All modern art museums to visit in Massachusetts

Experience the dynamic world of modern art at 27 museums in Massachusetts. These museums showcase modern works that push the boundaries of creativity and expression.

Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit in Massachusetts:

  1. Museum of Fine Arts1

    Museum of Fine Arts

     Boston, MA
    The Museum of Fine Arts, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is recognized as one of the largest museums in the United States. Founded in 1870 and opened in 1876, the museum has grown to become a significant cultural institution, housing a diverse range of collections.
  2. Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum2

    Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

     Boston, MA
    The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, located in Boston, Massachusetts, is a unique institution dedicated to the preservation and display of European and American art. The museum was founded in 1903 by Isabella Stewart Gardner, a prominent art collector and philanthropist. The museum's collection, which spans various periods and styles, is a testament to Gardner's passion for art and her commitment to sharing it with the public.
  3. Arthur M. Sackler Museum3

    Arthur M. Sackler Museum

     Cambridge, MA
    The museum consists of the Fogg Museum, Busch-Reisinger Museum, and Arthur M. Sackler Museum. It displays wide range of art including American and European paintings, postwar contemporary art from German-speaking Europe, Greek and Roman sculptures and many more.
  4. Harvard Art Museums4

    Harvard Art Museums

     Cambridge, MA
    The Harvard Art Museums, located within the prestigious Harvard University, comprise three distinct museums. These include the Fogg Museum, which was established in 1895 and is known for its collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present; the Busch-Reisinger Museum, founded in 1903 and the only museum in North America dedicated to the study of art from the German-speaking countries of Central and Northern Europe; and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, established in 1985, which houses collections of ancient, Islamic, Asian, and later Indian art.
  5. Smith College Museum of Art5

    Smith College Museum of Art

     Northampton, MA
    The Smith College Museum of Art, abbreviated as SCMA, is a significant cultural institution located in Northampton, Massachusetts. It was first established in 1870 and is a member of the American Alliance of Museums, Five College Consortium, and Museums10 consortiums. These affiliations reflect the museum's commitment to maintaining high standards in its operations and exhibitions.
  6. Peabody Essex Museum6

    Peabody Essex Museum

     Salem, MA
    The Peabody Essex Museum is a renowned museum situated in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is a significant cultural institution that offers a wide range of collections and exhibits for visitors to explore. The museum's location in Salem, a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, adds to its appeal for tourists.
  7. Fogg Museum7

    Fogg Museum

     Cambridge, MA
    The Harvard Art Museums, which are part of Harvard University, comprise three museums: the Fogg Museum, the Busch-Reisinger Museum, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum. The Fogg Museum, founded in 1895, is the oldest of the three and has a rich history. The Busch-Reisinger Museum, established in 1903, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum, founded in 1985, also contribute to the diverse collection of the Harvard Art Museums.
  8. Carpenter Center For the Visual Arts8

    Carpenter Center For the Visual Arts

     Cambridge, MA
    The Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts is a significant architectural landmark in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It was designed by the renowned architect Le Corbusier and completed in 1963. The building is located within the campus of Harvard University and is the only building by Le Corbusier in the United States. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in architecture and visual arts.
  9. Worcester Art Museum9

    Worcester Art Museum

     Worcester, MA
    The Worcester Art Museum, also known by the acronym WAM, is a fine arts museum located in the city of Worcester, USA. The museum was officially opened in 1898 and has since become a significant cultural landmark in the region.
  10. George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum10

    George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum

     Springfield, MA
    The Quadrangle, located in Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, is a hub of cultural institutions and museums. Situated on Chestnut Street between State and Edwards Streets, it offers a rich blend of art, history, and culture to its visitors.
  11. Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists11

    Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists

     Boston, MA
    Abbotsford, which is now the Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists, is a historic house located at 300 Walnut Avenue in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. This museum is a significant landmark that showcases the rich history and culture of Afro-American artists. It is a place where tourists can explore and appreciate the contributions of these artists to the global art scene.
  12. Davis Museum12

    Davis Museum

     Wellesley, MA
    The Davis Museum is an art museum situated on the campus of Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. This location offers a unique blend of academic and artistic environments, providing a rich cultural experience for visitors.
  13. Berkshire Museum13

    Berkshire Museum

     Pittsfield, MA
    The Berkshire Museum, located in Pittsfield, Berkshire County, Massachusetts, is a unique blend of art, natural history, and ancient civilization. Founded in 1903 by local paper magnate Zenas Crane, the museum was inspired by renowned institutions such as the American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The museum's collections are broad and varied, featuring over 40,000 objects from virtually every continent.
  14. McMullen Museum of Art14

