Reviews of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art (Museum)

Hope Martinson

Beautiful, kid friendly, sensory friendly

Amy Nault

This is such a great museum! I went here for their graphic novel exhibit, which was fun and really informative. I didn't get a chance to see much of the rest of the museum, but what I did see looked amazing, from giant wall-sized versions of Eric Carle art to a replica of the rock from Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (complete with a picnic basket full of felt food for kids to play with)! I especially liked that this museum has plenty of things to amuse kids and inform adults at the same time. It's definitely worth a trip!

Anne Meddaugh

We brought our 7 yr old down from Keene, NH to the Eric Carle Museum and he loved the storytime, the art activities in the studio, the interactive displays and of course the gift shop! I loved reading about the process of creating the books from conception to publication.

Mary Beth Shirzadi

FABULOUS place!!! Great hands on opportunities for kids too! Lovely grounds! Many fun events!

Chris Lazzara

Not as much Erica Carle work as I would have hoped. My daughter is a huge Eric Carle fan so it was worth it. It is also pretty reasonable for a family because they have discounted tickets. I would suggest it for younger kids under 8.

Sarah W.

Fabulous children's programs. Great events including book signings, readings, puppet shows, crafting projects, etc. Excellent for children 5 and older--not that fun for toddlers or younger.

nicole sikora

This is the best child oriented museum I've been to. We came for the Dav Pilkey book signing event, and right from the beginning everything was organized, orderly, and everyone was well informed about the event. The museum itself is open and inviting, with tons of things for children to immerse themselves in. Every staff member we encountered had a friendly demeanor, and they all clearly enjoy their jobs. There's a library, art studio, gardens outside, a cafe to bring your lunch, not to mention the galleries. This place is fantastic, and completely exceeded my expectations!

L Price

Eric Carle is so creative!

Wendell Pennell

Wonderful place, spectacular disppays.

Caitlin Littleton

Kid friendly, fun

maggie huston

This is a small museum with a few displays. Its great for young children and fans of illustrations. For adults theres not much to do beyond the few display rooms. Although the craft room is AWESOME! Wish they could add just a little bit more.

Katharine Johnson

Great to view unpublished works by Eric Carle as well as learn the background on how he created his books.

Sharon Tibets

It was a lot of fun for the grandchildren....ages 5 and 2 1/2. They danced with the Hungry Caterpillar, did a craft and got a tattoo. Very entertaining. Free on Friday, too.

Tom Cerul

Really well kept building with very little content inside. The kid's art room was fun for the little ones. Not worth a 2-hour drive.

Steve Krause

Great for families and even adults. Excellent bookstore.

Juan Herrera

it's beautiful. kids can run around. I had a great time there with my kids

Jennifer Plotner

Though the museum is spacious, there isn't a lot to do. The biggest thing to do is, of course, in the art room. You would think that for the price of admission that a child could get a second piece of paper to drawn on, but that was not the case. Seems pretty ridiculous for an art museum.

Paula marie Rosario

One very good place to bring your child... there's so much too do and see ... my daughter loved it there.

Sara Gilman

Not worth it. There was no Eric Carle art n display. One of the galleries was closed, so they charged the full $9 to see just two rooms. I could’ve gone to a bookstore for free. I want those $9 back...

Bridget champlin

Great museum with great library, art studio and ever changing exhibits. Always a joy to come.

Katherine Wippert

The ABC song, itsy bitsy spider, and twinkle twinkle, was much too young for 2nd grade.

Haaris Ahmed

fun for all ages. Has nice theter and craft room very fun

Robert B

Great experience and very friendly staff. We had a great time visiting.

Caroline Phillips

The best place I've ever been

Tya Buie

If you have any sort of imagination you'll enjoy The Carle! Have a couple of hours? This museum is family friendly, not overwhelming, and easily manageble. There's something for everyone: the artist, shopper, reader, historian.... keep an eye on their event calender for exciting author meet and greets.

Rory dela Paz

Your don't have to be a child to enjoy this museum. If you like picture books, you will appreciate what they have. There was a very nice David Wiesner exhibit when we went.

