On Exhibit at Fruitlands Museum

Current Exhibitions

Fruitlands Museum is committed to sharing the unique perspectives of artists, both historical and contemporary. The frequently changing exhibitions offer a wide variety of selections from Fruitlands' collections, other museum and private collections, and contemporary artists from the New England region.

ReThink! American Indian Art
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Rethink! American Indian Art, originated at the Berkshire Museum, combines some of the best contemporary Native American artists’ work with more traditional historical forms. From baskets, beaded footwear, and carved forms, the exhibit includes a wide range of historical objects from both the Berkshire Museum and Fruitlands' collection.  April 15 - June 16, 2013

 

VISIONS: Tim Hetherington
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Tim Hetherington was an award-winning photographer whose work focused on the experience of war from the perspective of the individual. This exhibit includes some of Hetherington's last photos before his tragic death in Libya in 2011. April 15 - June 16, 2013

Artist-in-Residence Program
HIVE

Artist-in-Residence, Jodi Colella, investigates the inherent qualities in both found and manufactured materials and celebrates the intersection of science and art.

As part of her goal to engage the community on a variety of scales, indoors and out, she will be working on a project called HIVE, a community assembly project will evolve throughout the seasons. Visitors are encouraged to drop in and take part in creating this work of art. No experience necessary! April 15 - November 3, 2013

Art-in-Nature Sculpture Competition
Winding Walk Gillian Christy

Visit the sprawling Fruitlands Museum campus and enjoy the second Art-in-Nature Sculpture Competition. Ten talented sculptors have brought their work to Fruitlands. Winners will be picked in October by a panel of jurors and by a popular vote. Be sure to pick up your sculpture map at the admissions counter and vote for your favorite with the attached ballot at the end of your visit!

May 11 - November 3, 2013

Permanent Collections

The Alcott's Fruitlands Farmhouse
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In June of 1843, Bronson Alcott and a handful of followers left Concord and moved to this farmhouse in Harvard,Massachusetts.  Alcott brought his wife and four young daughters, including a 10 year old Louisa May Alcott.  They called this place Fruitlands because they intended to live off the "fruits of the land", by growing fruit, vegetables and grain to sustain the fledgling community.

Hudson River School Landscapes
Albert Bierstadt, San Rafael

Among Fruitlands extensive collection of Hudson River School landscapes, the Art Gallery features two works by Albert Bierstadt. The Hudson River School is a nineteenth century American art movement which focused on depicting a romanticized vision of an unexplored American landscape.

Native American Collection
Native American Gallery at Fruitlands Museum

Our Native American collection includes over 1000 objects divided between New England, the Plains, Southwest, and Northwest Coast culture areas. Standing outside the Native American Museum, look out over the Nashua River valley and imagine what life was like here thousands of years ago.  We collaborate with Native Americans from all across the country to interpret the Native American past and present.

19th Century Vernacular Portraits
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Fruitlands holds one of the largest collections of vernacular portraits in the country. During the nineteenth century, New Englanders became increasingly interested in the concept of self representation through art.

Shaker Museum
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The Shaker Museum at Fruitlands was originally constructed in the Harvard Shaker Village in 1796 as an office. Fruitlands Museum founder, Clara Sears, moved it to Fruitlands Museums in 1920 after the Harvard Shaker village closed.
The Land
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The story of Fruitlands is the history of an evolving landscape. Located in rural Harvard, Massachusetts, Fruitlands has an unparalleled view across the Nashua River valley. Our 210 acre grounds contain composed of varying cultural traditions and ecological habitats, we tell stories about the New England past.

Native Americans, Shakers, Transcendentalists, and nineteenth century artists each represent an important moment in the history of our New England landscape.