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Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester

4.7
#3 of 6 in Museums in Cape Ann
Art Museum History Museum
The Cape Ann Museum tells multiple stories, all relating to a single remarkable place. From its earliest days as a fishing and shipping port, to its mid-19th century role in the granite industry, to its singular charms of light and sea that have attracted countless artists from the 19th century to the present, Cape Ann boasts a rich and varied culture of nationally significant historical, industrial, and artistic achievement. The Museum's fine art collection includes the largest grouping of works by native son and renowned marine artist, Fitz Henry Lane, as well as work by other prominent painters and sculptors who lived on, visited or were inspired by Cape Ann. The work of contemporary Cape Ann artists is also collected and exhibited. The permanent collection includes fine and decorative arts, artifacts from the major industries of the area - the fisheries and granite quarrying, two historic houses and an extensive library and archives.
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Reviews
TripAdvisor Traveler Rating
156 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • August 14, 2017
    This museum is filled with artwork by local artists both living and dead. It also houses much of Gloucester's fishing and whaling history. The art work displays are changed frequently as they are in p...  more »
  • August 10, 2017
    This museum is an absolute gem. Right now it has a special exhibit running titled Rock Bound which is quite lovely and it was written up in the Boston Globe in complimentary terms. They have a wonderf...  more »
  • August 9, 2017
    This is a hidden gem. We thoroughly enjoy the exhibit of Cape Ann art & will return to see the other exhibits. The space was well designed and the exhibit worth the trip from Boston.  more »
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Google
  • February 20, 2017
    A fabulous Hidden Gem in downtown Gloucester. We expected a two or three room Museum in a home. This is a major Museum facility in a modern building located over three different floors and connected to a historical home that is available for tours with a guide as well. There's a great amount of seafaring exhibits including lighthouses, boats and Marine paintings, but also exhibits related to printmaking, music-making, and photography. This Museum is on a par with the Peabody Essex Museum, but of course much smaller compared to that amazing facility.
  • June 2, 2017
    Wonderful permanent collection. GREAT historical pieces and lots of knowledge.
  • April 26, 2017
    A small but very informative Museum. Well worth seeing.
  • June 25, 2017
    Free today. Included the St. Peter's Fiesta history films. A gem of a museum featuring Cape Ann artists and artifacts.
  • July 6, 2017
    Nice local artist, 3 floors, can view in about an hour
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Where to stay in Gloucester

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The town prides itself on maintaining a quaint New England charm. Many inns and rental properties offer views, or accommodation in historical red-brick buildings. Some accommodations have only a few rooms, so book ahead to ensure you get the room of your choice.
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Plans in Gloucester by other users

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