List of museums in Massachusetts facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This is a list of awesome museums you can visit in Massachusetts! Museums are special places that collect and take care of interesting things like art, science stuff, or historical items. They show these collections to the public so everyone can learn and have fun. This list includes museums run by non-profit groups, government, or private businesses. We've also included some cool art galleries and university art collections.

Cool Museums to Explore
Museums That Are No Longer Open
See also

Cool Museums to Explore

Massachusetts has tons of amazing museums! Here's a look at some of them, grouped by what they're all about.

History and Homes of Famous People

Adams National Historical Park in Quincy: Explore the homes of two U.S. Presidents, John Adams and John Quincy Adams. You can also see the homes of other important family members like Ambassador Charles Francis Adams, Sr. and writers Henry Adams and Brooks Adams.
Alden House Historic Site in Duxbury: Step back in time at this National Historic Landmark. It includes the 1659 John Alden House and the original 1632 Alden Homestead.
Arrowhead in Pittsfield: Visit the home of famous author Herman Melville, who wrote Moby Dick.
Clara Barton Birthplace Museum in North Oxford: See the 19th-century home of Clara Barton, the amazing founder of the Red Cross.
Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst: Discover the birthplace of the famous 19th-century American poet Emily Dickinson. You can also see the nearby home of her brother.
Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline: This is the Victorian home of landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed many famous parks, including Central Park in New York City.
Gore Place in Waltham: Explore the early 19th-century estate of Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore. There's even a small farm with animals!
Gropius House in Lincoln: Check out this unique home designed by and lived in by the famous architect Walter Gropius.
House of the Seven Gables in Salem: Visit this colonial mansion, which also includes the Nathaniel Hawthorne Birthplace.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston: Learn all about President John F. Kennedy and his time in office. It also has special collections, including items from author Ernest Hemingway.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site in Brookline: See the birthplace and childhood home of President John F. Kennedy, restored to look like it did in 1917.
Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site in Cambridge: This historic house was once the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and also served as George Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston.
The Mount in Lenox: Visit the early 20th-century mansion and gardens that were once the home of author Edith Wharton.
Orchard House in Concord: This was the 19th-century home of the Louisa May Alcott family, where she wrote Little Women.
Ralph Waldo Emerson House in Concord: See the 19th-century home of American philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum in Adams: This is the historic home where famous women's rights leader Susan B. Anthony was born.
The Witch House in Salem: This 17th-century home belonged to Judge Jonathan Corwin and has direct ties to the famous Salem Witch Trials of 1692.

Art and Creativity Museums

Addison Gallery of American Art in Andover: This museum focuses on American art, photography, and decorative arts. It's part of Phillips Academy.
Art Complex Museum in Duxbury: Its collections include American paintings, prints, Shaker furniture, and Asian art.
Cahoon Museum of American Art in Cotuit: This museum features American art.
Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis: See art by artists who have a connection to the Cape Cod region.
Clark Art Institute in Williamstown: Also known as the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, it has a fantastic art collection.
Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum in Arlington: This museum showcases many works by the sculptor Cyrus Edwin Dallin.
Danforth Art in Framingham: It has a collection of American art and often features changing exhibits of contemporary artists. They also offer classes!
DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park in Lincoln: Enjoy modern and contemporary art, American sculpture, and a huge 35-acre sculpture park!
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst: Dedicated to the art found in picture books and children's books, including works by Eric Carle himself.
Fitchburg Art Museum in Fitchburg: Its collections include American and European paintings, prints, ceramics, and ancient Egyptian, Classical, and pre-Columbian artifacts.
Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton: This museum focuses on contemporary crafts like furniture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, wood, and textiles.
Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams: A huge museum for contemporary visual and performing arts.
Michele & Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts in Springfield: Features American art, contemporary art glass, and European art.
Museum of Russian Icons in Clinton: See beautiful Russian icons dating from the 13th century to today.
Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge: Home to the largest collection of art by the beloved American artist Norman Rockwell. You can even see his painter's studio!
Peabody Essex Museum in Salem: A large museum with collections of Asian, Native American, and folk art, maritime artifacts, and 24 historic structures and gardens.
Provincetown Art Association and Museum in Provincetown: Showcases art by local artists.
Rose Art Museum in Waltham: This art museum is part of Brandeis University.
Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton: Its collections include paintings, sculptures, and works from ancient Egypt, China, and Peru, as well as contemporary American art.
Turn Park Art Space in West Stockbridge: A unique sculpture park and gallery featuring Soviet Nonconformist art.
Whistler House Museum of Art in Lowell: This is the birthplace of the famous artist James McNeill Whistler.
Worcester Art Museum in Worcester: Its collections include American and European art, Asian art, Greek and Roman sculpture, mosaics, and contemporary art.

