The Clark Art Institute

The Clark Art Institute

The Clark Art Institute
4.8
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The Clark Art Institute is best known for its French Impressionist paintings by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, and especially Pierre-Auguste Renoir, with more than thirty paintings by the artist. The collection is also rich in American paintings by Winslow Homer, John Singer Sargent, George Inness, Frederic Remington, and Mary Cassatt; Italian and Northern Renaissance masterpieces; portraits and landscapes by European masters; and an extraordinary collection of silver, porcelain, and furniture. An active program of special exhibitions brings great works of art from around the world to the museum. Designed by renowned Pritzker Prize-winning architect Tadao Ando, the recently opened Clark Center is the centerpiece of the Clark's campus. The center includes special exhibition galleries as well as retail and dining spaces. It overlooks a dramatic three-tiered reflecting pool, integrating indoor and outdoor spaces and creating a stunning visual connection to the woodland surroundings and other buildings located on the campus. This sweeping new landscape design transforms the Clark's 140-acre campus and underscores new sustainability initiatives. In 1950 the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute was founded as a permanent home for the private art collection of Sterling and Francine Clark. In 1955 Sterling-who was an avid horseman with strong family ties to Williamstown and Cooperstown, New York-and his wife Francine presided at the official opening of the museum, sharing their magnificent yet little-known collection with the world for the first time. Since the founding, the museum has gained international stature for the quality of its collection, innovative special exhibitions, and Research and Academic Program.
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  • friendofmitzi
    New Orleans, Louisiana337 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had no clue what we would find when we arrived. This is a world class museum with works from many artists that you would know and love. We spend the day here and opted to eat at the cafe so we would not waste time traveling into town. The cafe was delicious. You have the option to eat inside or out. There is a wonderful large courtyard with a water feature and tables and chairs to sit outside. Though we ate inside, the weather was great and we spent some time outside looking at the mountains and listening to the nearby cows. Make sure you have enough time here because it is a treasure. Also, our GPS did not alert us to the parking lot which you pass before the museum. There is plenty of parking in several different lots.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 10, 2024
  • TravelBoomerang
    Kendall, Florida2,017 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Clark offers great art in a beautiful setting. Whether in the old wing or the new galleries, the Institute houses great works spanning many periods and styles. Be sure to walk the grounds and take in the landscapes and natural settings. Well worth the visit!
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 26, 2024
  • PAULINE L D
    New York City, New York211 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Clark is a must visit in the Berkshires! It's permanent collection has art from many periods but my favorite is their extensive collection of Impressionists. The facility itself is beautiful and there are wonderful walks on the property. They have a Cafe that serves delicious food. While you eat, you can enjoy the view! It also has special exhibits. I just viewed a collection from the Steuben Glass Museum, which was exceptional. Definitely visit The Clark in Williamstown, the Berkshires.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written October 16, 2024
  • Angela G
    Stoneham, Maine15 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I’ve visited museums around the world and this one is exceptional. Williamstown, MA was not on my radar as an art capital. This absolute gem is worth a trip there. Mind blowing collection of greats. I stayed all day to enjoy each piece. Such a varied collection.
    Visited December 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written December 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.8
4.8 of 5 bubbles1,453 reviews
Excellent
1,239
Very good
156
Average
41
Poor
10
Terrible
7

MidwestKathM
Detroit, MI1,154 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
The Clark Art Institute was one of the reasons for another roadtrip out East. Who could resist visiting an art museum with so many works by Renoir, Degas, and other Impressionists? The works by American artists as well as the Italian Renaissance works are just a good. Also enjoyed the British art, especially the Turner pieces. Truly the breadth and depth of the collection and the presentation throughout the museum are impressive and should not be missed! Impressed by the Tadao Ando building from my first sighting as we walked from the parking lot; later we went outdoors to walk the trails and enjoy the building from different vantage points. Take a minute to sit on the patio under trees and enjoy the reflecting pool and the view beyond...so peaceful! All the staff from the front desk to the galleries to the gift shop were friendly and shared information and answered questions. Free parking.
Written May 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Adventure37481303119
Newport, RI24 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • Couples
If you like Impressionist art, you will be pleasantly surprised. There are no blockbuster paintings but a large collection of small works by Renoir, Monet and their contemporaries. There is virtually no art before 1750. So if you love Dutch paintings from the Golden Age or Modern Abstract art, be forewarned - this is not the museum’s focus.
However, the building’s setting in the Berkshire hills is stunning. The large infinity pool by the wide and very pleasant terrace reflects a Constable-like landscape and if you’re inclined, there are nice paths to walk.
Don’t bother with the expensive and uninteresting serve-your-self cafe. Drive into Williamstown 5 minutes away to enjoy a selection of restaurants of all kinds.
Written August 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD11,261 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
We visited here today using our 10 AM timed online ticket($20 each). Our goal was to see the 20 exhibit halls of the original 1955 marble gallery’s permanent collection. Its fantastic, a combination of Musée d'Orsay and Smithsonian’s National Gallery of Art, with their focus on the Impressionists. We found favorites in Renoirs, Pissaro, Monet, Sisley, Degas, Tissot and others of that era. Then surprises; 1840 Porcelain plate by Lippert and Hass Mfg. in Bohemia, Remington and Rodin bronzes, 1720 English cabinet in "Japanned '' style, 1781 Viennese Soup Tureen and Stand (part of a 400 piece dinner service made for the Duke and Duchess of Sachsen-Teschen, older sister of Marie Antoinette) and an exceptional 1887 Steinway piano.
A special exhibition featuring Norwegian painter Nikolai Astrup with his 1905-1927 works around Lake Jolstravtan where we visited in 1989.
Outside, we took one of the pasture trails up to a viewpoint of the museum, town and the surrounding mountains where we enjoyed a picnic lunch with other visitors passing by to view the sculpture trail.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