M.J. Weagle-Bruso

Was not impressed, do you cater to adults or kids. Also rather expensive for two rooms

Elizabeth Phillips

A ton of fun for children and adults alike. I'd recommend planning about an hour to see and do everything

Ellie Biddle

Lovely place to spend a rainy day. Fun for children and adults.

Kenneth Jenney

Great shop with lots of good kids books.

Mark Hewes

How can you not love the man who created the very hungry caterpillar?

RaChel

This museum is so adorable and kid friendly! I loved reading the descriptions of the book art while my youngest played freely!

Shane Delaney

Great place to visit. Go once a year

John Glover

Was there for a wedding reception. It was a fun space.

Robert Coreano

Went with my family and we have a great experience. My 2 YO love it!

Ip Free

I find work of Mo Wilems in you museum racist, stereotypical and offensive. "You Can Never Find a Rickshaw When It Monsoons" is one example.

Dave B.

Somewhat unique museum of children's book art. Great hands on area for kids (and adults) to make art as well as a library of children's books.

Cheryl Termo

Peaceful. Beautiful. Kept both a 4 year old and a 14 year old occupied.

Joann Lepoer

Local artist guild had a showing at the Carle it was wond wonderful.

Briana Svensson

Wonderful museum with a perfect balance of interest for adults and fun for kids

Todd Miller

Great place for the family. MTA members get in for free during February vacatuon.

Brandon Sullivan

This place was awesome I love seeing art

Jesse Conti

My wife and I toured the museum on a weekend away from our toddler, and I spent the whole time wishing she could have been with us. And that's not because the museum or it's exhibits were juvenile. Instead, everything was so well done and I was enjoying myself so much that I wished I had the opportunity to share it with her. If you have a child you loves to read, go and spend hour reading and celebrating children's literature. If you find children's literature illustrations as beautiful and inspiring as I do, then it's worth your time to visit and more.

Faith Manary

The museum part of the museum is underwhelming, but the library can't be beat.

Sarah Baszto

If you're a lover of children's books, this small museum is a must-see. They have a few older antique copies of books on display near their very user friendly library room. The library has booklist resources, updated displays, and lots of places to grab a book and read. There is a movie theater where short films are shown every few hours and events happen as well. The cafe space has healthy vending machines, a calm place to sit and eat and free coffee. If you want more than vending, bring your own lunch. The three galleries have the main Carle exhibit and two others that change. I saw an owls in books and a graphic novel exhibit, both informative and interactive with activities for children to do. There's an art studio for people to make art while there as well and a fantastic, but pricey, gift shop. The best thing about this museum was it's small size and entry points for adults and children. I didn't leave overwhelmed and was able to see everything in about 2 hours. Definitely worth a stop!

Pramod Shanbhag

Loved the museum. Nice gallery. The art section for kids was excellent. Kids were engaged with quite a few activities. Overall a great experience. Spent about 4 hrs during our trip.

Karen Kinder

Best educator experience! Educational experience fabulous! Definite go back place!

Elisabeth Budd

Not a whole lot to do here for little kids. Most of the exhibits are focused on the hungry caterpillar book. There is an auditorium which shows movies/documentaries, but only at specific times. The art room was awesome. Kids had a chance to create an artifact based on the exhibit. I wish they had glue instead of tape though... Bookstore was good and had a diverse selection of books at good prices. We likely won't go back though.

Kayla WB

More for adults looking to learn about picture book art. Small. Only a few rooms to explore. Gift shop I'd the best part, but expensive.

Susan Showalter

Oh my gosh!! If you have even just a little appreciation for the world of children's picture books, you must go to the Eric Carle Museum. Get deeper into the artists' and authors' processes, you can spend hours just in the library alone, never mind the wonderful studio space where there are all sorts of art activities for young and old alike!! The shop is also very fun and is sure to have something, okay many somethings, that you realize you must have to add to your very own children's picture book library. It's a beautiful museum, with such an atmosphere of joy and fun.

Jenny Nelson

An excellent place for kid and families.

Tomo kartofeli

Small, but beautiful and cherished museum. There is cafe space with free coffee. The museum shop is great in variety of products and also available online.

Meghan Greeley

Great place for families. My 15-month old and 3 1/2 year old absolutely loved it. Highly recommend!!!

