Springfield Museums

Great collection of museums (history, science, art, fine art, childrens' lit) with a wonderful variety of exhibits, all in an attractive quadrangle in the center of the city! Includes the Doctor Seuss museum, which is super fun for kids, and interesting for adults. Very reasonable admission includes all five museums.

A group of very interesting museums organized around a small and charming square. The George Smith is the best with its fascinating collection of chinese and japanese artifacts. Staff is very cordial and well informed. Definitely worth the visit if you come to Springfield or have two hours to spare away from the I91.

The Springfield Museums are a collection of museums in one area. Parking is free and ample. Special features are the Doctor Seuss museum and the museum full of old Indian Motorcycles. Until we walked into that space, I didn’t realize Springfield Massachusetts was the home of Indian Motorcycles. So many old Indians on display. This is a great place to bring the family, including young children.

Great exhibits. Fun, interesting place. Historical area. (The guitar was temporary exhibit. Don’t think it’s still there).

Went to the Springfield museums in September on a rainy weekday. 1 ticket ($15 for student from my memory), 5 museums. All of them were blasts and you can learn a lot from each of them. The Dr Seuss museum is the most fascinating and impressive, very interactive too. Highly recommend going to this hidden gem if you are in Greater Hartford-Springfield Area! All five museums took me 3hr tour - legs were noodles at the end but very worth it!

Great group of museums. One price to see them all. The history museum is the best. Didnt know so many firsts came out of Springfield. Free parking. Clean bathrooms. Great gift shop. Very friendly security people at each museum.

A Solid Collection of Museums that include various forms of European and American Art, Springfield History, Animal Sculptures, Science Fossil and Rock Exhibits, A Fee Live Animals and fun Statues especially of the great author Dr. Seuss. If you have a free afternoon, I definitely recommend going! 👍

Really enjoyed the afternoon spent at the museums... lots to see and explore.

One admission to the Springfield Museums gives accesses to five museums of art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss amazing world. Adults: $25 Seniors (60+): $16.50 College Students: $16.50 Youth 3-17: $13 Children Under 3: Free (I think it's free for Springfield Residents.) Great collections of arts and science. The statues in the garden are mostly from Dr. Seuss. Quite nice to walk around and absorb all the information. I wish I can spend 2 days in here to go through everything in detail.

This is the main museum among the five. The ticket counter and guest service desks are in this music. This museum is mainly about, evolution, dinosaurs, civilization, space, earth, and science. I loved the space section most. There was a robotic arm to play with to simulate the canadarm in ISS. There's also simulate of the earth view window from ISS. Also loved the collection of human civilization, how humans spread all over the world starting from Africa. There's also a big gift shop. Overall this museum is really great for both kids and adults.

We came from out of town for a nice stroll though the museums with our toddler but only hit two: the Science museum and the Dr. Suess museum. Both were well done, though obviously there is nothing else that can compare with the Dr. Suess museum. If you have kids who like his books, this is the place to go. It is awash in bright colors and dozens of references to the books scattered throughout the floors. Toys to play with like Duplos and interactive fishing television games; word spelling exercises and plenty of #D (I can't say "life-size" can I?) props provide plenty of picture opportunities, and a more sedate lower level allows for cooling down and sitting whilst working on projects like coloring and crafts. The third floor, containing actual stuff owned by Dr. Suess, was underwhelming to me but I admit I am not a huge fan. Overall, the museum is like his books... one is a lot of fun, two is okay, but by the third you are wishing your kid would pick something else. The Science museum was fun, and I loved the life size dinosaur and the animal exhibits on the ground floor including the dozens of pull-out drawers containing shells, bones, insects, etc. It is a shame part of the area was closed for repairs, but what can you do? We never even saw all of this museum, or much of the other museums. For $25 if you can see everything it is probably a good deal, but if you only want to go to part of it (or if you or your kid get tired or bored part way) it might not be such a good value.

