On a recent trip to the Berkshires and the small town of Williamstown, MA, a friend suggested checking out the The Clark Art Institute. Since we were not familiar with the town, and wanted something relaxing to do before our daughter had a scheduled performance, it sounded like a good fit.
Williamstown is very small, and we used Google Maps to find the museum, but there were plenty of signs as well.
There is a large parking lot, and the museum is situated on a lot of open land.
We headed to the main lobby where we purchased our tickets. Our hometown library offers free museum passes, so it is worth checking into as far as saving on admission prices. We paid $20 for a general adult admission, as under 21 was free. There are also some promotional months in early 2023 for free admission.
As soon as we entered the building, we were impressed with the design and space. The main building is a lovely white marble building. There is plenty of room to wander, and the design is beautiful.
There are plenty of nice bathrooms, and a cafe that offers drinks and snacks.
There is a large area to sit and enjoy your food. There was plenty of seating (beyond this picture).
We checked out the smaller lower level, which was a new special exhibit of 18th Century French Drawings.
I enjoyed these drawings, from architectural plans to renderings of daily life from the 18th century.
Afterwards, we moved upstairs to the other exhibits, including Impressionist paintings, European art, sculptures, and more.
There were lots of spots to sit and relax, and reflect.
We started off in the American art exhibit. This is Winslow Homer’s “Eastern Point”, painted in 1900.
One of my favorite rooms here is the Impressionist paintings. The room has a pastel blue translucent roof, and an amazing ambiance. With statues in the middle and paintings around the room, they were perfectly illuminated and I enjoyed the presentation.
It was neat to see such famous art pieces, such as this one. Claude Monet, The Cliffs at Étretat, 1885.
There were so many exhibits to explore, and we did not have enough time to spend there, from statues to silver pieces. I would love to return and take my time checking out the rest of the artwork.
We also did not have a chance to explore outdoors, since we were on a time constraint and also because it was bitter cold outside. I would love to return and explore the rolling hills, trails, woods, fields, farm pastures, and pond. There is also a reflecting pool there that adds to the beautiful landscape.
There is a nice gift shop at The Clark as well.
This was a lovely experience and it would be nice to return, take another look at the art, and see what new exhibitions there are, as well as explore the outdoors there as well.
This seems like a great way to spend a day together. I love that the cafe has so many options for allergies as that can be so hard when you’re out somewhere like that!
This looks like a great place to visit. We also love visiting new places that we might have never thought about when going on trips. We always try and ask people who are from the area to recommend something for us to do.
It sounds lovely! And you sparked my interest even more when you mentioned the rolling hills and the reflecting pool. But I must say you have some lovely pics…and your main one with the snowy tree lined road, so so beautiful.
The space is so neat! I love it. A relaxing stroll here would refresh me big time. Man, the hallways are giving it!
Bedabrata Chakraborty
January 5, 2023 at 5:27 am - Reply
Impressionism is an important chapter in art history. I am a fan of this school of painting too. Hope to visit the museum someday although I find the entry ticket rather steep.
This would be a neat place to check out. I always enjoy looking at art. It looks like a peaceful place.
Wow! This looks like a really great and peaceful place to visit. My family would enjoy here for sure!
My son would really love to visit here we both love arts and this is a perfect place to check out. Thanks for sharing this with us!
It looks like a great place to visit. I would love to go there someday.
You got some great pictures to capture the memories! Looks like an interesting trip!
This seems like a great way to spend a day together. I love that the cafe has so many options for allergies as that can be so hard when you’re out somewhere like that!
There is almost always something great to discover in an art museum! Even the smaller and lesser known often have much to offer.
This looks like a great place to visit. We also love visiting new places that we might have never thought about when going on trips. We always try and ask people who are from the area to recommend something for us to do.
Nnnniiicccceeeee…I would love to be here and learn about art as much as possible! This is just new favourite scenery!
Wow this place looks reallyneat! I hav never heard of it before.
What an inspiring place to spend time! I love that they have a cafe, too, so that you don’t have to rush through if you’re hungry.
This is so cool and love the art in that place. The road is freeing and snowy, that looks cool as well. What a wonderful trip!
Wow! This looks like a really wonderful and amazing place to visit with my family. Can’t wait to check this place out!
It sounds lovely! And you sparked my interest even more when you mentioned the rolling hills and the reflecting pool. But I must say you have some lovely pics…and your main one with the snowy tree lined road, so so beautiful.
The space is so neat! I love it. A relaxing stroll here would refresh me big time. Man, the hallways are giving it!
Impressionism is an important chapter in art history. I am a fan of this school of painting too. Hope to visit the museum someday although I find the entry ticket rather steep.
Not really a museum fan. But the restaurant is worth the trip. I am interested to try the chicken waldorp salad. ha..ha..
Hi Marysa. I’ve never heard of Williamstown either. At least not the one in MA. There is one in Pennsylvania, but it’s small with no attractions.
I know that ballerina sculpture! I’ve seen that somewhere on the internet. From what I remember, it’s a known piece.
This place looks really neat and not crowded either. Seems like a great place to visit!