Clark Art Institute

The Clark Art Institute is a museum and research institution in Williamstown, Massachusetts, founded in 1955 by collector Robert Sterling Clark. It is known for combining public galleries with a research library and a campus of landscaped grounds.

Established mid-20th century from the collection and endowment of Robert Sterling Clark, the institute developed both public-facing galleries and an academic research component. The site has undergone modern expansions and renovations to improve gallery space and visitor facilities while retaining its park-like setting.

Located in Williamstown in the northwest corner of Massachusetts, the institute sits in the Berkshire Hills near Williams College and is part of the region’s cultural corridor.

• Founding: Founded by collector Robert Sterling Clark and opened to the public in 1955, serving as both a museum and a center for art research and study.
• Setting: The campus occupies a substantial estate in the Berkshires with gallery buildings sited amid landscaped grounds, which are part of the visitor experience.

What to See #

• Galleries: Grouped exhibition galleries that display the institute's permanent collection of European and American paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings alongside temporary exhibitions.
• Manton Research Center: The Manton Research Center contains the institute's library, archives and study facilities for scholars and curators.
• Gardens and trails: Extensive landscaped grounds and walking trails that connect gallery buildings and outdoor sculpture settings across the campus.