Go check out the Cafe! Food is fresh daily and full of flavor!!! Everything made to order! Yummy

Fun experience at the Grinch grotto, Dr. Seuss museum, and Smith art collection. 5 museums, Staff is unusually friendly and cheerful for a museum. Great setting around the Dr. Seuss National Memorial garden and statues.

Nice set of museums that are all included in one price. I had two kids - 12 and 6 with me when we visited for the day. We went to the science, history and the suess museum. Science museum - some of the displays were pretty dated and worn but the kids still had a good time. (Keep in mind that this opinion is based on our experiences visiting some of the largest and best science museums in the country.) There is currently a special pbs kids exhibit there that caters to preschool age group with lots of imaginative play. There is hands on experiences throughout the museum, some areas much more than others. History museum - the Hasbro area kept my kids attention the longest of any of the museums. They played pinball, learned about historical games and had lots of things to touch, manipulate, etc. there is a cute play area in the Hasbro area for toddlers and preschoolers with a play kitchen, pretend picnic area, etc. The rest of the history museum is best for older kids and adults. I really enjoyed the small, but well done, area about the civil war and its connections to the Springfield area. Suess museum - bottom floor has lots of opportunities for kids to touch, play and take photos with some of their favorite suess characters. Upstairs is more of a typical museum setup where drawings and other things are available for viewing. During our visit the cafeteria was closed but there were a couple of food trucks available next to the museums. If you are currently a member of a museum 90+ miles away check and see if there is reciprocity to save yourself some money on admission.

You guys know what BOGO means, right? You go to the supermarket, pay for one can of peas and you walk away like a Boss with two cans of peas? Buy One Get One? Well how about paying for one museum admission and getting admission to five museums? Let's call that BOGF -But One Get Four. And for good measure, let's throw in a spectacular Memorial Sculpture Garden filled with your childhood friends from the pages of Dr. Seuss books. Welcome to the Springfield Museums Complex, where the Smith Art Museum, Springfield Science Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Springfield History, Dr. Seuss Museum, and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden await you. They are all located around an open green space (reminded me of my college's quadrangle). The complex is super easy to navigate as everything (including free parking) is kind of right next to each other. Admissions to the whole shebang are $25 for Adults, $16.50 for Seniors, $13.50 for kids (3-17), and zippo if  you're a Springfield resident or a customer of a certain big New England bank. Just show your credit or debit card and you are good to go. We loved the Seuss and Science Museums, and really had a blast at the Springfield Museum with its huge exhibit of their hometown Indian motorcycles, a terrific exhibit on the early auto industry, and exhibits on Springfield based major companies like Friendly Ice Cream and the Big Y Supermarket chain. We'll go back again and check out both art museums.

There are six separate spaces to see as part of the Springfield Museums. The Sculpture Garden in the center https://www.yelp.com/biz/dr-seuss-national-memorial-sculpture-garden-springfield?hrid=9SkHNFRcxA_sbKrPGpYTtA is surrounded by the Springfield Science Museum https://www.yelp.com/biz/springfield-science-museum-springfield, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum https://www.yelp.com/biz/george-walter-vincent-smith-art-museum-springfield, the Michele & Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts https://www.yelp.com/biz/michele-and-donald-d-amour-museum-of-fine-arts-springfield?hrid=r9AHmDf10RVTvf5AiABXkQ, the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History https://www.yelp.com/biz/lyman-and-merrie-wood-museum-of-springfield-history-springfield and this, The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. All are accessible with the wrist band you'll purchase for admission at the Welcome Center. Find out all about Ted Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss, The Seuss museum is hard to miss as the front has a bright blue arch. Once inside, the two floors (stairs or elevator) take you through a timeline of Dr. Seuss's life in English and Spanish. Whoville, Readingville, Oh the Places You'll Go and Fairfield Street. Notes and sketches, cards and letters to family and quite a few small sculptures that appear to be touchable. The captions are in two langugages and there is even a small explanation of "Dr. Seuss in Historical Context" that tries to address the recent controversy and "It's not how you start that counts. It's what you are at the finish." I'm not a massive Seuss fan but I can definitely see the appeal. This museum is definitely for the kids (and for adults) who will enjoy it immensely. As it was part of the admission for the full site, I checked it out but I wouldn't have done this if it was solo. [Review 15201 overall, 703 of 2021, number 1064 in Massachusetts.]

