Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

The Eric Carle Museum is an art institution in Amherst dedicated to picture book illustration, displaying three rotating galleries with works from international and American artists. The building includes galleries, an art studio, an auditorium, a café, and a shop alongside exhibition spaces.

The museum was founded in 2002 by author Eric Carle and his wife Barbara, inspired by their visits to picture book museums in Japan. This experience shaped their vision to create a similar space in Amherst honoring the art of book illustration.

The museum regularly features exhibitions celebrating different illustrators and artistic traditions from around the world, including works by African American artists and collections of Jewish picture books. These changing shows help visitors discover the many voices and styles that shape children's book art today.

The museum offers various areas to explore, including an art studio where visitors can create their own work. Plan time to move at a relaxed pace and take breaks at the café or browsing the book collection in the shop.

The museum features an outdoor wildflower garden called Bobbie's Meadow, created in memory of Barbara Carle. This peaceful outdoor space offers a different way to experience the place beyond the indoor galleries.

Location: Amherst

Address: 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA 01002

Phone: +14135596300

Website: https://carlemuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 42.32111,-72.53294

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:00