Soak up arts and culture at any one, two, or all 10 of these great hotspots. Bring the family to learn about yesteryear or your friends to an exhibit or take a day trip solo to hear musical performances. Regardless of who you bring (or don’t), make time for these must-see Berkshire experiences.
Hancock Shaker Village
Visit what the Shakers called, “The City of Peace.” Hancock Shaker Village is a welcomed retreat from today’s hectic pace and a place where you can explore the ingenuity and innovation of the Shaker community first hand. Enjoy everything from their working farm to their varied exhibits and tours. This is a delight for the whole family.
10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival
Escape the winter blues with the 5th Annual 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival in downtown Pittsfield, MA. This festival takes place February 11-21, 2016 and features music, art, theater, dance, comedy, film and more. This year’s festival promises to be the biggest and best fest yet so make your plans to attend today!
Williams College Museum of Art
The Williams College Museum of Art makes dynamic art experiences, which incite new thinking about art, museums, and the world. The museum draws on the collaborative and multidisciplinary ethos of the surrounding college to enliven the more than 14,000 works in its growing collection. The museum is a catalyst for student learning and community engagement.
Behold! New Lebanon
Unlike traditional museums, Behold! New Lebanon invites you to experience rural life today. Programs take place in farms, fields, workshops, studios, kitchens and stores of residents in historic New Lebanon, NY. Each intimate program provides opportunities to learn about our American community, food, commerce and family life; experience today’s rural life – hands on.
Berkshire Arts Festival
2016 is Berkshire Arts Festival’s 15th Anniversary and this festival is one you don’t want to miss. Know as one of the east coast’s top juried art events it hosts 200 artists & artisans over the July 4th weekend. Bring the whole family to enjoy not just the art but great food and live music and be sure to pick up a unique piece of artwork to take home with you.
Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
Treat yourself to a night out in our magnificent Music Shed where you can enjoy outstanding chamber music in an intimate setting. The Norfolk Chamber Music Festival hosts a summer of memorable concerts from acclaimed artists such as the Artis, Brentano, and Emerson String Quartets. 2016 we will be celebrating 75 years of the Yale School of Music at Norfolk.
Whitney Center for the Arts
Don’t miss this cultural gem which can be found just off the main streets of Pittsfield. The Whitney Center for the Arts offers a new visual art exhibit every month and they round out their offerings with eclectic musical performances and performance art shows throughout the year. There is something for everything so be sure to stop in for a visit.
Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio
Get lost in the world of the abstract artists George L.K. Morris and Suzy Frelinghuysen at this one of a kind museum. You will discover a treasure of design and contemporary art at the Frelinghuysen Morris House & Studio including works by Picasso and Gris. Come and discover a new side of art in the Berkshires.
Chesterwood
Set amidst the stunning Berkshire backdrop discover Daniel Chester French’s country home, studio, and gardens. French, best known for his creation of the Lincoln sculpture which resides at the Lincoln Memorial in DC, called the Berkshires home. His studio, Chesterwood, will inspire and the gardens are stunning, this one cultural attraction you do not want to miss.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
No matter the time of year there is always something exciting happening at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. This Berkshire gem offers everything from dance, music, theater and opera and the programming is created so that it offers something for every age group. Come and enjoy a night out, in this lovingly restored and memorable locale.
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