What a lovely group of museums and such a meaningful creation of art. The layout is almost a campus with a quadrangle in the middle full of sculptures of Dr. Seuss art. This set up allows people of all ages and interests to enjoy everything. The place has so much to offer with beautiful time and space in between to have a contemplative walk. This is a shining example of commitment to the arts in this city. Definitely worth visiting for a good chunk of your day.

We visited the Springfield Art Museum and we just love it! The types of art that is available to view in astounding and my family really enjoyed the space and amazing staff members here who provide in-depth knowledge about the artwork while providing amazing and kind support while we attempt to introduce our 6 yo to the world of art appreciation. We highly recommend coming here if you in the area- the aura inside is very captivating.

Wow! 5 museums for one admission price is pretty cool. They're so close to each other and there's a reasonably priced cafe too! Yesterday, we had a toddler with us so we started at the Science Museum for the temporary Wild Kratts exhibit and then Dr. Seuss, with history as the last stop. Perfect amount before our daughter needed a nap and we all had so much fun. Well worth the 2 hour one way drive for us to get out to Springfield.

I stopped here solely for the Dr. Seuss museum but was pretty impressed with the rest of it! There's plenty to offer from fossils, to Dr. Seuss, to paintings, a sculpture garden, small aquarium, etc. There's so much more I could take a significant amount of time listing them all. One of the coolest points of interest is the Indian Motorcycle museum! I myself didn't have the time to check it out, but for a Tuesday afternoon, there were plenty of people pouring in and out. If you have a chance, check it out! Even though it seems small and you wouldn't think a smaller town like Springfield, MA would have so much to office, it really does!

This is a very cool place. 3 museum and a library inside and a Dr Seuss' sculpture garden outside. Really, something for everyone. You get to the area and can find street parking fairy easily, at least on a weekday. You can then enter the gardens for free and just walk among the sculptures, which really are pretty nice. Made by the storytellers' daughter and installed in the last decade I think, they look great. Then there are the three museums around the quad. One caters to those looking for fine art, one to the collection of George Vincent Walter Smith (Chinese cloisonné), the Science museum. The fourth side of the quad is a public library. YOu can buy a ticket for a single museum or buy a "all access" pass. I forget the pricing, but Id dot he all access pass again as none of thse bmuseums is too large, so you wont get overwhelemdd.

Several buildings with their own themes. The ladies selling admission were extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the museum setup. They recognized it was our first time there and gave us tips. We only went to 3 museums, the art museum with the sculptures was our fav as well as the Japanese history room. Each building had several wings with different eras in it. The employees in the other buildings could have been nicer. The price seemed very expensive for most of the artwork being copied from originals.

While touring Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine and New Hampshire - we made an overnight stop in Springfield, MA. "Oh, the places you'll go"... Aside from the Basketball Hall of Fame Museum, I couldn't think of any other places to visit in Springfield. I did my research and found the Dr. Seuss Memorial was there. It makes sense since Dr. Seuss was born in Springfield. Known as the Quadrangle, this is a cluster of museums, a garden and a library. It was raining when we went but that didn't stop us. I really enjoyed the installations and sculptures. It's a nice place to expose kids to art and take lots of pictures.

Fun grouping of museums. I went there recently on free museum day and enjoyed what I saw. Not sure if regular price for viewing would have been worth it. Kids seemed to enjoy Dr Seuss museum. They had some nice artwork that was very interesting. Had an area dedicated to some of the children artwork made into 3-D figures. Science museum decent. Staff pleasant.

