Motif #1

What a great little community I wish I could move here! Beautiful views and the only people that weren't nice where the Karen's walking and thought we were in their way. If you want exercise I get it but I bet all those little shops love tourists

As an almost lifelong Boston local, I sometimes forget how beautiful New England really is (like I’ll be watching a movie and think “wow- that’s a captivating location. Where did they shoot that?” Only to stop by a place like this spot to be reminded it could have been here.) I was in Rockport for work and had 30 minutes to kill and it was utterly picturesque and serene. The birds were doing their thing acoustically , the sea air was refreshing and the views of what can best be described as something like “ quintessential new english fishing town” were spellbinding. I ended up googling the red building to find out that it was called Motif #1. This little red fishing shack on Bradley Wharf has been called “the most painted building in America,” and once you see it in person, you get why. The way it sits against the harbor, with fishing boats, lobster traps, and the bay sparkling right next to it, feels like stepping into a postcard. Even though the original shack was apparently lost in the Blizzard of ’78, the replica has the same timeless, authentic feel. This was a great reminder of how lucky I am to have this kind of beauty just an hour from Boston. Whether you’re visiting New England for the first time or you’ve lived here forever, Motif #1 is (and arguably most of the Rockport shoreline) is worth the stop—it’s a perfect reminder of everything that makes this area special.

Rockport is a seaside town in Essex County, Massachusetts, with beautiful summer homes and a small fishing village. Despite the rainy day we had, the scenery was unbelievable. We arrived by car from Boston.

Landmarks we Know. Back to Rockport, Massachusetts. Last time was 1979 after the Blizzard of 1978. Motif Number 1, located on Bradley Wharf in the harbor is a replica of a former fishing shack well-known to students of art and art history as "the most often-painted building in America." The original structure was built in 1884 and destroyed in the Blizzard of 1978, but an exact replica was constructed that same year. Eating lobsters outdoors watching this harbor is great. #PortsWeKnow #LandmarksWeKnow #abuelosmochileros_ports #abuelosmochileros_rockports

Amazing views and stunning scenery all around!!

20250716 wed, a boat blocking the view of Motif #1. Tourists can't take clean photographs or selfies. Today not crowded with some shops closed. another photo around Motif #1 of Rockport MA? but so beautiful there today. stores behind some phots. Wished Google let one caption a photo on a desktop.

Nice little harbour, perfect place to walk around and chill.

Beautiful place in New England. Spend some time wandering around in shops, restaurants, near the water. Motif #1 is historic, and great to photograph or paint.

We were walking around Bearskin Neck and saw this fishing shack was in the area. Apparently according to the locals this is one of the places most drawn by artists. I guess??? Regardless, we were there and decided to check it out. Great spot to take pictures but that is about it. If in Rockport then check it out.

Rockport is easily one of my favorite spots in the state, but this review is really about the iconic fishing shack that draws the crowds. On the bright side, there is no admission fee, you can walk all around the shack and take as many photos as your little heart desires. If you were expecting any more however you may be a little disappointed! The shack itself is actually a replica, built after the original was destroyed some years ago. It would have been great if there was at least an info plaque or memorial around the area, but all you will find instead are some lobster remains from the restaurants nearby! Overall, an inevitable photo op if you are in beautiful Rockport, but don't expect more than that from this landmark.

Um, come on Rockport chamber of commerce. There is no way that this little red fisheman's shack is really the most painted building in America. But alas, no one can PROVE it isn't true... so therefore it must be! Every place needs a "most famous" icon. Well the original "Motif" was destroyed in the blizzard of 78. The one that stands now is a replica. I guess this is ok, but I found it oddly cheap and disappointing. Then I took a photo of it! Some part of me must have bought into the myth of the mystique.

It's red. It's a shack. It's right next to some boats. There are some things hanging off of it. Some people say it's America's #1 painted building. The people who keep track of those things need more hobbies.

What more could possibly be said about this magical spot? I had time to spend with another family in western New York and was told of a family member who was an artist who lived there. Amazing because I had been friends with this family for more than 17 years, but out came one of the paintings and it was the great Motif, quite amazing, and it's a shot I will put on here. But being there is just magic to you and is something that you will always carry. Whenever the image shows on TV or elsewhere, you will always want to say "hey, I've been there", whether they know or not.

It's cute and this is definitely a place worth visiting. But if people want photogenic fishing shacks, they really need to trek north to Maine. Ours are not quite so over-hyped and yet they are wicked cunning. By the way, those cute objects hanging off of it are lobster pot buoys. (Sorry, Mass.)

Great photo op. No wonder it's their most photographed spot. Cute! Just like the town!

OK, it's a pretty photogenic spot. And, yah, I got some pretty nice images there. Most photographed or painted in America? Great promo line. Hard to say it's true or not. But, whether or not, it's worth a visit.

This is the iconic motif of Rockport. It's a must see if you visit. Snap a few photos and move on but don't miss it.

I take all the talk of most painted with a grain of salt. It's ONLY a little shack. And yet, when I stood there, it seemed somehow sort of perfect. I can't explain it, but it has an unexpected pull of some kind. The town is absolutely lovely, the shack is its symbol. I can't explain it but it was like seeing a Norman Rockwell painting in real life: if you're American, you "get" it and once you do, you don't UN-get it.