How to Spend a Perfect Day at MASS MoCA
One of the best parts of staying at Porches Inn is that one of the country’s most exciting contemporary art museums is right across the street. MASS MoCA in North Adams is one of the largest centers for contemporary visual and performing arts in the United States, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century mill complex with expansive galleries, outdoor installations, concerts, and dining all in one place.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to see what’s new, here’s how to spend the perfect day exploring MASS MoCA.
Start the Morning with Iconic Exhibitions
Begin your visit by diving into the museum’s massive galleries. MASS MoCA is known for immersive installations and large-scale works from some of the most influential contemporary artists.
The museum is home to the renowned Sol LeWitt Wall Drawing Retrospective, a sweeping exhibition that spans an entire building and showcases decades of the artist’s geometric wall drawings. You’ll also encounter work from internationally recognized artists including James Turrell, Laurie Anderson, and Louise Bourgeois, whose pieces explore light, language, sculpture, and immersive space.
One highlight is James Turrell’s light installations, which transform how visitors perceive space and color, inviting you to slow down and experience the artwork in a new way.
Another exhibit that feels especially fitting for spring is Carly Glovinski’s Almanac. This large-scale installation features hundreds of hand-painted and pressed floral forms that trace the New England growing season—from early spring blooms like daffodils and violas through late-summer flowers—creating a beautiful visual record of nature and time.
Because the galleries are expansive, plan to wander and explore—you could easily spend hours discovering new works throughout the historic mill buildings.
Slow Down and Look Deeper: Slow Art Day
If you’re visiting in April, you can experience a unique event called Slow Art Day, which encourages visitors to spend more time with individual artworks.
Instead of rushing through galleries, participants are invited to slow down, observe carefully, and engage more deeply with select pieces. The experience often includes guided conversations and thoughtful discussion, offering a new perspective on contemporary art.
It’s a wonderful reminder that art at MASS MoCA isn’t meant to be rushed—it’s meant to be experienced.
Discover Outdoor Art Across the Campus
One of the most unique aspects of MASS MoCA is that the art extends beyond the gallery walls.
Throughout the campus and surrounding outdoor spaces, visitors will discover large-scale installations and sculptures from leading contemporary artists, making the museum feel like an open-air gallery woven throughout the historic architecture.
Walking between buildings often reveals unexpected artworks, inviting guests to explore the campus at their own pace and discover art in unexpected places.
Because Porches Inn sits directly across the street from MASS MoCA, guests can easily pop back to the hotel for a break—whether that’s relaxing by the pool, warming up in the sauna, or gathering around the firepit—before heading back for more exploring.
Grab Lunch or Ice Cream at Lickety Split
After a morning of art, stop by Lickety Split, located right on the MASS MoCA campus.
This beloved café has been serving visitors for decades and is known for its ice cream, coffee, and casual bites. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch or just a sweet treat between galleries, it’s the perfect place to recharge before continuing your visit.
Relax with a Craft Beer at Bright Ideas Brewing
As the afternoon rolls in, head over to Bright Ideas Brewing, the craft brewery located on the MASS MoCA campus.
It’s a lively gathering spot where visitors and locals come together to enjoy small-batch beers brewed on site. Grab a drink, relax in the courtyard, and reflect on the art you’ve seen throughout the day while soaking in the creative energy that defines North Adams.
Experience Concerts, The Chalet, and Live Events
MASS MoCA isn’t just about visual art. The museum also hosts year-round performances, concerts, film screenings, and cultural events, making it one of the most dynamic arts destinations in the Berkshires.
One of the museum’s most celebrated programs is Bang on a Can, the renowned summer music festival and residency that brings innovative composers and musicians from around the world to MASS MoCA for performances, workshops, and creative collaboration.
The museum is also home to two of the Berkshires’ most exciting music festivals: Solid Sound Festival, curated by the band Wilco, and FreshGrass Festival, a beloved celebration of bluegrass, roots, and folk music. Both festivals take place at MASS MoCA every other year and draw visitors from across the country for unforgettable weekends of music, art, and community.
During the warmer months, the museum’s outdoor spaces come alive with concerts and events. Visitors can also enjoy The Chalet, a seasonal beer garden on the museum campus where guests can relax outdoors and soak in the creative atmosphere between performances.
Whether it’s live music, artist talks, or special programs, there’s almost always something happening at MASS MoCA—making it easy to turn a visit into a full weekend experience.
End the Night Just Steps Away at Porches
After a full day exploring MASS MoCA, the best part is that you don’t have far to go. Porches Inn at MASS MoCA is located directly across the street, making it the perfect place to stay when visiting the museum.
Return to the hotel to unwind in the hot tub or sauna, gather around the firepit with friends, or simply relax and reflect on the day’s creative inspiration.
With art, music, food, and culture just steps away, it’s easy to see why a visit to MASS MoCA becomes the highlight of so many trips to the Berkshires. Porches Inn is the perfect home base for exploring MASS MoCA and the vibrant arts scene of North Adams—book your stay today.