Spent they day here with the kids. Really css as he for Seuss which the little one loved, but we enjoyed many parts of the rest of the complex. We will be back as it's just close enough to go on an adventure to visit.

Great place to visit in Springfield. There was usually enough parking unless it was for the Free Fun Fridays. I would recommend the Seuss museum (needs a timed ticket). The first level was a bit over the top, but the 2nd floor showed Seuss' creative process and inspirations. The Vincent Smith museum was pretty cool with its Asian Art collection. One thing that I found a bit surprising was that the security presence was very sparse. It is not like the MFA where there are guards everywhere.

Great set up here in Springfield. The combination of museums on the campus has so much to offer for everyone in the family! Our daughter especially loved the Dr. Seuss museum ...we opted to buy the membership to allow us into a plethora of museums, totally worth the price if you love going to different museums!

Terrible facilities management, and operations management interested in income and not taking care of things that really count for its visitors

Very Cool Taxidermy Work. Very good animal displays. Nice layouts and excellent story boards. It's geared mostly for kids but is still worth a visit as a traveling soloist.

A great museum for a two and a half year old. Admission was free since it was covered under the Association of Science and Technology Center reciprocal program (we have a pass from out of state). The campus had a nice small feeling to it and it was the right size for our daughter. Yes, the TRex dinosaur was a model but she oddly enjoyed it a bit more than all the fossils we have been showing her at museums in Chicago and the Harvard Museum... She lasted ten minutes through the planetarium show and enjoyed the dioramas (although I've always found it a bit creepy to see dead baby animals). It was nice for the same admission to be able to see their fine arts museum with a beautiful Monet painting from the haystack series and some other beautiful Italian and Belgian works... =)

We had a wonderful time here at the museums. We purchased the yearly membership to the Intrepid Museum in NYC which takes part in the ASTC program. The ASTC program allows you to visit other science museums which are located more than 90 miles from your residence with some exceptions. We decided to take a drive up the museums (and also visit the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame) on a Sunday. We arrived at the museums at about 2 PM. There was lots of parking available as they have a few lots. We went to the main building and presented our Intrepid Membership Card which has the ASTC logo on the back and were granted free admission to the Museums. The collection includes 4 museums: science, Springfield history, fine arts and art. There is also a nice Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden in the center and an entire Dr. Seuss Museum set to open sometime this year. You can easily spend 3-4 hours if you decide to visit all of the museums. Center museums, like the science museum seems particularly dated, but still had lots to learn in there. There is also a great kids section which teaches about the germs and bacteria which was informative and had some interactive exhibits that were great. Currently, as part of the art museum, the have a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Exhibit which was very welcomed by my 6 year old. They have lot of art work about TMNT as well as related exhibits about ways of the samurai and ninja. As an added bonus they have a nintendo system set up there with the original TMNT game!! This was a nice bonus. Unfortunately pictures or photography is not allowed in that exhibit. The Springfield history museum was also great. They had an interactive section dedicated to Hasbro Games which every kids would love. Lots of little interactive exhibits there for them. There are also larger exhibits for automobiles which were started in the are and also Smith and Wesson Arms (though I believe there is an actual separate Smith and Wesson Armory nearby). Finally there was a little "cafe" on premises but we did not go. Lots to learn at this place.I love that they combined admission for all museums into one and I can't wait to go back once the Dr. Seuss Museum opens. Bring the family and spend a few hours. Everyone will enjoy themselves.

This group of museums are well worth a visit. It's one price for all the museums, you could spend a day there. Most of the complex is probably better for adults. There are old cars, guns, motorcycles, planes and artifacts in the history museum.There is art work, sculpture and fine art in the others. There's a science museum and the Dr. Seuss museum. Recommended!

