Arkell Museum
Arkell Museum
4.5
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 AM
Saturday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
The mission of the Arkell Museum at Canajoharie and the Canajoharie Library is to promote and celebrate the understanding and enjoyment of the arts and humanities in Canajoharie, the Mohawk Valley, and beyond. The Arkell Museum collects, preserves, researches and presents American Art and Mohawk Valley History, and promotes active participation in art and history related activities, to enhance knowledge, appreciation and personal exploration by all.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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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
4.5
93 reviews
Excellent
65
Very good
23
Average
4
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Joe H
DeWitt, NY837 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
Literally for decades I drove by Canajoharie on the NYS Thruway on the way to business meetings a couple of times a month, and repeatedly wondered what that building with the Arkell sign was, across the street from the very ugly old Beech Nut factory. Well, I finally found out and paid it a visit. I wasn't disappointed.
This museum contains some very fine art collected by a president of Beech Nut, who believed in sharing cultural treasures with his employees and community. The museum has an exhibit area which explains this and provides a little bit of Beech Nut history, very tastefully and without making it seem like a big commercial advertisement. My only gripe was that part of the display area was along a row of windows, and the displays themselves were not well designed for this type of lighting. The glare from the windows made the interesting information hard to read. This could be remedied with some shades or blinds, or by use of nonreflective display glass. The fine artwork is all in interior, windowless rooms, and does not suffer from this display flaw.
There are both permanent exhibit areas with excellent works by famous artists, and temporary display areas for traveling exhibits. We went through them all at a very leisurely pace, and spent a few minutes relaxing in the garden along the way. Even so, we were done in well less than two hours. So think of this as a very nice, but small art museum that will not occupy a full day but might make for a great part of a day that includes other activities. (In our case, we drove from here to Herkimer for the Erie Canal Cruise, and that made for a great combination.)
Note that like many art museums, most young children will not especially enjoy this unless they have an unusual interest in art.
This museum contains some very fine art collected by a president of Beech Nut, who believed in sharing cultural treasures with his employees and community. The museum has an exhibit area which explains this and provides a little bit of Beech Nut history, very tastefully and without making it seem like a big commercial advertisement. My only gripe was that part of the display area was along a row of windows, and the displays themselves were not well designed for this type of lighting. The glare from the windows made the interesting information hard to read. This could be remedied with some shades or blinds, or by use of nonreflective display glass. The fine artwork is all in interior, windowless rooms, and does not suffer from this display flaw.
There are both permanent exhibit areas with excellent works by famous artists, and temporary display areas for traveling exhibits. We went through them all at a very leisurely pace, and spent a few minutes relaxing in the garden along the way. Even so, we were done in well less than two hours. So think of this as a very nice, but small art museum that will not occupy a full day but might make for a great part of a day that includes other activities. (In our case, we drove from here to Herkimer for the Erie Canal Cruise, and that made for a great combination.)
Note that like many art museums, most young children will not especially enjoy this unless they have an unusual interest in art.
Written October 11, 2013
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.
Steven S
Rochester, NY41 contributions
Jul 2013 • Couples
This is a small art museum but a sparkling jewel of a small art museum. If you're going by Canajoharie on the Thruway make a point of stopping here. It's not hard to find right downtown. Follow the signs. You'll be glad you did. The $7 admission fee might seem steep, but go anyway. For the art buff this could be part of a trip to visit various Hudson River School sites.
I went as half of a couple, but this is fine for kids too. It's not so big that they'll get rambunctious.
It should also be noted that the name Canajoharie can be sung to the tune of Wooly Bully in place of the words "Matty told Hatty." I leave it to the reader to fill in more alternate lyrics. (O.K. maybe that didn't need to be noted.)
I went as half of a couple, but this is fine for kids too. It's not so big that they'll get rambunctious.
It should also be noted that the name Canajoharie can be sung to the tune of Wooly Bully in place of the words "Matty told Hatty." I leave it to the reader to fill in more alternate lyrics. (O.K. maybe that didn't need to be noted.)
Written July 10, 2013
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.
