Location: Amherst
Top Things to do in Amherst
The 7 Best Museums in Amherst, Massachusetts (MA)
Amherst (/ˈæmərst/ ( listen)) is a town in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States, in the Connecticut River valley. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,819, making it the highest populated municipality in Hampshire County (although the county seat is Northampton). The town is home to Amherst College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst, three of the Five Colleges. The name of the town is pronounced without the h ("AM-erst"), giving rise to the local saying, "only the 'h' is silent", in reference both to the pronunciation and to the town's politically active populace.
Restaurants in Amherst
1. Amherst College Museum of Natural History
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By 661maryannh
This museum was originally a "time-filler" between activities while we were visiting our son at UMass for the weekend. Once we arrived at the museum, we were pleasantly surprised at the variety of topics covered. Although many of the exhibits were display molds, a good number were genuine artifacts discovered through archaeological digs and findings. the museum is located in a great area - centrally located to anything we needed. Added bonus that the exhibit was free; we'll be back!
2. Yiddish Book Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
The Book Center’s 37,000-square-foot heymish-modern building in Amherst, MA, is a lebedike velt – a lively world – featuring an open Yiddish book repository, theatres, art galleries, museum exhibitions about Yiddish language and culture, and programs in literature, music, art, film, and theater
3. Emily Dickinson Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 285 reviews
Open for tours from March to mid-December, the birthplace of Emily Dickinson is registered as a National Historic Landmark.
Reviewed By NIcoleLarry - Greenwich, United States
Although the house museum is currently closed due to Covid, when things return to normal, this is an important stop for anyone planning to attend performances at Tanglewood, Jacobs Pillow or the Williamstown Theatre Festival. Conveniently close to these Berkshire cultural destinations, an afternoon spent at the home of America’s most famous woman poet, is a fabulous way to celebrate the talent of the woman who penned lines like “ There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away” and “I’m nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody too? Then there’s a pair of us - don’t tell”. If you have somehow missed the magic of her words or forgotten them, what an introduction. The docents are professional and full of Emily Dickinson trivia. You’ll love your afternoon acquainting or reacquainting yourself with this revolutionary poets life and work. Allow two hours. We stayed across the street at the charming and very affordable Amherst Inn, but if you’re looking for fancier accommodations, the Inn at Boltwood is a block away ( the former Lord Jeff).
4. Mead Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By Carmelo352 - Amherst, United States
I have visited the Mead Art Museum over three dozen times in the past 39 years and I have never been disappointed. The art collection is outstanding and ever changing. The museum is located on the Amherst College Campus and I have often combined my visits there with a relaxing walk on the campus. There are sweeping views of the Holyoke Range at the top of the hill near the museum.
5. UMass Fine Arts Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
The Fine Arts Center connects audiences with artists from around the world exposing all generations to the wonders of the arts. With five performing arts programs, two galleries, and a museum, the UMass Fine Arts Center is one of the most comprehensive art centers in Western Massachusetts. In addition to a robust performance and exhibition schedule, the FAC engages audiences on a much deeper level through countless educational activities.
6. Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 253 reviews
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a stunning, 40,000 square-foot facility in the heart of the Five College area of Western MA is loved by families, art aficionados and book lovers alike. The Museum houses three Galleries with rotating exhibitions of picture book art from around the world, and a permanent collection which includes works by artists such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni, and Rosemary Wells. A hands-on Art Studio allows visitors to create their own masterpiece any time the Museum is open. The Auditorium hosts regular live performances, daily films, and frequent lectures and guest appearances by renowned authors and illustrators. The comfortable Reading Library is the perfect spot to settle in with a book and a friend, or take in Storytime. The Museum Shop, called by Parent's Choice "the very best bookstore for picture books in the entire world," is stocked with unique gifts and a beautiful array of picture books.
Reviewed By MyKidzBookshelf
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a fantastic destination for fans of all ages that enjoy illustration! This wonderful museum features not only gorgeously curated exhibits, but also an art room for kids to create, an auditorium for programs, speakers and performances, a library, oversized photo-op props and a gift shop! We’ve visited this museum four times in the past four years and will absolutely be returning! The exhibits are definitely not just for kids—the art is fantastic—and there are always plenty of hands-on parts to the exhibits to round out the experience for the younger set! In the nicer weather, venture out to enjoy the outdoor gardens that were designed and dedicated to Eric Carle’s wife and co-founder, Barbara, or Bobbie as she was affectionately known. For fans of illustration, this is the museum to visit. Located near Amherst, MA, - it is about 20 minutes off of the highway and is a must-see destination for those who love art, illustration and a good museum!
7. Amherst History Museum
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 9 reviews
On the site of the Strong House, this museum dedicated to the history of Amherst opened in 1916.