It's an ok museum. Just ok. While I do like their traveling exhibits, I think every thing else in there hasn't changed since they've opened. It'd be so nice of them to put something fresh and new as a permanent exhibit and switch something out. The animals in the aquarium part of the museum were there since I've been going on field trips in the 90's. While I do like the gingerbread exhibit in the winter, it's very predictable.

Only had time to explore two of the museums before they closed and I hung around the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden until dusk. A very cool place, especially for kids, with lots of information and hands-on exhibits. If I'm in the area again, I would go back for the rest of it, and see the changing exhibits.

This place is such a warm and amazing place! And with it having free admission on Saturday, how could you not go? I might be biased having been a proud Massachusetts resident my entire life. But hey, we have Dr. Seuss so say no more!

Drugs, bugs, and ho's (and of course, their pimps...) My family and I arrived at this museum quadrangle with much anticipation - my children being HUGE Dr. Seuss fans. We visited two years back, and this past trip was to be the highlight of a cross country road trip. The garden itself is pretty amazing, with bronze statues of all the most famous Seuss characters. That said, it was a Monday, and true to other reviews most of the museums were closed. While the Dr. Seuss statues were there as we remembered, the rest of the experience was far different than before... First downside - the quad was SATURATED with gnats and bugs... In our hair, in our mouths, everywhere we went the gnats swarmed us, making the stop very unpleasant. We found ourselves running from statue to statue trying unsuccessfully to outwit them. Horrible. On the "up" side, bugs might be the fault of nature rather than man, though the groundskeepers could have done much more to prevent. Second downside - the DEGENERATE crowd. While visiting, no joke, we found ourselves in the middle of a heated battle between two pimps, a hooker, and another presumed hooker friend. The were obviously high, and full of swear words, violence, and weapons (saw a gun and a knife). We ever so carefully tried to make our way back to our car before becoming a victim. The quad security was present, but did NOTHING - apparently these losers are always present, and rather than to get involved they choose to let them take over and ruin what would otherwise be a magical experience. I meant what I said, and I said what I meant - the danger is present, 100 percent!!! Bottom line, unless you plan to sacrifice your life for a few bronze exhibits, skip this stop and remember Seuss through his books.

There are three world-class museums here: 1.) The Fine Arts Museum, which features a huge Impressionist and Post-Impressionist collection, e.g. Monet, Degas, and Gauguin, plus a large American collection, e.g. Springfield's Whistler and Boston's Copley. 2.) The George Vincent Walter Smith Museum, known worldwide for featuring the world's largest collection of Chinese cloisonné outside of China, and a lot of old Asian armor, and 3.) The Springfield Museum of Science, which features the United States' first planetarium (1937,) and a big dinosaur exhibit. The two regional museums are the excellent, new Museum of Springfield History -- which is fascinating whether you know little or a lot about the city. Springfielders invented the first gasoline-powered car, motorcycle, and modern fire engine--not to mention the first American dictionary, interchangeable parts in manufacturing, and vulcanized rubber (Charles Goodyear.) If Springfield was a more populous city, it'd be considered one of the most important in US history, in my opinion. The final museum is the Connecticut River Valley Historical Museum, which displays the history of the Knowledge Corridor from pre-European settlements to Hartford's and Springfield's settlement in 1635 and 1636, respectively, to the fighting over Springfield between Connecticut and Massachusetts, to everything having to do with the river. A MUST-SEE for anyone interested in culture. There are very large few cities that possess a cultural heart like Springfield's Quadrangle, nevermind any mid-sized cities that do. The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is whimsical conglomeration of life-sized sculptures that kids (and kids at heart) will likely enjoy. The Springfield City Library is palatial, featuring grandeur similar to Boston's. Springfield features the 2nd largest circulation in New England, behind Boston's.

