Wistariahurst Museum
Wistariahurst is an educational and cultural center owned and operated by the City of Holyoke and supported by Historic Holyoke at Wistariahurst. Wistariahurst is dedicated to preserving Holyoke’s history and inspiring an appreciation of history and culture through educational programs, exhibits and special events. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Wistariahurst is the former home of William Skinner, a prominent silk manufacturer and was built in 1874.
In keeping with the vision and legacy of the Skinners, particularly Belle and Katharine, who devoted much of their time and energy to bettering the lives of those in their home community of Holyoke, our programs and activities are designed in service to the City of Holyoke and its residents. We strive to offer exceptional educational opportunities of relevance to our community, support local artists and performers, bring outstanding cultural experiences to the community, and to be a resource for all.
From I-91 North:
Take Exit 14 (Route 202/Soldier’s Home exit)
Bear right off the exit
From I-91 South:
Take Exit 14 (Route 202/Soldier’s Home exit)
Turn left at the end of the ramp
You will be on Cherry Street–it turns into Beech Street. Proceed through 6 Traffic lights – Hillside Avenue, the Yankee Pedlar, Holyoke Hospital, Holyoke High School, Franklin Street & Sargeant Street. After the sixth light you will go through the Intersection of Hampshire and Beech Streets. Wistariahurst Museum is on the right. The building and grounds occupy an entire block; the property is surrounded by a stone wall with wrought iron fencing.
There is on-street parking only.
Fees & Admissions
Gardens & Grounds at Wistariahurst are free and open to the public from dawn until dusk each day.
Self-guide of the historic mansion & Art Gallery: Suggested donation of $3
Guided Tours:
Standard: $7
Holyoke Resident: $5
Seniors: $5
Youth (Under 18): Free
Museum Members: Free
Active Military & Family Members: Free
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Wistariahurst Museum, Sensory Friendly Sunday Funday
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MACome down to Wistariahurst Museum to explore local history, engage in sensory-friendly fun activities, and discover new ways to have fun! Wistariahurst Museum is delighted to welcome friends and families into our halls once a month for our Sensory Friendly Sunday Fundays! Discover the wonders of the first floor at Wistariahurst Museum and explore each…
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Wistariahurst Museum, Exhibit
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MAWistariahurst Museum is thrilled to announce our upcoming exhibit this October, Identity in Ink: The Art of Tattooing. Despite its more modern surge in interest, the art of tattooing is one of the ancient traditions in human history. Etching pictures and symbols into skin has been around for thousands of years and has held countless…
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Wistariahurst Museum, Tattoo Talk
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MAWistariahurst Museum is excited to announce an upcoming presentation with Donnabelle Casis, corresponding with the museum’s Current exhibit: Identity in Ink: The Art of Tattooing. This talk will dive into the history of Filipino tattooing. Visitors will learn about symbolism found in common tattoos and the practice of hand-tapped tattooing. This method of tattooing is touched…
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Wistariahurst Museum, Exhibit
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MAWistariahurst Museum is thrilled to announce our upcoming exhibit this October, Identity in Ink: The Art of Tattooing. Despite its more modern surge in interest, the art of tattooing is one of the ancient traditions in human history. Etching pictures and symbols into skin has been around for thousands of years and has held countless…
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Wistariahurst Museum, Guided House Tour
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MAStep into Holyoke’s past by embarking on a Wistariahurst Guided House Tour! This historic house offers an immersive experience that will transport you back in time to the lives and times of the people who shaped this vibrant community. Our expert guides will take you through the halls and rooms, providing fascinating insights into the…
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Wistariahurst Museum, Concert
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MAVisit Wistariahurst Museum November 15th to experience a concert by the Arcadia Players: “Vicente Lusitano and His Circle”. This concert features music from Vicente Lusitano, a 16th-century Portuguese cleric, who is considered the first classical composer of African ancestry ever to be published. The concert begins at 2:00pm, but come early at 1:00pm for a…
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Wistariahurst Museum, Book Discussion Group
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MAJoin fellow readers for the next book discussion group at Wistariahurst where readers will dive into “Love War Stories” Join fellow readers for the next book discussion group at Wistariahurst beginning November 18th, 2025. Readers will dive into “Love War Stories” by Ivelisse Rodriguez. Dedicated “to Holyoke girls”, this collection of poems and short stories examines…
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Wistariahurst Museum, Holiday Open House
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MAYou better watch out, you better not cry! Better not pout, Wistariahurst is telling you why: our Holiday Open House and Festive Market is comin' to town! There’s snow place like Wistariahurst during the holiday season! Wistatiahurst’s upcoming Holiday Open House and Festive market is perfect for those pine-ing for some holiday cheer, gifts from…
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Wistariahurst Museum, Holiday Open House
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MAYou better watch out, you better not cry! Better not pout, Wistariahurst is telling you why: our Holiday Open House and Festive Market is comin' to town! There’s snow place like Wistariahurst during the holiday season! Wistatiahurst’s upcoming Holiday Open House and Festive market is perfect for those pine-ing for some holiday cheer, gifts from…