Science and Nature Museums

Beneski Museum of Natural History in Amherst: Part of Amherst College, it has a huge collection of dinosaur fossils and local minerals.
Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center in Milton: Learn about weather and science at this observatory.
Blue Hills Trailside Museum in Milton: Operated by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, this nature center teaches about the natural history of the Blue Hills Reservation and has live animals.
Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster: See bird and wildlife displays, Native American exhibits, aquariums, and explore marsh trails.
EcoTarium in Worcester: This museum combines natural history, science, and live animals for a fun learning experience.
Harvard Museum of Natural History in Cambridge: Part of Harvard University, it includes the Harvard University Herbaria and Botanical Museum, Museum of Comparative Zoology, and Harvard Mineralogical Museum.
MIT Museum in Cambridge: Part of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it has cool exhibits on science and technology, holography, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the history of MIT.
Museum of American Bird Art at Mass Audubon in Canton: A museum and nature center with collections of natural history art and photography.
Nash Dinosaur Track Site and Rock Shop in South Hadley: See real dinosaur tracks and fossils!
South Shore Natural Science Center in Norwell: This nature center has live native animals and ecozone exhibits on 30 acres of land.
Springfield Science Museum in Springfield: Features natural history dioramas, dinosaurs, and other science exhibits.
Waterworks Museum in Chestnut Hill: Located at the original Chestnut Hill Reservoir pumping station, it houses three historic, steam-powered pumping engines. Learn about technology, local history, and public health.

Kids' Museums

Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield: Dedicated to the wonderful art of Dr. Seuss, this museum opened in 2017.
Amelia Park Children's Museum in Westfield: A fun place for kids to learn and play.
Attic Children's Museum in Uxbridge: Operated by Uxbridge Public Schools, this museum is designed for children.
Cape Cod Children's Museum in Mashpee: A great spot for kids to explore and learn.
Children's Museum at Holyoke in Holyoke: Offers interactive exhibits for children.
Children's Museum in Easton in Easton: Another fantastic children's museum.
Discovery Museums in Acton: This location has two museums in one: the Children's Discovery Museum and the Science Discovery Museum.
Imagine: A Center for Community & the Arts in Cambridge: A children's museum with an indoor playground, art gallery, and event space.
Indian House Children’s Museum in Deerfield: Operated by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, this museum focuses on history for kids.
Old Red Carriage House in Gill: This unique museum has a collection of baby and children's memorabilia, including carriages, dolls, toys, and clothing from the 18th century to today.

Military and Maritime Museums

American Heritage Museum in Stow: This museum has a huge collection of tanks and other military artifacts from the 20th and early 21st centuries.
Battleship Cove in Fall River: Explore real warships like the World War II battleship USS Massachusetts, the destroyer USS Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., and the submarine USS Lionfish. It also includes a PT Boat Museum.
Coast Guard Heritage Museum in Barnstable: Learn about the history of the United States Coast Guard.
Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport: Discover the maritime heritage of the Merrimack Valley.
Hull Lifesaving Museum in Hull: Located in an 1889 U.S. Lifesaving Station, it has exhibits about the maritime history of Boston Harbor.
Marine Museum at Fall River in Fall River: See memorabilia, artifacts, and ship models related to the Fall River Line and the famous RMS Titanic.
Massachusetts Air and Space Museum in Hyannis: Its collection includes aircraft, aerospace systems, spacecraft, photographs, and artifacts.
Massachusetts National Guard Museum in Concord: Learn about the history of the Massachusetts National Guard.
Museum of World War II in Natick: This museum focuses on World War II history with photos, documents, and memorabilia.
Nantucket Life-Saving Museum in Nantucket: Discover the history of shipwrecks off the Nantucket coast.
New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford: Explore exhibits about the whaling industry, local history, and maritime history.
New England Pirate Museum in Salem: Learn about famous pirates who operated in New England, like Captains Kidd and Blackbeard.
Schooner Ernestina in New Bedford: This is a museum ship that is part of the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.
Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Springfield: Learn about the history of firearms and military production.
Titanic Museum in Springfield: See artifacts and learn about the history of the famous ship, the Titanic.
United States Naval Shipbuilding Museum in Quincy: Home to the USS Salem (CA-139), the only preserved Heavy Cruiser in the world!
Whydah Pirate Museum in Provincetown: This museum has a collection from the excavated shipwreck of the pirate ship Whydah Gally, which sank with 4.5 tons of pirate treasure in 1717.

