The Norman Rockwell Museum
Written: Jul 18 '05 (Updated Nov 23 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Original works in a nicely designed museum.
Cons: Many works are out traveling at different times of year.
The Bottom Line: The artwork within the museum depicts an artist incredibly sensitive of the world outside.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: The Norman Rockwell Museum |
In our home we have a Norman Rockwell print that is hung in in a prominent place. It's titled "The Golden Rule". It depicts over twenty-five people of different races, varied ages, and assorted religions depicted in their native garb from places all around the world. Over the picture itself are the words "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
This illustrative art of Norman Rockwell was on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post April 1, 1964. My wife and I purchased it while driving up through and staying in the Stockbridge area of Massachusetts. Traveling out of town a bit you can see the original of this painting and many more of his original works at the Norman Rockwell Museum.
The setting of this one-story, white, colonial structure among the trees in this area of rolling hills is quite peaceful and serene. There is plenty of parking and I don't recall the fees being all that high. Do check their web site for hours. I'm sure they are much more limited in the winter months.
Once inside, the place takes on a more modern tone with unobstructed walls and simple decor and furnishings.
There are a few small galleries and one larger one and the lighting is perfectly set on Norman Rockwell's illustrations and other artwork.
Most of the work within the walls take permanent residence here but others are on loan from or loaned out to other museums. You will never know for sure just which of Rockwell's painting will be here but it is the most held anywhere. One gallery has visiting shows all year round. While another small area is the base for a shop selling prints, books and souvenir items. It is a classy looking museum in its simplicity.
Norman Rockwell's Art
I have known of Norman Rockwell's work through the years growing up. I never realized the depth and feeling of his illustrations. I believe that, as we mature, we do see the world more differently and with greater awareness.
I was particularly struck by Rockwell's Four Freedom's Illustrations. These are "Freedom of Speech," "Freedom from Want," "Freedom of Worship" and "Freedom from Fear."
These paintings were all together when I was there. It is good to know that these paintings traveled to Washington DC during the opening of the new World War II memorial last year.
It was during World War II that Rockwell painted these four illustrations and they were then covers for the Saturday Evening Post. These paintings helped to inspire a nation to rally together against common enemies who seek to take these freedoms away. There was something very special about being able to see them all so close up.
The detail to each of these paintings is incredible. Many other paintings were there too. One of a policeman and a little boy has always been special to me because my dad happened to be a NYC police officer.
Rockwell's work included everyday people, in fact he used many of his neighbors as models for his work.
Walking through this comfortably sized museum is relaxing. I like the fact that there is a limited amount, but still quite comprehensive of his lifetime work, of art to study. I was able to look more deeply into each scene he illustrated. There were always a few other people in each room but after a few moments, and illustration was available to look at closely. The faces and emotions of the characters tell so much of the story Rockwell brings to his art.
Besides the museum there is Norman Rockwell's home studio that was brought to this piece of property a short distance away. It's set up much like when Rockwell last used his brushes. The old carriage house is home to the same easel that Rockwell used. The museum and carriage house both have photos and other informative media that show his life and his work.
Walking the grounds of this museum is relaxing and comforting. I'm sure it must be gorgeous when the leaves change in the fall.
Direct From Their Site
The Norman Rockwell Museum is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
November through April:
Weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Weekends and holidays
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
May through October and holidays: Daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Museum requests that visitors refrain from taking still or video photography inside the galleries.
Norman Rockwell's Stockbridge Studio, located on the Museum grounds, is open from May through October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Museum Admission:
$12.50 for adults.
$7 for students with valid school I.D.
Children aged 18 years and under are admitted free with an adult (up to four children per adult). KIDS FREE EVERY DAY! is a gift to families from Country Curtains and The Red Lion Inn.
In the Area
Norman Rockwell's well known painting "Main Street at Christmas" was of nearby Stockbridge. The Red Lion Inn is in that illustration.(last building on the right) It's been around since the 1770s. We have had dinner there and I can recommend it. The rooms are relatively contemporary in what they offer but still have that old colonial style. Think warm woods and pewter. We listened to a fine pianist at the hotel too. Downstairs has a very active pub on Saturday nights.
The area just north of Stockbridge is home to the Tanglewood Music Festival. We have stayed at some fine B&Bs here and some of the small town restaurants are heavenly.
A Couple of last Thoughts
I can see why Rockwell moved to this part of the country that he loved, it's quaint and it's beautiful. I'm also quite happy that he never wavered in making his feelings understood through his artwork. He is an American gem and his fine work radiates in the Norman Rockwell Museum that is beautifully set and shows more of his life work than any other museum does. Though this may be an long ride for just the museum, there is much to see in the area. I believe that to drive around and take time to get out of the car and get the feel of the country up there is getting an understanding of what Norman Rockwell saw in small-town-living in America.
Wonderful Weekends from New York City This museum and the Berkshires are listed in this book.
Norman Rockwell's America This is both a biography and an excellent source of many of his illustrations including the cover of every Post he ever did.
Nearby Hudson Valley
Lake Taghkanic State Park
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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