The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
About the Museum
The mission of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a non-profit organization in Amherst, MA, is to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books. The only full-scale museum of its kind in the United States, The Carle collects, preserves, presents, and celebrates picture books and picture book illustrations from around the world. In addition to underscoring the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of picture books and their art form, The Carle offers educational programs that provide a foundation for arts integration and literacy.
Eric and Barbara Carle founded the Museum in November 2002. Eric Carle is the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Since opening, the 40,000-square foot facility has served more than half a million visitors, including 30,000 schoolchildren. Its extensive resources include a collection of more than 10,000 picture book illustrations, three art galleries, an art studio, a theater, picture book and scholarly libraries, and educational programs for families, scholars, educators, and schoolchildren. Educational offerings include professional training for educators around the country.
Hours:
Hours from September through June
- Tuesday – Friday* 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
- *Open Monday through Friday during the Massachusetts February and April school vacation weeks.
Hours in July and August
- Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Holiday Closures: Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Year’s Day
The Lord Jeffery Inn/ Eric Carle Museum Package
Picture everything Eric Carle! Enjoy this unique museum experience with your family. Begin your stay with in-room snacks for the family and new plush friends for the kids.
Then head on off to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art with admission for four and a gift card to get you started in the gift shop. Finally, start each morning off right with breakfast for four in our restaurant, 30Boltwood.
Rates starting at $293
Upcoming Events
Events List Navigation
The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Special Storytime
Every beachgoer knows that there's nothing more terrifying than a...SHARRRK! But this shark is just misunderstood, or is he? Join illustrator Scott Magoon as he reads from his new picture book Misunderstood Shark by Ame Dyckman. Funny, extraordinarily clever, and full of fun shark facts, this surprisingly endearing story gets to the heart of what it feels like to be misunderstood by the people around you. And with a surprise twist ending, Misunderstood Shark will have kids rolling with laughter! Free with Museum Admission. Scott…
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Special Sundays in the Studio
In the board book Black Bird Yellow Sun, a solitary blackbird wings its way through the day flying from one vibrant color to the next. Join author/illustrator Steve Light for a very Special Sunday exploring paint and cardboard printing. Free with Museum Admission
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Children’s Book Festival
13th Annual Children’s Book Festival Four Seasons, Five Senses. Join us for a day celebrating games, from scavenger hunts and board games to art projects and outdoor fun! 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Free Fun Friday!
Free Fun Friday- come and enjoy Eric Carle Museum for free!! Come celebrate picture books with art activities, films, music, and special storytimes with authors/illustrators Jessie Sima, and Jeff Mack! The Highland Street Foundation 10th annual Free Fun Fridays initiative, a summer program that offers visitors no-cost admission to many of the most treasured cultural venues in Massachusetts, from art museums to zoos. Learn more about Free Fun Friday at www.highlandstreet.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Reading Buddy Dogs
Mondays in July and August Children ages 4-11 will enjoy reading aloud to Reading Buddy dogs, who provide a gentle, comforting listener to readers as they practice their fluency and strengthen their confidence in reading. Free with Museum Admission. Summer Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs; Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »The Eric Carle Museum, Little Kids Yoga
Tuesdays in July and August This specially designed yoga class for children and their adult caregivers brings everyone together to join in the yoga fun! Classes take place outside in the new meadow! Yoga activities include a welcoming circle, breathing time, sun salutations, and movements inspired by what we see in nature. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned yogi family, there is something for everyone. Ages 3-5 with a caregiver. Free with Museum Admission. Reservations required; call 413-559-6336 or email info@carlemuseum.org.
Find out more »