes (Nine Elements) by Louise Bourgeois—in front of the museum.

This awesome Berkshires museum is dedicated to art education, not just for college students but for adults, pre-K-12 educators, and visiting families. Special programs are offered regularly, and the best part? The WCMA is always free!

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge: An iconic Berkshires Museum

A man sits with two young children at one of the galleries in the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts — Checking out the scavenger hunt at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Photo credit: Norman Rockwell Museum

Has there ever been a more iconic New England artist than Norman Rockwell?

While he was born in New York City, Rockwell called both Massachusetts and Vermont home for much of his life and found success as an illustrator at an early age.

He was a prolific painter, and the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge houses the world’s largest collection of Rockwell art.

norman rockwell studio stockbridge ma — Norman Rockwell’s studio in Stockbridge

We have always found the Norman Rockwell Museum to be incredibly family-friendly, providing activities and special events for kids throughout the season. Some of the fun activities include a self-guided scavenger hunt that takes kids through the museum, an audio tour made specifically for kids, and a special art corner for creative kids.

The Norman Rockwell Museum is nestled among 36 beautifully manicured acres with walking trails, gardens, fields, and a river walk. It’s the perfect spot for a post-art picnic, and the views aren’t bad either.

The Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield: A Fun Berkshires Museum for Hands-on Learning

The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA. Photo credit: Massachusetts Department of Travel & Tourism

The Berkshire Museum is the only museum on our list that isn’t, first and foremost, an art museum.

While the Berkshire Museum does contain some fabulous works of art, it focuses primarily on natural history and ancient civilizations. We spent countless hours here during our homeschooling years and still enjoy the exhibits and special events whenever we can.

Kids will love the Curiosity Incubator, where they can immerse themselves in exhibits featuring innovative, interactive displays that blend history and art with rich cultural experiences.

Other highlights include the 35 aquarium tanks, Berkshire animal specimens, and a really cool display of rocks and minerals.

After touring the galleries and exhibits, check out the offerings of the Little Cinema, which has been showcasing independent and foreign films for more than 60 years.

Special events at the Berkshire Museum are robust and focus on STEM, natural history, art, and dance—perfect for creative kids and adults!

These extraordinary Berkshires museums are all within a 30-mile radius, making it easy to embark on a creative and inspiring vacation without hassle.

Whether planning a weekend getaway or embarking on a New England road trip, be sure to check out this little corner of Massachusetts for world-famous art and culture in a gorgeous setting.