The 10 Best Open-Air Museums You Need to Visit in New England
When:
Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024 8:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 7:00p
Wednesday, Jun 26, 2024 8:00a -
Tuesday, Dec 31, 2024 7:00p
Where:
Boston
Surrounding areas
Boston, MA
Admission:
$Varies
Categories:
Art, Kid Friendly, Nature, Outside, Photoworthy
Museum visitation usually drops during nice weather when locals would rather be enjoying the sunshine than strolling indoor halls. But in New England, you can have the best of both worlds. These outdoor museums are the best way to enjoy art, history, and culture under the summer sunshine.
By Celina Colby
The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Where: Lincoln, MA
Info: This sprawling sculpture park spans 30 acres and showcases more than 60 works of art in New England’s ever-changing landscape. In addition to its impressive and rotating collection, deCordova hosts lots of programming like snowshoeing, nature tours, yoga in the park, and more.
Where: Brookline, NH
Info: In the quiet woods of Northern, New Hampshire, stroll more than 10 miles of trails and spot see over 100 sculptures by artists around the world. From towering rock formations to intricate metal pieces, it’s a joy to spot art along the trail.
Where: Sturbridge, MA
Info: Travel back in time to the nineteenth century at the largest outdoor history museum in New England. Over more than 200 acres, you’ll encounter original structures, reenactors, and endless ways to learn about life in historic New England.
Where: Rockland, ME
Info: This nature and sculpture park celebrates the legacy of artist Bernard Langlais as well as the natural landscape of Maine’s Cushing Peninsula. Visitors can see many of Langlais’ works, including a 13-foot-tall horse sculpture. [Photo by Maura McEvoy]
Where: Portsmouth, RI
Info: Sprawling mansions aren’t the only delights to be found near Newport. This charming garden features more than 80 green topiary animals and figures amongst a brightly colored flower garden. Bring a picnic and see how many different animals you can spot.
Where: Enosburg Falls, VT
Info: Track the creative process at this sculpture park where you can witness five decades of David Stromeyer's work. There are more than 70 sculptures on view at any given time and new works are added each year.
Where: Portsmouth, NH
Info: Watch the waterfront neighborhood of Portsmouth, New Hampshire evolve over more than 350 years. This living history museum shows its evolution from Indigenous history to the arrival of pilgrims, all the way to the present day.
Where: Mystic, CT
Info: Mystic Seaport Museum is the nation’s leading maritime museum. Here you can see a recreated New England fishing village, a working shipyard, more than 500 historic watercrafts, and more.
The Maine Forest and Logging Museum
Where: Bradley, ME
Info: Maine’s rich forest and logging history is meticulously cataloged at this beautiful outdoor museum where you can operate an up-and-down sawmill, visit an authentic blacksmith’s shop, and walk into a classic settlers log cabin.
New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill
Where: Boylston, MA
Info: You may never have seen so many flowers in one place. The New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill offers more than 200 acres of plantlife for study, photography, and general awe. In addition to exploring the gorgeous grounds, you can dine at the cafe, take an educational course, listen to live music, or attend an after-hours party.
