Great collection. It’s fun to come across all the famous pieces you’ve seen in books.The building design and placement is unfortunate, however. I went in February and nearly cried when I arrived. Given how bleak and gloomy the Berkshires are in winter, and given how long winter lasts in NE, wouldn’t it have been better to choose a design that offered refuge from the harshness rather than accentuate it with a long, gray windswept journey from the parking lot to the entry? And the reflecting pool/stone field is unnecessarily huge; it begs the question of its own existence. It seems like another instance of going with a big name architect rather than an insightful, engaging design. Maybe I’ll like it better if I go again— in summer.
David Coun
A collection that competes with any museum, anywhere. Sargent, Renoir, Degas, Matisse, Pisarro, Remington, Homer. Lucky enough to see show of drawings that included a number of Goya’s twisted little pieces. Outstanding.(The building and grounds are great too….)
Ryan Mazierski
The Clark has one of the finest collections of art that you will see in any museum. Gallery after gallery has art ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. Artists like Monet, Degas, Homer, Remington, Casat, and Monet have their great works on display here. The museum has silver works, fine furniture, and sculptures.After viewing some great art The Clark also offers some very nice hiking trails. The hiking trails are free and open to everyone. There are some nice views of The Clark campus and Williamstown from the trials. There are trail maps available online and at the museum if you need them. Don’t miss the outdoor art installations here as well.There is a nice gift shop in the museum. You can eat at Cafe 7 which is also on the campus of the museum. The museum staff was friendly and helpful. Stop by and see some great art, take a scenic hike, and have some nice food. The Clark offers something for everyone. From now until the end of March 2024 The Clark is offering free admission to all guests.
RoadTrip NewEngland
A great little museum with an interesting collection. A number of excellent Winslow Homers, and a room full of impressionists including Renoir, and Degas.They have a revolving gallery downstairs with some 4 star exhibitions- the latest featured Edvard Munch.Outside is a sculpture park to explore.
Peter F.
It's proximity to Williams College in Williamstown, MA, the village beautiful, and it's proximity to the five-college area
Kyung Hwa K.
I've had the chance to visit many art museums, ranging from small local ones to large ones in NYC. Among them all, The Clark stands out as the most memorable museum I've ever been to. The art collection is truly elegant, and the outdoor scenery is simply magnificent. Anyone visiting this area should definitely stop by this museum.
John McIntyre
A hidden gem. You do not expect this caliber of artwork outside of Paris or a large city.If you like impressionist artists, this collection is unmatched. I had not been to The Clark in 15 years, and it has expanded and improved.If you are not an art lover, this place will make you one because the art is very understandable and enjoyable. It's not stuffy and confusing like a ginormas metro museum. Also, check out First Sunday Free. That way, you can't say it is the cost that is keeping you away.
David Blevins
The Munch exhibit was quite well executed and enhanced my experiencing his works. The Humane Ecology exhibit was also very affecting. Then there was walking the grounds on a stunning September day...
Mr. E.
This was my first time visiting, and other than the high cost of entry, was very enjoyable. I went to see a special exhibition but ended up sticking around to see as much art as I could. There were many famous artests who I won't mention, but if you can think of them, the Clark probably has at least one of their canvases.The main collection was quite impressive, and show how much good taste the OG Clark had when selecting his collection.I'm looking forward to the next exhibit to open so I can have an excuse to go back.
Gidget Brown
Worth the drive to Clark Museum. So glad I did it. Loved my visit 5/5. Just some nits as hoping someone reads this. Fyi GPS took me to the restoration building at top of hill on the Clark campus..I had to google image of museaum to double back and find it..so Follow the signs..and not GPS..Also, can someone please replace those ridiculous hooks on the ladies bathroom doors..if they hold a Christmas ornament, they hold alot..and the reflecting pool is lovely, and the aiderondack chairs light and easy to move..but most of the patrons while I was there were older and would have appreciated Higher adirondack chairs to sit in..and finally..the gift shop..can you please order some ball caps other then GREY..I know it's a unisex color but maybe something with a color.. any color but grey.. everyone should visit this museaum. I am so grateful to be able to see the wonderful collection of art! In such a beautiful setting! Well done!!
We have been members for longer than I can remember, but this was our first visit since my husband's stroke a year ago. The art here is unequalled, which is why we are members. But since his stroke, everything is so very much harder. Every visit, every activity, everything becomes a battle to access. Not here. The Clark Museum is an oasis to anyone with mobility issues. The only thing different about this visit from any other was that we took the elevator instead of the stairs. When life becomes a battle of access, you learn to treasure those places that make access this seamless. I suspect our annual visit to the Clark will become much, much more frequent. Thank you.
Karin C.
The Munch exhibit is excellent. I love going back and visiting some of my favorite paintings each time I go. I love the grounds, getting something to eat and sitting by the reflecting pool, with the hills beyond. The gift shop is lovely. Parking is free! The last time I went I enjoyed a free painting kit, and sat down to paint my surroundings! They also offered a free drawing class the next day, which I wasn't able to take advantage of, but I had a wonderful time.