Eileen Dowd

Wonderful museum for little and big kids. Lots of activities for children, and stimulating experiences. Large outside space with several musical instruments installed. Been there with a one year old, have been there with an 11 year old. Had great time both times. Allows everyone to be a kid again! We'll worth a visit.

Stephanie W

Really cute place to bring kids for a couple hours of fun. They have free coffee for adults which is a huge plus. A little art studio for kids to paint. A nice size library. Definitely recommend going if you haven't been. It is kind of small but it's worth it.

Alison Cunningham

Nice to walk through and view the artwork

Erin

Great for toddlers and elementary aged kids alike. It was loved equally by our kiddos (18 months, 5, and almost 8). Cool place to discover, do some artwork of your own, and have quality time as a family. The museum is on the smaller side and consists mainly of a couple kid friendly gallery spaces, cozy library, art room, and theater. Bonus for parents- there is free coffee in the cafe. And it's good...

Veronica Buryk

What an amazing place for young children to explore and learn. The hands-on art studio is a great place for kids to show there creativity.

Benjamin Cooper

Amazing for little kids, plenty of interactive fun. Great library and shop.

Rock Jocelyn

Great variety for kids of all ages! Art studio time for all making unique creations! There was a fun gallery and several creation areas. Most Loved stories including "Where The Wild Things Are", and the 50 yr old story "The Hungry Caterpillar"

Devon Julien

Engaging and very hands on for learning art through books by Eric Carle and other childrens books authors and illustrators.

Karin Krasevac-Lenz

Wonderful family museum visit. Don't miss the hands on art room.

Kate Desjardins

Super amazing museum.

Melanie Donovan

We love this place. This is my families third year being members and we go often. They're always changing the exhibits, so there's new stuff to see if the gallery. The curators work to make the galleries interactive and fun, even for toddlers (I have a 6yo and a 3yo). The art studio and library offer activities and crafts, there are free lockers in the coatroom, so pack a lunch and eat in the cafe (free coffee plus a natural food vending machine) or enjoy a picnic outside in the meadow. The museum is constantly having book signings (met Eric Carle himself!) Author talks, fun events like friendship day and pancake breakfasts and there's an improv show once a month. If you're from out of town, nearby Amherst and Northampton offer lots to eat, great shopping and beautiful hiking trails. Make a weekend of it!

Eugene Goffredo

The amazing space, great programs, great exhibits, great gift store. What is not to like?

Nick Sorvillo

It's a very small museum, but what they have is very nice. We got free passes from the library for Mother's Day. They have 3 galleries, one was closed. During our visit one was dedicated to Eloise.The second room had a nice gallery of storybook art. Probably best for 7 and up. My 5 year old was bored in the galleries. They have a great library and art room for kids to make their own art.

Bryan Gamache

A great family place! Just enough to do and the kids loved it.

Mary Marvin

My grandaughter had a wonderful time. Even the baby of 11 months enjoyed the art studio and play area.

Jennifer Beirne Babb

Such a fun place to chill and make art with my 8 year old daughter. Not just a museum but a muse for creativity and joy. Overall we spent 2.5 hours here and it was a perfect amount of time.

Justin Gangwish

It’s a fun museum for younger kids, focused on simple picture books. It’s a great place for 3-8 year olds to explore, try some art, and just explore a little. The museum is very well kept and it does have interesting notes and stories about Eric Carle. Eric Carle is author and illustrator of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and the museum is centered around that book. Great for families with young kids!

Patricia Weiner

I went to this place with a 3 year old but would love to go back by myself. I think it is appropriate for all ages in different ways. Lots of fun activities for the kiddos and lots of beautiful and intersting things for adults as well.

Christiane Eckert

My granddaughter had lots of fun

Simon Schreier

Nice little museum. Well designed exhibits and an art space that is welcoming for adults and kids.

Nivedita Chekuri

very edicting place.my 3 yr old doesn't want to come from there.

C.J. LeBlanc

This place is pretty awesome!!! I liked seeing a lot of Eric Carle's works, but I also enjoyed seeing other artists as well. Two hours from home, but well worth the trip!!!

