Discovering Amherst’s Art and Culture Scene

The downtown area of Amherst, Massachusetts is recognized as the Amherst Center Cultural District due to the number of historic sites, museums, galleries, and venues in the neighborhood. The district has also been designed to encourage walking and discovery by placing public art, historic landmarks, and cultural venues within easy walking distance from each other.

Keep reading to discover some of our favorite cultural destinations in Amherst!

Gallery A3

Founded in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Gallery A3 was established by local artists who believed that art is essential to community healing and connection. It has since become a longstanding cultural hub showcasing diverse artistic voices and viewpoints across various artistic mediums. It also invites the community to engage in monthly exhibitions, opening receptions, and free public art forums to encourage dialogue, artistic development, and cultural enrichment in downtown Amherst.

Amherst Cinema

Amherst Cinema is an independent, nonprofit arts and education center located in downtown Amherst. Housed in a historic site dating back to 1879, the cinema presents a richly curated lineup of over 250 programs a year. These include first-run films, international cinema in multiple languages, documentaries, and independent features. It’s also involved in special series, retrospectives, thematic programs, and collaborations with cultural institutions and universities.

In addition to these programs, the venue hosts visits by filmmakers and artists as well educational initiatives that use cinema as a creative learning tool. Its mission is to inspire, inform, and entertain through the universal language of film while serving as a welcoming community hub.

The University Museum of Contemporary Art

The University Museum of Contemporary Art (UMCA) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst is a multidisciplinary art museum. It is dedicated to showcasing cutting-edge contemporary visual art and fostering creative dialogue within the campus and the broader community. The UMCA houses a permanent collection of approximately 4,000 works and features rotating exhibitions that highlight both celebrated and emerging artists from around the world.

Admission is free, making UMCA an accessible cultural destination. It invites visitors to explore contemporary artistic expression, participate in public programs, and deepen their understanding of the art of our time.

The Amherst History Museum

The Amherst History Museum is located just a few minutes from The Black Walnut Inn and is housed in one of the town’s oldest buildings, the mid-18th-century Simeon Strong House. It offers visitors a deep dive into Amherst’s past, tracing local life from colonial settlement through industrial development and into modern times. 

Established in 1916, the museum’s collections feature decorative arts, household implements, agricultural tools, clothing, and other artifacts. Each item demonstrates what everyday life looked like across nearly three centuries of the town’s history. In addition to the permanent collection, the Historical Society presents rotating exhibits, public lectures, and community programming that engage diverse audiences in exploring local heritage.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is one of our favorite things to do in Amherst, MA. It is a unique cultural destination dedicated to the art of the picture book and its power to inspire creativity. Founded by beloved children’s author and illustrator Eric Carle, the museum celebrates both his legacy and the broader world of illustrated storytelling through rotating exhibitions, original artwork, and educational programs. 

Visitors can explore thoughtfully curated galleries featuring works by renowned and emerging picture book artists. They can also participate in hands-on art-making activities in the Art Studio and attend story times and family programs that encourage imagination and literacy.

The Mead Art Museum

The Mead Art Museum at Amherst College is a world-class art museum with free public admission. Established in 1949 and named for architect William Rutherford Mead, the museum’s collection spans thousands of years. It includes American and European paintings, Mexican ceramics, Tibetan scrolls, ancient Assyrian reliefs, West African sculpture, Japanese prints, and more.



With multiple galleries hosting rotating exhibitions and installations, the Mead continually presents fresh perspectives alongside its permanent collections. Whether exploring historic masterpieces or contemporary works, visitors to the Mead encounter art that reflects diverse cultures, histories, and creative expressions.

Stay at The Black Walnut Inn

End your day of art and cultural exploration by staying in a building that’s full of Amherst history. Our inn is located in a Federal-style brick house that dates back to the 1820s. Originally built as a family home, the property largely served as a working farm until 1990, when it became The Black Walnut Inn.

Our guest rooms and accommodations maintain the building’s historic feel while offering all the modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. With a fresh, hot complimentary breakfast, beautiful grounds to stroll, and inviting common areas, your stay is sure to be delightful.   

Book your reservation with us today!