Many consider the Clark Art Institute in the Berkshires a treasure trove in northwest Massachusetts. And we concur.
After a thoughtful renovation and expansion, the original white marble museum was joined by the glass and concrete Clark Center and the awe-inspiring 3-tiered reflection pool. The pool flanks a spacious patio where visitors can picnic and enjoy the soothing sounds and verdant vistas of its rural setting. With 140 acres of indoor and outdoor space, the museum’s directors consider the Clark a public park where guests can hike, cross-country ski, and take in world-class works of art.
We highly recommend adding it to your bucket list if you’ve never visited the Clark Art Institute in the Berkshires. But before you go, it helps to know a little about its back story and what to expect when you visit.
The Back Story
Avid art collectors, Sterling and Francine Clark, chose Williamstown, Massachusetts, as the home for their eponymous museum, the Clark Art Institute in the Berkshires. Initially opened in 1955 with just two galleries, the ensuing decade brought significant expansion and the addition of a library. As the Institute grew, new buildings were added to the campus to allow for the expansion of the library and the addition of research facilities. Continued growth over the years gave birth to the Clark Center, a 7500-square-foot building to house special exhibits, galleries, the permanent collection, Café 7, and the Museum store.
The Design Vision
The stunning architecture of the Institute’s campus resulted from a combination of renowned designers over the years. The original white marble museum was the concept of Daniel Perry, whose creation was heralded as “the best organized and most highly functional museum erected anywhere.”
Pietro Belluschi and The Architects Collaborative conceived the red granite Manton Research Center, added in 1973. And Tadeo Ando is credited with the design of the Lunder Center at Stone Hill (opened in 2008) and the Clark Center (opened in 2014). Both buildings brought considerable exhibit space to the campus. The landscape firm of Reed Hilderbrand reimagined the grounds of the Institute in 2014, reorienting the focus of the campus to Stone Hill. Now featuring expansive lawns, wooded trails, farmland, and fields, The Clark Institute of Art provides a quiet respite in the profound natural beauty of the Berkshires.
Reference and Research Facilities
The original intent of the library was to establish a graduate program in art history. After purchasing the entire collection of art historian Dr. W. R. Juynboll, the Institute welcomed its first class in 1972. Co-sponsored by Clark and Williams College, the graduate program is recognized as one of the foremost leaders in advanced art research and visual culture. Housing special collections, such as the founder’s rare books, an impressive array of early illustrated tombs, and decorative art books, the library is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm without an appointment.
Dining at the Clark
Located on the lower level of the Clark Center, Café 7 offers visitors a casual spot to relax and refresh. Serving locally sourced ingredients and seasonal favorites, the menu features homemade soups, fresh salads, and an inventive array of sandwiches. Take your refreshments outside to enjoy on the patio, or let us prepare a gourmet picnic to savor on the grounds at your leisure.
Special Events and Educational Programs
Offering a comprehensive menu of special events and educational opportunities, the Clark Institute of Art serves as the hub of activities for gallery talks, concerts, films, lectures, and special events focused on families and members. Check their event calendar for what’s offered during your next visit to the Berkshires.
Permanent and Special Exhibits
The vast collections housed on the campus of the Clark Institute of Art span centuries and feature the works of European and American artists, sculptors, photographers, and decorative artisans. Complementing the indoor exhibits, outside, you’ll find sculptures on loan or gifted by noted artists spread among the lovely landscaped grounds.
We hope our overview of the Clark Institute of Art in the Berkshires will inspire you to put it on your “To Do” list for your next visit to our elegant country retreat. Less than an hour’s drive from the Inn up gorgeous Route 7, you can combine a scenic drive with your cultural outing, making it a perfect day trip.