Susan F

We drove from the Boston Metro area to there. It was so not worth it. The museum was small, even worse, not much Eric Carle things. It is a one-floor building with gift shop, auditorium, art and craft place, two exhibit rooms, library and eating area. It would help if the staff at check-in reminded us about the show time for the short films at the auditorium. I wouldn't say it's a kid friendly place as it is a very quiet place. (Kids like to run around and make noises.) Overall, not much going on at the museum.

Nelson Brown

Small museum that feels a lot like an art gallery. Some interactive activities for younger children (preschool & kindergarten).

Rick Bly

Worth the trip.A pleasant experience!

Christopher Cruz

Great place of you like the author and his books.

Kelsey Hogue

We took our 9 month old here for family adventure day. He's still a little young for the Art Center, but really seemed to enjoy looking at the pictures. The center staff is helpful and friendly. It is worth the trip out if you enjoy Carle's work.

Tim Pracher

Really nice museum, especially with kids. If possible, watch the movie "Picture Writer".

Phil F

This was a nice place. The work they had on display around the different children's books was very very nice. Alot of thought went into the arrangement and it was very enjoyable. Outside of the gallery, in the museum, they had a display of different caterpillars. The gentleman explaining them really made the trip for us. He was passionate, knowledgeable and did a great job explaining the life cycle of caterpillars in ways that we could really appreciate. The place did not have good ventilation. We visited after a snowstorm and the people, babies, lack of ventilation made the place literally smell like a dirty diaper.

Virginia Haskell

Great way to spend a day!

Michael Kane

A good, but small museum. We went on a Friday with a 2 year old and a 4 year old. The museum has a great library full of children's books and a nice craft area with staff/volunteers there to help you through a fun craft project. There is also an auditorium where they screen short films. There are kind of two main areas for exhibits, one of which was closed off while they were preparing to change it over. The exhibits themselves took maybe 10 minutes to look through. The building itself and the grounds are beautiful, although it was cold and we didn't spend much time outside. There is also a small cafeteria area with vending machines if you would like a snack or a drink.

Emily MacIntosh

We were extra lucky to visit this light-filled kid-friendly museum on the annual Very Hungry Caterpillar Day & catch the 50th anniversary collection of the Very Hungry Caterpillar but it would be wonderful any time. The staff was friendly. There is an art studio, a library, a gift shop and gallery area. Others told me outdoor picnicking is welcome on the grounds in warm weather. My son is a major Caterpillar fan and it was a great program, complete with real life caterpillars and butterflies and a chance to meet the Caterpillar himself. A very creative place.

Jacob Thomas

This museum was really fun for kids - 1.5ish year olds and over will have a great time.

Giovanna Lantz

Love this place!

Alexander Sargent

This museum is nice but it smells horrible like a bathroom that hasn’t been cleaned.

Geena

Beautiful museum very quiet and lots of activities for the little ones

Liam Rogers

Interesting place.

Claire Child

I got there shortly before close so didn't have time to look at the exhibits, but the entry area and gift shop were great and the museum generally seemed sweet and interesting. Will go back if I'm in the area again.

Susan Davis

Great Fun for adults. Spent over an hour in the museum store. Fascinating wall panels on his life and art, specifically end papers, hidden initials in collages, etc.

Niki K

A good time for all ages. Films, Crafting, reading, seek n find in the exhibits. Place to eat your packed lunch inside or outside. All my kids had fun and learned things. Will go again.

Ethan Stone

A gem of a little museum. Enjoy the library and the theatre in addition to the exhibits.

Tahara Baldwin

Awesome place!! The staff was friendly, wonderful, and helpful. My children and my autistic client love the pictures and the creative and welcoming environment.

Wayne Geiser

We visited on Free Fun Friday. Although there were many kids there (it seemed to be a popular day camp day trip), most of them were doing crafts or outside. The exhibits were reasonably empty. The Winnie the Pooh exhibit was very educational and the Central Gallery was filled with amazing artwork. Recommended for anyone who has ever read (or had read to them) a picture book!

Nathan Green

A great way to spend an afternoon, best for younger children

Tiffany Basile

Loved it ! Excellent place my 2 yr old Grandaughter loved meeting the Very Hungry caterpillar!

