Last updated: 2025-04-22
Amherst’s rich cultural landscape offers indoor exploration beyond its academic reputation. From literary history to natural science, these museums provide engaging experiences that capture the intellectual spirit of this vibrant western Massachusetts college town.
Whether you’re escaping New England’s unpredictable weather or seeking scholarly inspiration, Amherst’s museums deliver remarkable collections that connect visitors with art, literature, and scientific discovery through intimate, thoughtful exhibitions.
Discover Amherst’s indoor cultural treasures right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in Amherst
- Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
- Emily Dickinson Museum
- Jones Library
- Smith College Museum of Art (Northampton)
- Yiddish Book Center
- Mead Art Museum
- Beneski Museum of Natural History
- Northampton Museum and Art Gallery (Northampton)
- Historic Northampton (Northampton)
Beneski Museum of Natural History
What to Expect
World's most extensive fossil dinosaur track collection
Description
The Beneski Museum of Natural History showcases an extraordinary collection of over 1,700 natural history specimens across three floors. Visitors can explore dramatic fossil skeletons, the world's most extensive collection of dinosaur footprints, geological exhibits spanning prehistoric landscapes, and diverse mineral specimens from around the globe.
Where: Amherst | More Info: Beneski Museum of Natural History
Emily Dickinson Museum
What to Expect
Preserved 19th-century poet's home with original family artifacts
Description
A historic museum celebrating the life and legacy of poet Emily Dickinson, featuring two preserved 19th-century houses: The Homestead, her birthplace and primary residence, and The Evergreens, her brother's adjacent home. Visitors can explore Dickinson's creative space, view family collections, and engage with her poetic heritage through guided tours and educational programs.
Where: Amherst | More Info: Emily Dickinson Museum
Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
What to Expect
First museum exclusively focused on picture book art in the United States
Description
A dedicated museum celebrating picture book art, offering three galleries showcasing international illustrators' works. Features a 40,000 sq. ft. facility with an art studio, auditorium, and educational spaces designed to introduce young visitors to museum experiences and picture book artistry.
Where: Amherst | More Info: Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Historic Northampton (Northampton)
What to Expect
Comprehensive Indigenous history acknowledgment and community oral history collections
Description
Local history museum exploring Northampton's rich cultural heritage through exhibits, oral history projects, and educational programs. Focuses on Indigenous history, local community narratives, and preservation of regional historical artifacts and stories.
Where: Northampton | More Info: Historic Northampton
Jones Library
What to Expect
Comprehensive digital resource access for community learning
Description
Public library offering extensive digital resources including free access to Consumer Reports, Mango language learning app with 70+ language options, and online Oxford English Dictionary. Features virtual Burnett Gallery showcasing local art exhibitions and providing comprehensive research and learning tools.
Where: Amherst | More Info: Jones Library
Mead Art Museum
What to Expect
Global art collection with 20,000 diverse objects
Description
The Mead Art Museum houses a comprehensive collection of 20,000 artworks spanning global cultures and historical periods. Located on Amherst College campus, the museum offers eight galleries with rotating exhibitions featuring American and European paintings, West African sculptures, and Mexican ceramics. Visitors can explore permanent installations including a 17th-century English knight's parlor and ancient Assyrian wall reliefs.
Where: Amherst | More Info: Mead Art Museum
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery (Northampton)
What to Expect
Comprehensive exploration of Northamptonshire's cultural and natural history
Description
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery explores the rich cultural heritage of Northamptonshire through diverse exhibitions. The museum showcases local history, contemporary art, and photography collections, offering visitors insights into regional stories, wildlife conservation, and artistic perspectives through carefully curated displays.
Where: Northampton | More Info: Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Smith College Museum of Art (Northampton)
What to Expect
Comprehensive art collection spanning multiple cultural and historical periods
Description
Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) offers a diverse collection spanning multiple artistic periods and cultures. The museum features rotating exhibitions showcasing contemporary and historical art, including significant holdings of Asian art, photography, and contemporary works from international artists.
Where: Northampton | More Info: Smith College Museum of Art
Yiddish Book Center
What to Expect
Largest Yiddish book preservation and cultural documentation center
Description
The Yiddish Book Center preserves and celebrates Yiddish literature and culture through an extensive collection of books, digital archives, and educational programs. Visitors can explore groundbreaking exhibitions, attend cultural events, and engage with Yiddish language resources through innovative digital platforms and translation projects.
Where: Amherst | More Info: Yiddish Book Center
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