Hungry Caterpillars, Noisy Crickets and Art Lessons at

The Eric Carle Museum of Picturebook Art

I don’t love art museums! There I said it! But I do love some art museums. In fact, there are a few that I have loved and would return to. My favorite art museums are The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, Ohio; The Norman Rockwell Museum, Stockbridge, MA; and The Eric Carle Museum, Amherst, MA. Each one of these art museums is loved for different reasons, but the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is different. 

Why I Love The Carle Museum:

For example, this museum is entirely dedicated to the art you find in picture books. I LOVE Picture books. I love to read them as an adult, and I love the photos, the words, and the messages in these books. Sometimes even if there isn’t a deep message, there is a humorous way of looking at everyday life. In fact, sometimes the message is just to teach something about the world around you in a delightful way.

Eric Carle’s books are just that. After all, Carle’s most famous book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar teaches kids about how a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. It does this while incorporating humor into the process. What child doesn’t remember that the caterpillar is eating through multiple food items – cherry pie, watermelon, lollipop, ice cream, and more? But if you need more to love about this museum, knowing that Eric Carle is involved is reason enough.

About the Eric Carle Museum:

The Carle Museum was opened by Eric Carle and his wife, the late Barbara Carle. Since Eric Carle is so dedicated to his craft, he opened a place where adults and children can be inspired, learn and grow. This is a great legacy to leave to future generations.

In addition, the 30-minute film is shown that not only talks about Eric Carle, but it also shows his methods for creating the wonderful illustrations within his books. These methods are actually ones you can easily take back home and make into an art lesson for the budding children’s book author you are raising. 

Things to do at The Carle Museum:

There is so much more to do at the museum. There is a hands-on art studio with supplies and activities to get you and your little ones creating unique masterpieces. And then there is even more to do – Special Classes (Make sure to check the schedule to find out what is available during your visit): Creative Writing for adults or Making Texture Art Prints. Special story times in the reading library with picture book authors and book signings. Improve comedy…AND MORE!

My favorite area (because I happen to be a bookaholic) is the gift shop full of picture books, chapter book, art, posters, toys and more. I loved browsing (and buying) in this fantastic wonderland. 

Now my children are a little older, but they both said they would love to come back here! They loved the time spent here. And the museum is constantly changing and growing. Since we visited, they have opened Bobbie’s Meadow which is dedicated to Eric’s late wife, Barbara. It is a place to connect with art and nature, has a wheel-chair accessible walking path, and is lined with concrete seat walls. This is a place to enjoy nature and connect with the outdoor artistry all around. It is surrounded by a wildflower meadow. This encourages native wildlife to come and stay.

If you are planning a trip to the Berkshires, make sure to include The Carle Museum. You will be glad you did! And check out the Norman Rockwell Museum.