Jes Collett

Wonderful interactive exhibits, enthralling activity room

Rob Banks

Great place to go, good for about 2-3 hours with a toddler thanks to the story times and art studio. Worth our two drive. Check out atkins farm across the street for food

Jack Rusley

Hidden gem. Fun without kids probably, but my 2 and 4 year old were extremely pumped. Nice little cafe area with healthy vending machine and legit coffee for free! Highlight was art zone where you and kids can paint/draw with help of staff, very well organized. Can't wait to go back!

mckenzie girard

It's not or miss. I have very active children and this isn't a good place for them. It's a library. The craft is awesome and so is the mini movie/book. They have lots of interactive things for the kids.

Jill Conklin

A must visit, interactive stations throughout and the Art exhibit was a huge hit.

Enola Romano

Exhibits, reading, and creation - a winning combination.

Keith Turner

This was a great visit and a"must see"place for lovers of Children's literature.

Krishna Sagiraju

My 3yr old loved the place.

Renan Loperena

Took the kids over on the weekend and they had a great time!! It's just right for the lottle ones and enjoyed every minute of it. Amazi g artwork display of Leo and Diane Dillon

Sherry Brissette

Fun for the whole class

Dawn Mendoza

Excellent quality museum, interactive, beautiful to be inside. Wonderful collection

Jacob Kemer

Small Museum, with a limited on location for and play-space. For the child who like to read or make crafts this is a great Trip. If your children require a lot of physical activities you may need to balance the rest of your day around places to get the energy out. I took my children and we spent much of out time in the Art Studio and the on site Library. I wouldn't expect to spend more then 3 hours here, so call ahead to see if they have the days activities schedule is available. On the day we went we were about to catch one of the story readers, but need to run around and get lunch before we could make the next presentation.

eljumbo1

Beautiful museum and great place to bring children

Kathy King

Visit here was very relaxed and the crafts room was a big hit

memo christodoulou

We did not visit the actual museum, but we did visit the gift store to buy some nice things for the little ones before Christmas. I could not recommend enough. They have the sweetest things to buy that are linked to children's books. As well as a great selection of children's books. The staff were more than happy to help us out.

Kathleen Darrah

Great place for little kids and anyone who loves children's literature.

Bethany C

Adorable museum! Discounts available for teachers and librarians. Great for kids!

Stephanie Clark

Very nice museum for a great children's author. Worth the visit.

Julia Johnston

The museum is wonderful, and the gift shop is fantastic!

Ben Rodriguez

An Excellent Active Museum-Fun for kids

Therese tybǹ? Cueller

Always a good time

Joe Hardie

Great museum for kids. The staff here is really friendly. They have a daily craft that the kids get to do, and they switch out the exhibits. There is also a library chuck full of kids books for some bonding reading time with your child. They have a small cafeteria for a snack. You bring that yourself or use their self help snack vending machines. They offer complimentary coffee, that's first come first serve. Its decent coffee that helps you keep up with the kiddos. There is a nice lawn area with outdoor seating and a red elephant for the kids to run around too halfway through the day .

Susan Streufert

A beautiful facility, with excellent staff and child-centered activities as well as installations of interest to adults. When we visited, we were fortunate to hear gallery talks from 3 winners of the Coretta Scott King Prize for Illustration among a powerful exhibit of African American children's literature and Illustration.

Bruce Gwilliam

Great place to visit with young children: movies, books, displays, and craft room plus gift store

Jackson

Cool museum. Will entertain children with the power of art for hours.

Cameron Tylek

The museum is worth a visit if you're an adult interested in artwork, as the main studio displaying different pieces of artists work isn't very appealing to younger children. There IS an art studio with staff aimed towards children to create different art projects, and a large room with children's books for reading to your children, though I wouldn't consider either activities enough to justify the price of admission.

Cindy Szyszkiewicz

I went with my daughter and 3 year old grandson and had a great time! I loved watching him getting excited and enjoying himself. They have a lot to offer other than the beautiful illustrations of Eric Carle. The library has activities like puzzles and coloring pictures from the books. There's a maze you have to get through on a children's height table. There are also musical instruments outside to play with and a meadow to search for and observe wildlife. Looking forward to a return visit.

Rob Kirker

Small museum but affordable and some great exhibits. My kids (3 and 6) loved the art studio and the library.