Sports Museums

Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield: Celebrate the greatest players and moments in basketball history.
Massachusetts Golf Museum in Norton: Operated by the Massachusetts Golf Association, this museum is all about golf history.
Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke: Learn about the history of volleyball and its greatest players.

Transportation and Industry Museums

Amesbury Carriage Museum in Amesbury: Focuses on the history of transportation, specifically carriages.
Charles River Museum of Industry in Waltham: Learn about area textile and watch industries, steam power, and early transportation. It even has a recreated early 20th-century machine shop.
Chatham Railroad Museum in Chatham: Located in an 1887 railroad depot, it features model locomotives used at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
Essex Shipbuilding Museum in Essex: Learn about shipbuilding in the area, with antique tools and photographs.
Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline: See a collection of early automobiles and horse-drawn vehicles.
Lawrence Heritage State Park in Lawrence: Exhibits here show what life was like for 19th-century textile mill workers and the industrial history of Lawrence.
Middlesex Canal Museum in North Billerica: Discover the history of the Middlesex Canal.
Museum of Our Industrial Heritage in Greenfield: Focuses on the industrial history of the area and its impact.
Museum of Printing in North Andover: Learn about the history of printing technologies and practices.
National Streetcar Museum in Lowell: See historic streetcars and learn about how street railways helped cities grow.
Old Schwamb Mill in Arlington: This is a working 19th-century woodworking factory!
The Plumbing Museum in Watertown: Features early examples of plumbing equipment alongside modern fixtures and techniques.
Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum in Shelburne Falls: Explore the history of trolleys.
Tsongas Industrial History Center in Lowell: Part of Lowell National Historical Park, it teaches about the American Industrial Revolution through hands-on programs.

Other Unique Museums

Agawam Historical Fire House & Museum in Agawam: All about the history of firefighting.
Bare Cove Fire Museum in Hingham: Another museum dedicated to fire history.
Beer Can Museum in East Taunton: A museum dedicated entirely to beer cans!
Belchertown Firefighters Museum in Belchertown: Learn about firefighting.
Fall River Firefighters Memorial Museum in Fall River: More firefighting history.
Falls Fire Barn Museum in Attleboro Falls: Located in a historic fire station.
Haverhill Fire Fighting Museum in Haverhill: Explore the history of firefighting in Haverhill.
Keep Homestead Museum in Monson: Known for its amazing button collection!
Museum of Bad Art in Dedham and Somerville: This museum collects "art too bad to be ignored."
Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum in Nantucket: Learn about the history of Nantucket lightship baskets, a unique decorative art.
National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst: Dedicated to Yiddish and Jewish culture.
Paper House in Rockport: A house made entirely of paper!
Peabody Historical Fire Museum in Peabody: Another museum about fire history.
Polish Center of Discovery and Learning in Chicopee: Galleries with Polish folk art, local history, music, and Polish-American exhibits.
Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History in Weston: Located at Regis College, this museum is all about stamps and postal history.
Toad Hall Classic Sports Car Museum in Hyannis Port: A private collection of over 50 classic sports cars.
Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum in Fitchburg: Features aviation-related toys.
Willard House and Clock Museum in North Grafton: A clock museum located in an 18th-century farm homestead.
Women at Work Museum in Attleboro: Focuses on the history of women in the workplace.

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Sometimes museums close down. Here are a few that used to be open in Massachusetts:

American Textile History Museum in Lowell (closed in 2016).
Connecticut Valley Historical Museum in Springfield (closed in 2009, its building now houses the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum).
Higgins Armory Museum (closed in 2014, its collection moved to the Worcester Art Museum).
Indian Motorcycle Museum in Springfield.
National Plastics Center & Museum in Leominster (closed in 2008).
New England Fire and History Museum in Brewster.
Old Colony & Fall River Railroad Museum in Fall River (closed in 2016).
Plymouth Wax Museum in Plymouth.
Thornton W. Burgess Museum in East Sandwich (closed in 2013).