10 Best Museums in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is full of American history as one of the top hotspots of our country’s early days, so it’s not surprising that this state has plenty of museums that pay homage to that history. Check out any of these top Massachusetts museums for your next outing.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA

The Museum of Fine Arts is an incredible tribute to the arts of all types. This Boston museum is among the 20 largest art museums in the world and has over 450,000 works of art to enjoy.

Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA

Old Sturbridge Village is what’s called a living museum: an ornate recreation of a period in history portrayed by actors. Old Sturbridge Village allows you to see and experience life in a rural New England community during the 1790s through 1830s.

Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, MA

Also called PEM, Peabody Essex Museum is an extensive monument to art and culture. This museum features a richly varied collection of artistic works and cultural displays from around the world and is revered as one of the fastest-growing museums in North America.

Plimoth Patuxet Museums, Plymouth, MA

Plymouth is known as the site of the original settlement of English pilgrims into what is now the US, so it’s only natural for this area to pay homage to that history. The Plimoth Patuxet Museums make up a living museum that lets you step into the world of the first settlers.

Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA

Norman Rockwell is a treasure of the artistic community and is revered around the world. You can take in the idyllic scenes he’s known for at the beautiful Norman Rockwell Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of his work.

Heritage Museums and Gardens, Sandwich, MA

The Heritage Museums and Gardens is an expansive 100-acre property where you can learn all there is to know about horticulture. Whether you just want to enjoy the beauty of the gardens or learn about the groundbreaking hybridization work that Charles Dexter performed on this site, you won’t be disappointed.

Hammond Castle Museum, Gloucester, MA

There aren’t many castles in the US but the Hammond Castle Museum in Gloucester will live up to all your hopes and expectations. Take a traditional tour to explore this incredibly unique tribute to European architecture or take in one of the more unique tours like a candlelight tour or a spiritualism tour.

John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum, Hyannis, MA

John F. Kennedy is one of the most storied figures in American history, and you can lose yourself in those stories at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum. This Cape Cod museum features stunning displays that dive into JFK and the Kennedy family.

Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA

The Worcester Art Museum is a long-standing haven for art aficionados in Massachusetts and beyond. Since it opened its doors in 1898, this museum has showcased beloved works of art from all over the world and it continues to build on its legacy today.

Springfield Museums, Springfield, MA

In quaint Springfield, Massachusetts, there’s a cluster of museums known as the Springfield Museums. They include the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald d’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, and the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.

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123 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA
Mission StatementThe Danforth Museum and School of Art actively engages its communities within an intimate environment to experience, create, and c... Read More
P.O. Box 2032, Framingham, MA
What We DoHistory Programs: Enjoy a rich selection of living history programs, exhibitions, tours, lectures and community meetings throughout the ... Read More
12 Hopedale Street, Hopedale, MA
About Us:The mission of the Little Red Shop Museum is to preserve and communicate the story of Hopedale through the artifacts of the town's history... Read More
3 Common Street, Bellingham, MA
The Bellingham Historical Museum is a repository for artifacts, documents, photographs and personal collections that help others to envision and un... Read More
11 Willard Street, North Grafton, MA
Benjamin Willard began making clocks in his small, rural Massachusetts workshop in 1766. His three younger brothers, Simon, Ephraim and Aaron, quic... Read More
58 Eliot Street, Natick, MA
The Natick Historical Society, founded in 1870, is the place to find out about all things Natick--landmarks and landscapes, personalities and pecul... Read More
106 Central Street, Wellesley, MA
History:The Davis Museum and Cultural Center traces its origins to the October 23, 1889 dedication of the Farnsworth Art Building on the Wellesley ... Read More
15 Depot Street, Uxbridge, MA
A portion of the Uxbridge Public School's community enrichment program was housed at the Bernat Mill and was displaced due to fire in July 2007.&nb... Read More
80 Brigham Hill Road, Grafton, MA
Mission: The mission of the Hassanamisco Indian Museum is to perpetuate the arts, crafts, and way of life of New England's Indigenous Peoples; pres... Read More
241 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA
Mission:The Spellman Museum is a center of learning and activities for people of all ages. It will preserve, enhance and expand its collections, li... Read More
P.O. Box 223, Weston, MA
History: This is probably the most unusual and without question the most evocative house museum in New England...The Golden Ball is not your stand... Read More
177 Main Street(Route 27), Acton, MA
Mission and Vision: The Discovery Museums inspire enduring curiosity and love of learning through interactive discovery, hands-on inquiry and scie... Read More
203 Union Street, Clinton, MA
Museum Vision statement:  The Museum of Russian Icons enhances relations between Russia and the United States through the medium of art, espe... Read More
7 Central Street, Boylston, MA
About Since 1971, the Boylston Historical Society has endeavored to live up to its motto, "Preserve the Past for the Future". Such a commitment i... Read More
51 Sandy Pond Road, Lincoln, MA
deCordova's mission is to inspire, educate, and delight with contemporary art from New England and beyond through outdoor sculptures in the landsca... Read More
415 South Street, Waltham, MA
Mission : The Rose Art Museum at Brandeis University is among the nation’s premier university museums dedicated to 20th and 21st century art... Read More
53 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord, MA
About Us: The Concord Museum is the one place where all of Concord’s remarkable past is brought to life through an inspiring collection of h... Read More
399 Lexington Road, Concord, MA
Orchard House - Home of the Alcotts is a historic house museum owned and operated by the Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association. The Louisa May Alc... Read More
93 Day Street, Norwood, MA
About Built in 1859, the house was the home of Fred Holland Day, the only son of Lewis and Anna Smith Day. The Smith and Day families were both pr... Read More
154 Moody Street, Waltham, MA
Our MissionThe mission of the Charles River Museum of Industry & Innovation is to encourage and inspire future innovation in America. We celebr... Read More
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