This was a special trip out on our Anniversary to get a preview look at the new Indian Motorcycle exhibit, that will be open in October. Well, my gosh, was it impressive! Motorcycle Porn! The exhibit is going in a building that hilights businesses from the Springfield area. I know, bore. However, the Indian exhibit is mostly done, and it is incredible. Tons of spectacular bikes, laid out nicely, with terrific backstories, and graphics...The docent on duty was really informative, as well. We poked through some of the other halls, and buildings, and of course, checked out the Dr. Seuss National Site. Pretty impressive for a small city museum complex. Fine Arts, Dinos, a pretty impressive collection of Japanese armor, neat old buildings....I dug it.

Place is a joke. Been coming for years and have had a nice time typically. Issues here and there with customer service being either nonexistent or rude and now they are removing a Dr. Seuss mural because of some protestors crying that it's insensitive. It's a cartoon and it's not negative. Clearly depicts someone in a traditional outfit from 80+ years ago. Take politics out of your museum or you'll be losing more and more business than you already are. And now they cancel an event too due to pressure from people. What a joke. You run a business, not a social club/propaganda machine. Just go back to your unbiased museum self.

We were driving through and saw that there was a Dr. Seuss outdoor sculpture garden! Cute photo ops here. Points for creativity.

In the D'Amour Fine Art building tell Mo Murphy (security) to take a chill pill. Serious artists that want to study and get into a painting will not be able to with Mo walking by you ever few minutes. I'd go somewhere else for a fine art experience. Bummed that I didn't get to have my 'experience.' This was the first time I've been able to go alone without my son.

This is a great place but it could use some fixing. The Hasbro game section needs some love as does the lighted steps in the History wing as well as some texturing of the T. rex. But the old cars and bikes are killer. The dr. Seuss statues and shop is great. There is a lot here for everyone.

Awesome way to have these excellent museums so close so a person can visit all in a day. Great collections and laid out nicely. The Suess museums is nice and the sculptures are cute. The two art museums were our favorite.

Pretty nice museum. Wish they had more live animals than stuffed ones but it's still very cool. Good place for kids but not small children (the science museum) lots of walking. But that's okay.

Let me start by saying there are entrance fees for adults ,children and senior discounts. One benefit which may not be known , is the fact that if you are a local area resident fee day passes are given out through some of the local libraries but the usually is a waiting list to get them. My wife and I took our grandson for the day to specifically the new Dr. Seuss display at the Quad. On paid admission you are allowed Into any of the Quadrangles 5 buildings and see the Seuss Sculpture Garden which is corded off so no climbing on,or taking close pictures next to the statues. The Seuss memorial building itself has displays that ranged from his early life , literally on Mulberry St. to his actual artist office/ work space and drawing desk which displayed upstairs in the former New England building in museum . His personal desk and collection of memorabilia pictures , photos from his home were given to the museum and recreated faithfully. There is a hands on area in basement where activities for the youngsters are available . We spent well over an hour in the building. When had gone the Seuss Memorial building had just opened to the public tickets were given by the hour to limit the amount of attendees in the building. So if you are to go on a school holiday or vacation time you may have to deal with a lottery admittance to the Seuss Building. Also other buildings are the Art, Natural History , Springfield History which contains local history Gee-bee planes, Indian Motor cycles Rolls Royce Autos , which for a short period were built in Springfield , the Quad has a good mix of Art ,history , geology and interactive areas for the kids to enjoy in all of the buildings.Some areas are starting to show their age but one day is not enough to see it all! Let me finish in saying that I have been coming here since I was kid nearly 60 years ago . We have brought our children ,nephews , nieces several times and now our grandchildren. The Quad has evolved and has made improvements and changes for the better. I hope you get a chance to enjoy !!

Not worth the money. Much better off driving to The CT Science Center in Hartford. This place is very run down. It's definitely more of an adult-centered experience than a kids' experience.

Great set of museums, you likely won't spend more than 2 hours in any of them. I wouldn't pay the ad.mission price for just one of the museum's but it's not bad if you see more than one in a full day. Plenty of places to picnic too. A lot of interactive stuff that actually works! I would reccomend.

