Everything You Need to Know About the Norman Rockwell Museum
If you love art or history, or better yet, are an art history buff, you probably have the Norman Rockwell Museum on your bucket list. It’s home to nearly 1,000 of Norman Rockwell’s works, not to mention over 100,000 documents and photos detailing his life. It’s a fascinating place full of intriguing history and beautiful works that capture the essence of the American people.
So, if it’s on your must-visit list, here are a few things you should know.
Norman Rockwell: A Closer Look
The museum hinges on the works of Norman Rockwell, a 20th-century American artist with a goal of sharing the America he knew and observed that may have gone unnoticed by others. He was born in New York City in the mid-1890s with a passion for art.
His love for art ran deep. He took art classes at the New York School of Art and later studied at the National Academy of Design. Later, he transferred to The Art Students League, which prepared him for his first experiences in the world of commercial commissions.
He leveraged the skills he gained in his studies, finding success early on. He was commissioned to create Christmas cards before his sixteenth birthday and even got a job as the art director of Boys’ Life (the official publication of the Boy Scouts) before he left his teens.
Throughout his career, he was a successful freelance artist who illustrated various young people’s publications. He worked on various magazines and created many cover illustrations for The Saturday Evening Post, which he considered to be “the greatest show in America.”
When Rockwell moved his family to Vermont in 1939, his work began to shift, reflecting small-town American life. In 1943, he created his staggeringly popular Four Freedoms paintings, each inspired by President Franklin Roosevelt’s address to Congress. These paintings, Freedom of Speech, Freedom to Worship, Freedom from Want, and Freedom from Fear, went on to help raise more than $130 million for the war effort through the sale of war bonds.
In his later years, Rockwell established a trust to preserve his works, placing his artistic legacy in the hands of the Old Corner House Stockbridge Historical Society, which later became the Norman Rockwell Museum at Stockbridge.
The Norman Rockwell Museum: An Intriguing History
The Norman Rockwell Museum dates back to the late 1960s. Norman Rockwell and his wife, Molly, established the museum in 1969 in hopes of sharing Rockwell’s artwork and its impact on society, pop culture, and social commentary with the community.
Since its doors opened, the museum has been a popular stop for tourists, particularly aesthetes and history buffs. The museum was once open on Main Street in Stockbridge but has since moved to its current location on a 36-acre site that overlooks the Housatonic River Valley.
This site is where Rockwell spent his last 25 years of life, drawing inspiration from the local town and its residents for various works. Today, the original purpose of the museum shines through in its mission statement. From the Norman Rockwell Museum website, “The Norman Rockwell Museum illuminates the power of American Illustration to reflect and shape society, and advances the enduring values of kindness, respect, and social equity portrayed by Norman Rockwell.”
Fun Facts About the Norman Rockwell Museum
The Norman Rockwell Museum is an intriguing stop that is a worthy addition to your New England travel itinerary. Before you go, here are a few fun facts to keep in mind:
- It’s one of the American Association of Museums’ accredited museums.
- It houses nearly 1,000 original paintings and drawings crafted by none other than Norman Rockwell himself. This is his largest collection of work in the world.
- The museum is home to the Norman Rockwell Archives, which contains over 100,000 photographs, letters, calendars, fan mail, and business documents.
- It’s a top cultural attraction in the Berkshires, drawing countless tourists every year.
- Exhibits are constantly being updated, so you might see something new each time you go.
- It hosts various programs and events, including festivals, art workshops, and gallery talks.
- It’s artist-friendly. The museum welcomes artists, who can bring their graphite pencils and drawing pads (no larger than 36×36) to draw inspiration for their creations from the stunning grounds surrounding the museum.
- There’s a cafe in the museum, although it’s only open seasonally (usually from late May to late October).
Where is the Norman Rockwell Museum?
The Norman Rockwell Museum of Art is located in Massachusetts at 9 Glendale Road in Stockbridge. It’s fairly close to the heart of the city, so depending on where you’re staying, you may not have to travel far to get there.
If you drive to the area or have a rental car, you can get directions to the Norman Rockwell Museum online. Online mapping services, like Google Maps or Apple Maps, can help you make your way from wherever you are to the museum. If you don’t like using those tools, ask the front desk staff at your hotel—they might be able to give you directions.
The Norman Rockwell Museum’s hours vary based on what you want to visit and what day you plan to go. The museum is open Thursday through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed every Wednesday. The studio is open from early May to early November (this varies by year) but is closed every Wednesday.
Things to Do Near the Normal Rockwell Museum
After you finish exploring the Norman Rockwell Museum, you might still have a few hours on your hands before you leave the area. If that’s the case, here are a few things you could do to fill that time:
- Visit the Berkshire Botanical Gardens: We love strolling through a well-kept garden, especially on a crisp morning with a fresh cup of coffee. If that sounds like you, we highly recommend visiting the Berkshire Botanical Gardens. It’s home to various plan collections, seasonal displays, and walking trails, so it’s the perfect morning or early afternoon stop.
- Tour nearby historical homes: There are some beautiful historical homes in this area, including the Mounth, Edith Wharton’s home. It’s a stunning mansion with perfectly manicured gardens. Or, visit Naumkeag, a historic house with picturesque gardens and even better views. If you’re in the area, we think they’re well worth a stop.
- Catch a play at the Berkshire Theatre Group: This area is home to one of the oldest professional regional theatres in the country. So, while you’re there, catch a play or musical (if there is one) at the Berkshire Theatre Group.
- Enjoy a hike in the Berkshires: If you’re up for a hike (and it’s not too hot), take a stroll along one of the many hiking trails in the area. You’ll find all sorts of options with ranging difficulties nearby, including Monument Mountain and Mount Greylock.
Enjoy the Norman Rockwell Museum With Caravan
Are you ready to explore the Norman Rockwell Museum? Maybe you want to enjoy a few more stops in New England while you’re there, like the picture-perfect sights of Kennebunkport or the staggering beauty of the Berkshire Mountains. If that sounds like a dream to you, our guided New England Summer & Fall tour might be exactly what you’re looking for.
It’s an 8-day tour that takes you all around New England, hitting some of the best spots to make the most out of your vacation. The best part? You won’t have to worry about any of the details. We handle all of the planning, from transportation to food to lodging. All you need to do? Book your flights and show up for the welcome briefing, and we’ll take it from there!
Ready to book a trip? Call us at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-312-321-9800 to get started today!
