New Bedford Museum of Glass, Glass art museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
The New Bedford Museum of Glass houses a collection of more than 7,000 glass objects, ranging from ancient Mediterranean vessels to contemporary American designs. The displays showcase the craft diversity and artistic evolution of this ancient art form across different cultures and time periods.
The institution was founded in 1993 and initially operated at Bradford College in Haverhill before moving to New Bedford. Over the years it occupied several city locations, including the historic Wamsutta Textile Mills building, before settling in the James Arnold Mansion in recent years.
The museum displays glassware from local makers like Mount Washington and Pairpoint, which were closely tied to the city's whaling era prosperity. Visitors can see how these manufacturers shaped New Bedford's artistic identity and remain part of the city's story today.
You can explore the collection at your own pace, with tours and workshops regularly available to help you understand the craft techniques better. The museum provides information about accessibility and has helpful staff ready to answer questions.
The museum holds the largest public collection of American political glass, with over 500 different items rarely seen together elsewhere. This specialized collection documents a fascinating aspect of American history through decorative everyday objects.
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