    McMullen Museum of Art

     Boston, MA
    The McMullen Museum of Art is located in Brighton, Massachusetts, near the main campus of Boston College in Chestnut Hill. As the university's art museum, it serves as a cultural hub for both the academic community and the general public.
  15. Danforth Art Museum - Framingham State University15

    Danforth Art Museum - Framingham State University

     Framingham, MA
    The Danforth Art Museum at Framingham State University is not just a museum, but also a school. Located in Framingham, Massachusetts, it is an integral part of Framingham State University. This unique combination of an educational institution and a museum provides a rich cultural experience for visitors.
  16. Davis Museum - Wellesley College16

    Davis Museum - Wellesley College

     Wellesley, MA
    The Davis Museum is an art museum situated on the campus of Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the museum's extensive collection while also experiencing the vibrant academic atmosphere of one of the most prestigious colleges in the United States.
  17. Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio17

    Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio

     Lenox, MA
    The Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio is a historic house museum and former art studio located in Lenox and Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This unique location was once the home to American Abstract Artists George L.K. Morris and Suzy Frelinghuysen. The studio was built in the Bauhaus style in 1930 by Morris and his friend George Sanderson, with the house being added in 1941, designed by John Butler Swann. The house and studio were entered onto the National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
  18. Addison Gallery - Phillips Academy Andover18

    Addison Gallery - Phillips Academy Andover

     Andover, MA
    The Addison Gallery of American Art, located in Andover, Massachusetts, is an academic museum that is part of the Phillips Academy. The gallery is dedicated to the collection of American art, showcasing a wide range of works from various periods and styles. It provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the rich history and diversity of American art in a scholarly setting.
  19. Cape Cod Museum of Art19

    Cape Cod Museum of Art

     Dennis, MA
    The Cape Cod Museum of Art is a prominent art museum situated in the heart of Cape Cod, in the town of Dennis, Massachusetts. This museum is a significant cultural landmark in Barnstable County and offers a rich collection of art for visitors to explore.
  20. Busch-Reisinger Museum20

    Busch-Reisinger Museum

     Cambridge, MA
    The Harvard Art Museums, located within Harvard University, consist of three distinct museums. These include the Fogg Museum, which was established in 1895, the Busch Reisinger Museum, established in 1903, and the Arthur M Sackler Museum, which was founded in 1985. Each museum offers a unique collection and focus, providing a diverse and comprehensive exploration of art history.
  21. Gropius House21

    Gropius House

     Lincoln, MA
    The Gropius House in Lincoln, Massachusetts, served as the residence of renowned architect Walter Gropius from its construction in 1938 until his death in 1969. This historic property offers visitors a glimpse into the life and architectural style of Gropius, who was a leading figure in the modernist architecture movement.
  22. Mead Art Museum22

    Mead Art Museum

     Amherst, MA
    The Mead Art Museum, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, is home to the fine art collection of Amherst College. The museum, which opened its doors in 1949, is named in honor of architect William Rutherford Mead, an alumnus of the college. The museum is a testament to Mead's architectural prowess and his contribution to the field of art.
  23. Cahoon Museum of American Art23

    Cahoon Museum of American Art

     Barnstable, MA
    The Cahoon Museum of American Art, situated in Cotuit, Massachusetts, is a renowned art museum that showcases a diverse range of art forms. The museum's collection spans from the 1800s to the present, featuring fine art, folk art, and American art. This broad spectrum of art forms provides a comprehensive overview of American art history, making it a fascinating destination for art enthusiasts.
  24. Rose Art Museum24

    Rose Art Museum

     Waltham, MA
    The Rose Art Museum, established in 1961, is a renowned institution for modern and contemporary art. It is a part of Brandeis University, located in Waltham, Massachusetts. The museum is named after benefactors Edward and Bertha Rose and has been recognized for its avant-garde approach to modern and contemporary art since its inception.
  25. 25

    New Bedford Museum of Glass

     New Bedford, MA
    The New Bedford Museum of Glass, situated in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is a repository of a diverse collection of glass artifacts. These range from ancient Mediterranean unguent bottles to modern designs by renowned artists such as Dale Chihuly. This wide array of exhibits offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of glass art and design over centuries.
  26. 26

    Amherst Center for Russian Culture

     Amherst, MA
    The Center boasts a particularly robust collection of works by and about Russian emigres. This unique collection provides a deep insight into the lives and experiences of Russian emigres, making it a valuable resource for those interested in Russian history and culture.
  27. 27

    Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History

     Springfield, MA
    The Quadrangle, located in Metro Center, Springfield, Massachusetts, is a hub of cultural institutions and museums. Situated on Chestnut Street between State and Edwards Streets, it offers a variety of experiences for visitors. From art to history, there's something for everyone at this unique cultural destination.