Vincent L.
Adding photos and revising my original review.Together with other resources in the region, like Mass MOCA (yelp.com/biz/mass-moca-n… ), estates used by writers and artists (yelp.com/biz/herman-melv… ), Tanglewood, and college art museums (yelp.com/biz/williams-co… ), the Clark has helped put Western Mass on a global map as far as the arts and culture are concerned.Endowed by Francine and Robert Sterling Clark in 1955, who were avid art collectors, thanks in part to his family's fortune from the Singer sewing machine company, this museum sits here in Williamstown not only to benefit from its proximity to Williams College, where Robert's father and grandfather were once trustees, but also to shield the Clark's collections from their fear of Cold War-era nuclear attack - as they lived in New York at the time. The museum has since evolved to become a preeminent collection and exhibition centre of European and American works from the 14th to early 20th centuries. If you can get over creepy vibes from older folks - who are either locals or seasonal visitors - lounging around aimlessly in free public areas inside and out, all while staring at you as if you're an alien, the campus is just as compelling as the collections. In fact, if you're not really into art but can appreciate nice architecture, the campus might be the actual highlight. While it includes an original 1955 marble building and a 1973 library and research centre, massive 2008 and 2014 additions created the "Clark Center," a breathtaking contemporary architectural statement with water features flowing throughout, perforated in places with stepping-stone islands that you can traverse, as if you're floating on water.Inside, the exhibits are centered within 20 galleries where the highlights for me were Impressionist works, early American art, and European works dating back to the Renaissance. Familiar artists ranged from Winslow Homer and Alfred Stieglitz to Degas, Monet, Cassatt, Renoir, and Rodin. If you're here just for the art, then a 2-3 hour visit should suffice, but, yes, the exterior campus is a highlight too.Bonus: there are free Level 2 EV charging stations outside - but note that their charging power gets halved when fully occupied (yelp.com/biz/chargepoint… ).
Gretchen B.
What a fantastic museum. I loved the Edvard Munch Trembling Earth exhibit they had running when I went. The other parts of the Clark's collection are wonderful too. I love Renoir and they had many Renoir pieces. I highly recommend visiting this gem of a museum in the Berkshires.
Mike Z
Quite unique experience visiting Clark Art Institute. Picturesque nature location and trails are combined with outstanding collection of European impressionist painters: Renoir, Monet and others, Rodin’s sculptures. You can spend whole day here (quite decent Cafe 7 with various dining options). Basically, this place in Berkshires far exceeded the expectations before the visit. Note that full-time college students get a free pass.
Great collection. It’s fun to come across all the famous pieces you’ve seen in books.The building design and placement is unfortunate, however. I went in February and nearly cried when I arrived. Given how bleak and gloomy the Berkshires are in winter, and given how long winter lasts in NE, wouldn’t it have been better to choose a design that offered refuge from the harshness rather than accentuate it with a long, gray windswept journey from the parking lot to the entry? And the reflecting pool/stone field is unnecessarily huge; it begs the question of its own existence. It seems like another instance of going with a big name architect rather than an insightful, engaging design. Maybe I’ll like it better if I go again— in summer.
A collection that competes with any museum, anywhere. Sargent, Renoir, Degas, Matisse, Pisarro, Remington, Homer. Lucky enough to see show of drawings that included a number of Goya’s twisted little pieces. Outstanding.(The building and grounds are great too….)
The Clark has one of the finest collections of art that you will see in any museum. Gallery after gallery has art ranging from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century. Artists like Monet, Degas, Homer, Remington, Casat, and Monet have their great works on display here. The museum has silver works, fine furniture, and sculptures.After viewing some great art The Clark also offers some very nice hiking trails. The hiking trails are free and open to everyone. There are some nice views of The Clark campus and Williamstown from the trials. There are trail maps available online and at the museum if you need them. Don’t miss the outdoor art installations here as well.There is a nice gift shop in the museum. You can eat at Cafe 7 which is also on the campus of the museum. The museum staff was friendly and helpful. Stop by and see some great art, take a scenic hike, and have some nice food. The Clark offers something for everyone. From now until the end of March 2024 The Clark is offering free admission to all guests.
A great little museum with an interesting collection. A number of excellent Winslow Homers, and a room full of impressionists including Renoir, and Degas.They have a revolving gallery downstairs with some 4 star exhibitions- the latest featured Edvard Munch.Outside is a sculpture park to explore.
It's proximity to Williams College in Williamstown, MA, the village beautiful, and it's proximity to the five-college area
I've had the chance to visit many art museums, ranging from small local ones to large ones in NYC. Among them all, The Clark stands out as the most memorable museum I've ever been to. The art collection is truly elegant, and the outdoor scenery is simply magnificent. Anyone visiting this area should definitely stop by this museum.