gcross2015
Albany, NY61 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2023 • Solo
The Clark is one of those museums you have to return to again and again. I drove twice from my home an hour away to this wonderful museum I have visited with family or solo for many years. It's especially gratifying during the "off season" before the tourists invade the Berkshires. You won't be disappointed if you appreciate art and how it can invigorate your senses.
Written April 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sue N
Columbia, MO207 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021
We were here about four years ago and were so impressed that we wanted to visit again. Tickets were ordered ahead of our arrival and we requested a wheel chair for one member of our party. The staff was very accommodating to our friend's needs.
The museum has a wide range of historical collections that are sure to delight visitors. The museum has a lovely cafeteria/cafe on the bottom floor which can be accessed by elevator.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Grace A
3 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
Entered from a large handicapped parking lot, as it was raining and that was closest to an entrance. (We do have a handicapped placard.) I believe that was called the library entrance. Person at desk asked for vaccine cards, but no mention of that had been posted on the web site. Fortunately we did have them. No map guides were given to us. When we asked where the main rooms were, the man at the desk pointed to a long staircase, even though he could plainly see my companion was using a rollator and couldn't possibly do the stairs. I asked about an elevator, and he pointed us to one. We went over and pushed the button, but nothing happened. Turns out it has to be unlocked with a key for some reason. The guards/docents in the museum were helpful, though, and finally one pointed us to a different entrance where we could get a brochure. We did enjoy the collection, particularly once we had a map. Even so it was a lot of up and down on the elevator to access art, restrooms, shop and place to get brochure. Fortunately only that one elevator required a key.
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

diromu
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK72 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
We visited while on vacation in MA from the UK after a recommendation from a bookshop in Stephentown! This is a really engaging gallery with a fabulous building and beautiful grounds. Architecture is a personal taste, but I loved it - even if it was a little like a bad guy’s lair from a spy movie!!

There were activities for the children to get involved in (although not easily found) and the visiting “Trembling Earth” exhibition of Munch was good to see.

The outside seating area near the water was beautiful. If we lived closer(!) we would visit very frequently. I’m sure we’ll be back.
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CocoVieja
Cambridge, MA60 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
Took advantage of free admission month of Jan. 2022. Easily got my timed tickets on line in advance of trip. Great Covid protocols, with mandatory masking and limited capacity. We explored entire museum including 2 special exhibits. My favorite piece in this museum is the Degas Little Dancer bronze statue. We didn't explore the many trails on the beautiful grounds as it was cold out.
Written January 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Tricia
New York City, NY19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2022
Beautiful grounds with a brilliant permanent collection. A great centerpiece for a short getaway from the city. I return a couple of times a year because the intimacy of the museum itself as well as the Impressionist room is more restful and pleasant than the Met.
I would 100% rather be at the Clark than the Met
Written September 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Culture Vulture 60657
Chicago, IL11,041 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
It's ben over 40 years since my last visit to The Clark, as they now call it. In that time, a new building byTadao Ando has been built, walking trails and outdoor sculpture have been added and there's now a cafe for lunch and snacks, among other improvements. We enjoyed seeing the new building and a splendid little exhibit of works on paper by Durer and others who copied him, decorative arts (stunning collection of silver and also of glass items), plus some outstanding pieces of American furniture. Then we renewed our acquaintance with the permanent collection in the original building. There are 20 galleries for paintings and sculpture, 3 large ones in the middle, surrounded by 17 smaller ones. It's thus more intimate than many bigger museums. The founders collected some truly choice American and French 19th Century works that are the core of the collection. We happilyy spent about 4 hours in all, including a 1/2 hour break for a tasty lunch in their basement cafe. As it was a lovely fall day, we also took a short stroll around some of the grounds and, if time had allowed, could have spent longer enjoying their trails and landscaping.

It was a most enjoyable visit.
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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The Clark Art Institute (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

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