Jackie Edme

I was expecting the exhibits to be a lot more interactive. They have an art room which we did a craft in and the rest of the place was really for kids 8 & up I would say. They showed a documentary about Eric Carle and his work. Definitely for older kids.

Ryan Stephens

A lot of fun for adults and kids alike. Very interesting to learn about the mind behind the books

Pablo Frau

Quiet and lovely. It's a very educational place with a beautiful setting. Would go every week if it were free.

Cynthia K

A very quaint museum. We enjoyed the library there!

Cathy Benham

This exhibit is more for young children and parents. One gallery was open and the second will open next week with Paddington exhibition

Tim Plusminus

Small museum. Evocative exhibits. Plenty of space for children to play outside and room for them to move around on the inside without worry of tripping, injury, or damaging pieces. Great gift shop.

Byron Smith

Really cool museum, fairly small but still a lot to see great stuff for kids. Spent a few hours here, and that was probably the max. Arts and crafts room was a lot of fun too.

Rachel Bruce

Really nice day out with the family. Wish it had a few more exhibits but for a 15 month old it was just right. The exhibits were hands in as very cute and there was a craft room to make your own souvenir. Definitely plan to go back again at some point.

Jasmin Tomic

Truly a magical place and worth visiting more than once.

Stanley Hudson

It's a cute concept. The museum is very clean and well maintained. However, if you're an adult there isn't much to do. There are three main galleries, a mini meadow walk, an auditorium with occasional shows and a gift store. There is also a library and crafts area for small children. Adults could easily see everything in about an hour. I think the museum is probably a better experience for families with very young children. Older children and teenagers would probably get bored pretty quickly. I wouldn't drive a long distance just for the museum, but if you're in the area it's worth checking out once. See if your local library offers free or discounted tickets.

David Seng

Very cute museum, my 3 and 7 year olds very much enjoyed the library, galleries and activities.

Caitlin S

I went here with my 17 month old toddler who saw a ball from the gift shop and we got it for her. We walk into the gallery where she’s only rolling the ball and we get told to not let her play with the ball while were in there. She is a baby who can’t even throw a ball she was screaming crying because we had to take it away from her. Which usually that would make sense but it doesn’t make sense because they have the art work displayed at a low level where the kids could grab the work with there hands. There where no signs saying don’t bring in toys and we left that was very disappointing. Do not sell things that you don’t want kids playing with at that moment.

Ivette Palacin

Great picture book artwork exhibit and some biographical presentation. Two or three large spaces and outreach to both adults and children.

Marina Gerstemeier

Although our 3.5 year old liked the toys more than the exhibits, I thought it was a wonderful, fascinating museum about book art.

Mosi Moses

My son loved visiting this museum. The Hungry Caterpillar book literally came to life for him here. He got to touch a real cacoon and see live caterpillars. Love it!

Steph Duffield

Brings out the kid in you!

Bulman Music

One of a kind museum! Worth a visit if in the area, doubly so with young ones

Donovan Maguigan

An excellent collection of picture book artwork, including work by authors other than Eric Carle. Fully stocked gift shop/bookstore.

Ian Clark

So much fun!

Janet Stephenson

Not much to see. Carle room closed.

Klaire Bielonko

Great local author visits

stephen martin

Very nice museum can't wait for the outdoor space to be done.

Heidi Turner

Recapturing childhood, beautiful art, amazing site, wonderful staff. Did not disappoint.

jill pietrantonio

My son loves it here, so kid friendly, always so much for them to do and see!!

Dave Lawler

Quite small, but with quality exhibits adults will appreciate (if they're into picture books at all) and activities for the pre-K crowd.

Spotify Kamikaze

Little kids will have a great time

Henry Lindbo

Pretty neat place

Daniel Bialowas

Wonderful place to bring the little one.

Micah Manary

Great for our 2 year old. Crafts felt a little involved and a few no touch exhibits seems out of place. Trying to be both for young kids and adults, and falling in a weird middle place. Worth a day trip.

Mika Giunta

What an amazing place! Found it by accident and my family, all adults, dropped by and it's wonderful

marian buff spencer

Wonderful collection, child-friendly, good setting

Kathy Darrah

Great place for little kids and anyone that loves children's literature.