The Clark Art Institute is a special museum situated in the rolling hills of the Berkshires where you can view world-class art. Featuring famous artists from both Europe and America, the collection of Sterling Clark is on full display for you to enjoy. Join us for our experience at this Berkshires Art Museum, and learn all about the Clark in Williamstown!
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The Clark Art Institute General Info
Location: 225 South St, Williamstown, MA, 01267
Hours: Tues-Sun 10am-5pm
Contact: (413) 458 2303
Website: https://www.clarkart.edu/
Price: $20 Adults – Free 18 Years or Younger
The Story of Sterling Clark
Sterling Clark had always had an interest in the art world, but it wasn’t until he moved to Paris in 1910 where he began collecting. After an illustrious career with the US military, he met his wife Francine Clary in the French capital, and together they discovered their new passion.
Over the next several decades they would collect an impressive amount of paintings, sculptures, and silver from various famed European artists. In 1955, they opened the Clark Institute of Art to share their now impressive collection with the public.
Why Visit the Clark Art Museum?
While there are many amazing places to experience art in Massachusetts, it’s rare to find one with acclaim and history of the Clark Art Museum. We couldn’t believe the number of world-renowned artists that were featured throughout this stunning Berkshires art museum!
After traveling around the world, we thought you’d have to visit cities like New York or Paris to experience such incredibly historic art, with some pieces at The Clark even dating back to the 15th century. And all right here in the Berkshires?! There are also outdoor walking trails, special exhibits, and the college town of Williamstown to explore nearby.
Artists You’ll See At the Clark Art Institute
Where do we even begin? As soon as you enter the Clark Art Institute you’ll see what separates it from other museums in New England. We not only enjoyed seeing this famous artwork but couldn’t believe how it perfectly exemplified each artist’s time in history.
You’ll be taken to the great American West with Frederic Remington, through the French impressionist movement with Monet and Renoir, and the incredible sculptures of Degas. We also enjoyed the sketches in the Manton Center by Eugene Delacroix and Daubigny.
Our Favorite Clark Art and Sculptures
Now that you know some of the incredible artists you’ll see at the Clark Art Institute, we need to show you some of our favorite paintings and sculptures! Honestly, there were too many to choose from. Hopefully, this gives you a taste of this one-of-a-kind Berkshires Art Museum and drives you to visit yourself.
Clark Art Special Exhibit
The Clark Art Institute showcases numerous special exhibits throughout the year. During our trip, we were fortunate enough to experience “Nature Transformed” by Claude & Francois-Xavier Lalanne.
This husband and wife duo created a collection of sculptures and furniture that have both animal and human elements. By using nature as their inspiration, they constructed amazing works of art that also function as seats or storage!
Outside the Berkshires Art Museum
Make sure you save some time to go outside on your trip to the Clark Art Institute! Rarely have we ever been to a museum where there are trails and sculptures outside to explore. This was quite literally a breath of fresh air, especially on a perfect spring day like we had. “Groundwork” is actually an outdoor art exhibition found throughout the several miles of trails.
This Berkshires Art Museum is set on a 140-acre campus, and the art and sculptures are everchanging throughout the outdoor section. There’s also a beautiful water display and cafe to grab a drink or snack right behind the Clark Art Museum. Just know there’s plenty to do both inside and out of the Clark Art Institute!
Have any questions on this Berkshires art museum, or want to share your own experience at the Clark Art Institute? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
Where To Stay in The Berkshires
Ultra Luxury – Miraval Berkshires Resort & Spa – Take in some luxury in this historic Wyndhurst Mansion turned resort. Enjoy golfing, spa treatments, and views of the beautiful Berkshire countryside.
Fun Vacation – Courtyard by Marriott Lenox – Just a quick drive from downtown Lenox, this is the perfect spot to relax after a fun day of exploring. While there are plenty of historic hotels and Airbnb’s in the area, we enjoyed having the modern amenities and swimming pool at the Courtyard by Marriot.
Bed & Breakfast – Chambery Inn – This beautiful bed and breakfast is situated out in the countryside of Lee, but still close enough to walk to local restaurants and shops. You’ll also be just a few miles from attractions such a Tanglewood and Butternut Ski Resort.
Historic Hotel – Red Lion Inn – This historic hotel is a landmark in the town of Stockbridge. Stroll through town which is right at your doorstep, or simply watch the day pass you by while sipping on drinks on the front porch.
For more places to stay in the Berkshires you can explore the latest prices here!
This experience was made possible in collaboration with 1Berkshire. All photos, opinions, and recommendations are our own.
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New England Travel Planning
Flights: We always find great flights using Skyscanner and Kayak. This way you can plan your trip around the cheapest and most direct routes.
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld can be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: We use Discover Cars when traveling. Consider renting a car in one city and dropping it off in another for an epic road trip!
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for hundreds of activities around the country. Book a tour of Fenway Park in Boston, skip the line at the Empire State Building in NYC, or go on a Scenic Boat Tour in Portland Maine!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered! We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
I feel like you don’t really grasp the concept of the Berkshires as both a set of mountains and also as a county in Massachusetts. The Clark in IN the town of Williamstown (not “nearby”) and is an hour away from any of the hotels you recommend. There are lots of places to stay in Williamstown and lots of other things to see and do, including other amazing museums.
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Hi Carol,
This was part of our larger Berkshires series and most travelers stay in the Lenox and GB area on their visit. What hotels do you recommend in Williamstown? We would love to add some more local choices for places to stay in this area. Especially for those heading to the Clark and other nearby attractions. Thanks!