Worcester Art Museum, Worcester (must see)

The Worcester Art Museum (WAM), established in 1898, is a cultural cornerstone in Worcester. Housing over 35,000 works of art spanning from antiquity to contemporary times, the museum showcases a diverse array of cultures from around the world. As the second largest art museum in New England, WAM not only offers a vast collection but also enriches the community with a café, museum shop, library, and a comprehensive roster of art classes available year-round for both children and adults.

Over the years, the museum has undergone multiple expansions, resulting in much of the original 1898 building being obscured. One of the most significant additions is the chapter house, installed in 1932 and linked to the museum via the grand Renaissance Court in 1933. This chapter house was notably the first medieval building to be transported from Europe to America, adding a unique historical and architectural dimension to the museum.

WAM's permanent collection is renowned for its breadth and quality. Highlights include an impressive array of European and North American paintings, prints, photographs, and drawings. The museum also boasts substantial collections of Asian art, Greek and Roman sculptures and mosaics, and contemporary art. The Roman mosaic-laden Renaissance Court and the French chapter house stand out as key features, providing visitors with immersive historical experiences.