The Cape Ann Museum tells multiple stories, all relating to a single remarkable place. From its earliest days as a fishing and shipping port to its mid-19th century role in the granite industry, to its singular charms of light and sea that have attracted countless artists from the 19th century to the present, Cape Ann boasts a rich and varied culture of nationally significant historical, industrial, and artistic achievement. The Museum’s fine art collection includes the largest grouping of works by native son and renowned marine artist, Fitz Henry Lane, as well as work by other prominent painters and sculptors who lived on, visited or were inspired by Cape Ann. The work of contemporary Cape Ann artists is also collected and exhibited. The permanent collection includes fine and decorative arts, and artifacts from the major industries of the area – the fisheries and granite quarrying.

Founded in 1873 as the Cape Ann Scientific and Literary Association, today the Museum is a vibrant cultural center that includes galleries, an auditorium, library/archives, a studio for adults & children alike, two sculpture gardens and four historic properties.

The Cape Ann Museum Green, the Museum’s new campus off Grant Circle and Route 128 in Gloucester, is designed to dramatically expand the Museum’s community, contemporary art, and educational offerings. The almost four-acre campus is home to three historic structures: the White Ellery House (1710), an adjacent Barn (c. 1740), and the Babson-Alling House (c.1740), all located on the site at the intersection of Washington and Poplar Streets in Gloucester.

The Green is also home to the 12,000-square foot Janet & William Ellery James Center, completed in 2020, which enhances the Museum’s facilities by providing room for gallery exhibitions, future collections and archival growth in the lead up to the Museum’s 150th anniversary in 2025 and beyond.

Photo c. Steve Rosenthal, 2014, Dec, 001

 

*NARM privileges may be restricted for concerts/lectures/special exhibitions and ticketed events.