A hidden gem. You do not expect this caliber of artwork outside of Paris or a large city.If you like impressionist artists, this collection is unmatched. I had not been to The Clark in 15 years, and it has expanded and improved.If you are not an art lover, this place will make you one because the art is very understandable and enjoyable. It's not stuffy and confusing like a ginormas metro museum. Also, check out First Sunday Free. That way, you can't say it is the cost that is keeping you away.
The Munch exhibit was quite well executed and enhanced my experiencing his works. The Humane Ecology exhibit was also very affecting. Then there was walking the grounds on a stunning September day...
This was my first time visiting, and other than the high cost of entry, was very enjoyable. I went to see a special exhibition but ended up sticking around to see as much art as I could. There were many famous artests who I won't mention, but if you can think of them, the Clark probably has at least one of their canvases.The main collection was quite impressive, and show how much good taste the OG Clark had when selecting his collection.I'm looking forward to the next exhibit to open so I can have an excuse to go back.
Worth the drive to Clark Museum. So glad I did it. Loved my visit 5/5. Just some nits as hoping someone reads this. Fyi GPS took me to the restoration building at top of hill on the Clark campus..I had to google image of museaum to double back and find it..so Follow the signs..and not GPS..Also, can someone please replace those ridiculous hooks on the ladies bathroom doors..if they hold a Christmas ornament, they hold alot..and the reflecting pool is lovely, and the aiderondack chairs light and easy to move..but most of the patrons while I was there were older and would have appreciated Higher adirondack chairs to sit in..and finally..the gift shop..can you please order some ball caps other then GREY..I know it's a unisex color but maybe something with a color.. any color but grey.. everyone should visit this museaum. I am so grateful to be able to see the wonderful collection of art! In such a beautiful setting! Well done!!
Restaurantji Recommends
We have been members for longer than I can remember, but this was our first visit since my husband's stroke a year ago. The art here is unequalled, which is why we are members. But since his stroke, everything is so very much harder. Every visit, every activity, everything becomes a battle to access. Not here. The Clark Museum is an oasis to anyone with mobility issues. The only thing different about this visit from any other was that we took the elevator instead of the stairs. When life becomes a battle of access, you learn to treasure those places that make access this seamless. I suspect our annual visit to the Clark will become much, much more frequent. Thank you.
The Munch exhibit is excellent. I love going back and visiting some of my favorite paintings each time I go. I love the grounds, getting something to eat and sitting by the reflecting pool, with the hills beyond. The gift shop is lovely. Parking is free! The last time I went I enjoyed a free painting kit, and sat down to paint my surroundings! They also offered a free drawing class the next day, which I wasn't able to take advantage of, but I had a wonderful time.
Adding photos and revising my original review.Together with other resources in the region, like Mass MOCA (yelp.com/biz/mass-moca-n… ), estates used by writers and artists (yelp.com/biz/herman-melv… ), Tanglewood, and college art museums (yelp.com/biz/williams-co… ), the Clark has helped put Western Mass on a global map as far as the arts and culture are concerned.Endowed by Francine and Robert Sterling Clark in 1955, who were avid art collectors, thanks in part to his family's fortune from the Singer sewing machine company, this museum sits here in Williamstown not only to benefit from its proximity to Williams College, where Robert's father and grandfather were once trustees, but also to shield the Clark's collections from their fear of Cold War-era nuclear attack - as they lived in New York at the time. The museum has since evolved to become a preeminent collection and exhibition centre of European and American works from the 14th to early 20th centuries. If you can get over creepy vibes from older folks - who are either locals or seasonal visitors - lounging around aimlessly in free public areas inside and out, all while staring at you as if you're an alien, the campus is just as compelling as the collections. In fact, if you're not really into art but can appreciate nice architecture, the campus might be the actual highlight. While it includes an original 1955 marble building and a 1973 library and research centre, massive 2008 and 2014 additions created the "Clark Center," a breathtaking contemporary architectural statement with water features flowing throughout, perforated in places with stepping-stone islands that you can traverse, as if you're floating on water.Inside, the exhibits are centered within 20 galleries where the highlights for me were Impressionist works, early American art, and European works dating back to the Renaissance. Familiar artists ranged from Winslow Homer and Alfred Stieglitz to Degas, Monet, Cassatt, Renoir, and Rodin. If you're here just for the art, then a 2-3 hour visit should suffice, but, yes, the exterior campus is a highlight too.Bonus: there are free Level 2 EV charging stations outside - but note that their charging power gets halved when fully occupied (yelp.com/biz/chargepoint… ).
What a fantastic museum. I loved the Edvard Munch Trembling Earth exhibit they had running when I went. The other parts of the Clark's collection are wonderful too. I love Renoir and they had many Renoir pieces. I highly recommend visiting this gem of a museum in the Berkshires.
Quite unique experience visiting Clark Art Institute. Picturesque nature location and trails are combined with outstanding collection of European impressionist painters: Renoir, Monet and others, Rodin’s sculptures. You can spend whole day here (quite decent Cafe 7 with various dining options). Basically, this place in Berkshires far exceeded the expectations before the visit. Note that full-time college students get a free pass.