First time and no explanation of all the different museums. Wish I did more research before hand which was my fault but usually the staff helps explain what there is too offer. Spent $50 and only went to 2 buildings. No explanation of how to get to any of the buildings. I asked the teller and then the man at the front door and they had no answers for me except to use my smart phone?? When we went in a circle on and off the elevator the man at the front laughed as if he knew we had no idea where we were going... well I had already asked him where to go ?? He then pointed us to the direction of the dr.Seuss museum. Very confusing for first timers maybe a little overview of everything would have helped us understand all the beautiful exhibits the entire property has to offer. What we saw was great ! I don't know if I'll return .. no hospitality or welcoming feel especially during these hard times.

I really enjoyed all the Dr. Seuss statues. As for the rest of it, it was okay. Some fish, snakes, space rocks, etc. They had a part of the museum where it was extra admission but it was pretty cool. It was called Grossology, It was all interactive body stuff. Got a discount for being a student which was great. Cute gift shop.

I was visiting Springfield for a conference and knew nothing about this city. In an afternoon I was able to explore 4 of 5 museums. I found the day to be one of unexpected delights, visually and experientially both inside each museum as well as the outside gardens. It's an exquisite place in many ways and I'm astounded at the quality of these museums, the beautiful setting and surprisingly good food in the café. This was such a wonderful experience I'm looking forward to making this a vacation destination for a weekend to share with my family.

This is a really nice place to visit with it's cluster of museums. A couple of the museums were closed for renovation at the time, but I didn't feel like I missed anything as I had plenty to do. The Dr. Seuss statues are lovely to walk around and view as well! They had lovely decorated benches in the gardens as well which were unique. I drove an hour to get here and have to say it was worth the drive and would visit again.

A wonderful opportunity to learn about the history of Springfield. Lots of fun exhibits. Who knew Rolls Royces were built here? Don't miss it.

I have been aware of the museum/library quad for years and finally had the chance to go for a visit. The newest building focuses on Springfield history and the grassy expanse of the Quad is home to the National Dr. Seuss Memorial (The Lorax is my favorite). Of the museums I visited, the one that made an impression was the art museum. The early 20th century interior is memorable.....gorgeous tile and nice architectural details. Much of what I saw on display were of Chinese and Japanese origin. The way the objects were displayed was VERY old fashioned. There was a preponderance of dark wood cases, objects that probably date to the opening of the building. Very archaic yet, with most museums opting for modern cases, the galleries had this cool vibe. I half expected to see Henry James and Edith Wharton wandering the galleries. I look forward to returning with my honey and exploring more of the Springfield museums.

A good deal for Springfield residents (free), but pricey ($18) for anyone else... considering the two mediocre art museums. I did not go into the science museum. The cafe has good prices.

The staff at the library and museums is always courteous and helpful. This group of individuals seems to take much pride in their work and care about their custmers as well. All this on limited budgets and hours!

Two days ago,I spent a delightful day perusing fine paintings at the Damour Art Museum,the fine arts segment of this educational complex.Painters with especially ffine paintings included;Spinello Aretino,Lazaro da Jacopo Bastiani,Goswyn Vander Weyden,Valerio Castello,Emanuel de Witte,Ferdinand Bol,Giovanni Paolo Pannini,Gustave Courbet,Camille Pissarro,Claude Monet,Maximillian Luce,Erastus Field,George Bellows,and Georgia O'Keefe,among others.My top 4 paintings were;Spinello Aretino.s"Madonna and Child with Saints",Emanuel de Witte's"Church Interior",Giovanni Pannini's"Arch of Titus",and Maximillian Luce's"The Seine".The painter represented the most in this fine,cozy art museum was American,Erastus Field.I also relished their fine Contemporary works by Lisa Hoke,Helen Frankenthaler,and Joseph Grillo.Things in this art museum are well-labelled and assiduously explained.So enjoy this fine,less discovered art museum.