Archibald M
Cooperstown, NY68 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
After moving back to upstate New York, my wife and wife and I decided to make a day trip to the Arkell Museum. We had not been there in years, but with a major expansion and new, professional staff, this is now something that should be on everyone's list. The art collection is astounding, and I was also fascinated by the exhibit chronicling the Arkell family, the moving force behind the Beech Nut food company that once flourished in town. (Canajoharie was once known as "flavortown"!) This museum is definitely worth a stop from the Thruway, or a longer visit if you can manage it.
Written September 16, 2018
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.
windance
Kyoto, Japan283 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Less than a mile from the Canajoharie exit on the NY Thruway, this is simply not to be missed. Always empty, the Arkell (actually, part of the Canajahoarie library) is a real chance to see great art without getting elbowed by someone, or being unable to spend time appreciating a great painting. Although small, the permanent collection of largely 19th and 20th century artists includes seldom seen pieces by Cassat, Chase, Eakins, Homer, Hassam, Whyeth as well as interesting glimpses of early Americana including a fascinating collection of art from Beechnut's archives.
It's a great short break from the long trip between Albany and Buffalo and only a couple of minutes from the highway. Well worth it.
It's a great short break from the long trip between Albany and Buffalo and only a couple of minutes from the highway. Well worth it.
Written September 14, 2015
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.
Rand C
Utica, NY124 contributions
You don't usually expect to find an important collection of American art in a small rural town. But a visit to the Arkell Museum is well worth the trip. The family that owned the Beechnut factory assembled a major art collection. If you are travelling on Route 90 (the New York State Thruway west of Schenectady) take the Canojoharie exit for a delightful break in your trip. The Museum is connected to the local library.
Written July 21, 2013
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.
mdkadk
Potsdam, NY331 contributions
Sep 2011 • Couples
The Arkell Art Museum is imbedded in the Canajoharie Library; it's a small gem displaying a selection of fabulous American art. They currently have a great exhibition of work by Jay Connaway, a not so well known name in the class of Winslow Homer. They also have a great exhibition of American Art from 1920s & 1930s. These premier displays of art were well worth a stop in on a four hour trip. The permanent collection of this place is small but supreme and is worth sitting in the Great Room relishing the collection selections. Take the time to follow the storyline about the founder Bartlett Arkell, from the Beachnut fame. The gift shop hosts a nice selection of exhibit catalogues and art related titles, along with a myriad of other items. And you can enter the Library and go read the paper when you're done! This place makes me wish I lived in Canajoharie...really special!
Written September 14, 2011
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.
Bob C
Albany, NY934 contributions
Oct 2019
We'd been here before and enjoy returning to see the most current exhibits. This museum is a great place to visit for local Mohawk Valley history. Their display of Beechnut memorabilia is most interesting to a person in demographic. Some of the paintings are just wonderful to view as gems we have in this locale. A great museum to appreciate art and history.
Written October 28, 2019
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.
jt-mj
Rochester, NY140 contributions
Jun 2018 • Couples
Our 3rd visit, and the collection is still superb for a museum of this size. Don't miss it; portraits [one of the 70+ copies Stuart did of George Washington], Winslow Homer, American impressionists and more.
Written June 29, 2018
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.
nellismj
Monona, WI4 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
My sister and I were visiting the Mohawk Valley to explore our Palatine ancestor's history so our local guide naturally took us to The Arkell Museum. To our delight, we were able to orient ourselves to the towns along the Mohawk River thanks to the room-sized map displayed on the floor. We were delighted to see our great great grandfather's farm displayed on the wall, Horatio Nellis. The art is amazing and the BeechNut displays informative. The history room was filled with artifacts. One of the nicest small museums I've ever visited.
Written June 15, 2018
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.
Robert H
London11 contributions
Nov 2017 • Family
Totally did not expect this oasis of high culture in a small town in the hills far from major urban areas. Very fine collection; not too large; perfect for small children who might be overwhelmed by larger museums in big cities. Only wish that the ticket price was a little cheaper -- while children go free, adults pay $9.
Written November 13, 2017
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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