Quality of Life: Arts & Culture: Museums & Galleries
Museums & Galleries

Merrimack Valley communities are blessed with a wealth of museums and galleries. In addition to exhibits, there are opportunities to observe working artists in their studios and programs designed to expose children to the arts.

Addison Gallery of American Art – Andover
The Addison Gallery of American Art at Phillips Academy in Andover features a nationally recognized collection of paintings, sculpture and photography, including works by John Singleton Copley, Thomas Eakins, Winslow Homer, James A. McNeill Whistler, Edward Hopper, Alexander Calder, Georgia O'Keeffe, Jackson Pollock, Frank Stella and Andrew Wyeth. The Gallery is open to the public, free of charge.

Essex Art Center – Lawrence
The Essex Art Center offers continuous after school and evening programs for children and adults, vacation camps and adult workshops. Local artists design and teach the art classes in a wonderful variety of mediums, from ceramics, photography, drawing and painting to silk-screening, bookmaking, sculpture and Italian frescoes.

Gallery 181 – Lawrence
Gallery 181 is located in the Cotton Weaving House on Canal Street in Lawrence's Gateway district. Bright and lively, the historic mill building is now home to a number of upscale businesses and shops. Art exhibits change monthly.

119 Gallery – Lowell

Arts League of Lowell Gallery – Lowell

Ayer Lofts Gallery – Lowell

Brush Art Gallery and Studios – Lowell
The original artworks of resident artists are on display and for sale at the Brush Art Gallery and Studios. Observe the working artists at their in-house studios and enjoy the artwork of associate artists displayed in the gallery gift shop. Changing exhibitions focusing on various themes provide an opportunity to view some of the finest contemporary artwork being produced in the New England area.

New England Quilt Museum – Lowell
The New England Quilt Museum preserves and displays beautiful and eclectic examples of American quilting, past and present. Tours, lectures, and the workshops inform visitors about the unique artistry and culture of quilt-making. A gift shop offers quilts, hand-crafted items, books and quilting tools for sale.

Revolving Museum – Lowell
Founded by artist Jerry Beck, the Revolving Museum began its nomadic journey in 1984 as an artist collaborative, which transformed abandoned public spaces into innovative visual performance and community arts projects. These works fostered a dialogue between art, the urban and natural environment, site history and social concerns in order to create a sense of community between artists and the public.

Second World
Media, Music and Art for a Better World – Lowell

Artist Valerie Diallo began Second World in 1997. Today, this dynamic organization can be found in the heart of the Arts District in Downtown Lowell. Second World uses media, music and art to preserve indigenous culture and provide a place of common ground in our richly diverse world. From documentary film, fine art, world music performance series, to art workshops and lectures, Second World provides a wealth of cultural resources.

Western Avenue Studios – Lowell

Whistler House Museum of Art – Lowell
The birthplace of artist James McNeill Whistler, the Whistler House Museum showcases contemporary and historical fine arts, including 19th century and early 20th century paintings and prints.

Newburyport Art Association
The Newburyport Art Association resides in an historic c.1800 building overlooking the Merrimack River and Newburyport harbor, within easy walking distance from Market Square in downtown Newburyport. Open year round, hosting a full calendar of exhibitions and events. The work of artists exhibiting at the gallery is diverse in style, images and media –from traditional watercolor to modern digital imagery to poetry.

Chameleon – Newburyport

Child At Heart Gallery – Newburyport

The Churchill Gallery – Newburyport

Connor Summers Gallery – Newburyport

Ferry Wharf Gallery & Artist's Studio – Newburyport

Lepore Fine Arts – Newburyport

Off The Wall Gallery – Newburyport

Somerby's Landing Sculpture Park – Newburyport

Spirit of Newburyport Gallery & Gifts

Valerie's Gallery – Newburyport

The Walsingham Gallery – Newburyport

Leslane Gallery & Design – Newburyport
Leslane Gallery & Design offers dynamic art shows, wall finishings and creative custom framing. The gallery features distinctive original paintings, pastels and sculpture by New England artists. Juried shows rotate regularly, highlighting assorted themes and media.

Museum of Printing – North Andover
The Museum of Printing is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the graphic arts, printing equipment and printing craftsmanship. See how printing affects every facet of your daily life. Hold a piece of lead type in your hand; marvel at the craftsmanship to be seen in a finely printed piece.