Make a Visit
The Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute is both an art museum and research center, welcoming visitors year-round to experience its outstanding collections of European and American art in an intimate setting surrounded by the profound natural beauty of the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. Set on a 140-acre campus of expansive lawns, meadows, and walking trails, the Clark is home to exceptional examples of European and American painting and sculpture, master prints and drawings, English silver and porcelain, and early photographs. The museum is best known, however, for its extraordinary collection of French Impressionist paintings.
The Clark’s original 1955 museum building is currently undergoing renovations as part of our campus expansion program, and has been closed. Our permanent collection has been relocated to the Manton Research Center building, which normally houses our special exhibition galleries. Currently, three large galleries are open showing highlights of our collection, including Clark Remix, a special installation of nearly 400 objects, which features interactive gallery activities. The Clark also hosts a number of special exhibitions each year. Click here to find out more about our upcoming exhibitions. To find out more about what's currently on view, click here.
In March 2011, a number of nineteenth-century French paintings from the Clark's noted collection began a three-year international tour. View a listing of the works that are currently on tour. Click here for more information about the Clark’s international outreach program. While these paintings are on exhibition elsewhere, many of the Clark's other beloved works, including exceptional works by Renoir, Homer, and Sargent continue to delight visitors. A rigorous program of special exhibitions, experimental new initiatives, and public events further complements the Clark’s esteemed collection.
The Clark also hosts one of the finest art reference libraries in the world, is the site of the Williamstown Art Conservation Center, and jointly administers the highly regarded Williams/Clark Graduate Program in the History of Art, along with nearby Williams College. Continually promoting new approaches to understanding works of art, the Institute hosts public lectures and scholarly conferences, outdoor family festivals, concerts and films, and more.
