Thanks to a wide range of offerings and a commitment to excellence, you'll find Western Massachusetts is a world-class destination for the visual and performing arts.
Explore two great art museums at Springfield's Quadrangle, the Museum of Fine Arts and the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum. Peruse traditional and contemporary handiwork made readily available by skilled craftsmen thoughout the Pioneer Valley. Or, if you plan on visiting in the summer, keep heading west, to the Berkshires, and enjoy an outdoor performance from the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood or a production at the Williamstown Theatre Festival (the "actors' theater"), a festival that attracts stars of stage and screen to perform in classic productions and new plays.
Upcoming events at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.
Art Museums
With MASS MoCA (the largest center for contemporary visual and performing arts in the U.S.), Smith College Museum of Art (which includes more than 25,000 art pieces), the Norman Rockwell Museum and others, simply visiting this area's art museums alone could very well be considered a vacation in itself.
Find all Art Museums: in Western Massachusetts | in Massachusetts
Dance
In the summer you'll find Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, one of America's premier dance festivals, featuring dance in all its forms, exhibits, gardens and tours. Plus, throughout the year, at a variety of venues, such as the Fine Arts Center, you can take in live ballet, jazz performances and even Broadway musicals.
Find all Dance Attractions: in Western Massachusetts | in Massachusetts
Music
You may be surprised to learn that some of the most famous music ensembles around — including the Boston Symphony Orchestra — make their way to Western Massachusetts. More laidback musical performances can be found too — just stop by any number of cafes or pubs in the Northampton and Amherst area, where the locals have established a thriving indie rock scene.
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Theater
From Williamstown Theatre Festival to Hampshire Shakespeare Company — here you have the opportunity to take in productions on the professional and community levels, spanning nearly every genre.
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Featured Cities
- Northampton:
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This college town has a thriving arts scene, hip cafes and a funky, carefree spirit.
Find: Lodging | Attractions - Deerfield:
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Historic Deerfield boasts a mile-long street, lined with 18th- and 19th-century houses.
Find: Lodging | Attractions - Stockbridge:
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Norman Rockwell described this quiet town as "the best of America, the best of New England."
Find: Lodging | Attractions
Featured Attractions
- Basketball Hall of Fame
This family favorite in Springfield offers three levels of historical exhibits, interactive activities and a fun shootout area. Learn more>>
- Yankee Candle
The flagship store in South Deerfield includes events, shops and even a dip-your-own candle area. Learn more>>
- The Mount, Edith Wharon’s Estate & Gardens
Discover The Mount. Tour the house and gardens, enjoy lunch on the terrace, Learn more>>
Map of the Regions in Massachusetts
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Win a Prize Package |
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Mass Jazz |
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- Where to Go
- Things to Do
Getting to the shops is easy - you can take the MBTA, rent a Zipcar, or even take the bus from various Boston hotels to Wrentham Village Premium Outlets. Don't miss Boston's world famous Faneuil Hall Marketplace, Essex's charming antique stores, and Yankee Candle's flagship store in South Deerfield.
- Plan Your Trip
- 50 Under $50
- Getting Around
State and regional resources, including air, land, and water transportation; Boston public transit info; detailed info on travel to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island
