Springfield — Now open seven days a week, the Springfield Museums is ready to welcome visitors with a full slate of activities during Summer at the Museums, taking place July 6 through August 14. The six-week series features hands-on art and science activities, live entertainment, and music, with bi-weekly themes offering visitors new ways to explore special exhibitions at the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and Springfield Science Museum. All activities are included with museum admission.
“Not every summer adventure requires a road trip or a plane ticket,” said Larissa Murray, Director of Education at the Springfield Museums. “Summer at the Museums invites families to make the most of their staycation with six weeks of creative experiences, interactive exhibits, and engaging activities for all ages. We look forward to welcoming our community and helping families make lasting memories right here in western Massachusetts.”
Summer at the Museums begins with two weeks of activities inspired by the special exhibition Book of Wonder, Cover to Cover: A Hands-On Journey with Donna Castellanos. This immersive experience transforms salvaged books, found objects, and personal treasures into playful environments and celebrates the joy of creativity and storytelling. Visitors can complete portraits, create collages from vintage encyclopedia pages, and write stories to become part of the gallery’s evolving library. Acclaimed mixed-media artist Castellanos will host artmaking sessions on Wednesday, July 15 and Friday, July 17.
A rotating schedule of complementary activities will be offered Monday through Friday, July 6-17:
● I Spy: Search the museums for objects that connect to the imaginative world of Book of Wonder.
● Door to Anywhere: Design a one-of-a-kind doorway and dream up the scene waiting on the other side.
● Book Nook: Relax and enjoy a selection of books inspired by the week’s theme.
● “Book” Worm: Transform recycled book pages into a whimsical new creature.
● Communi-Tree: Create leaves representing the special people in your life and add it to a personal paper tree.
● Trash to Treasure: Discover the possibilities of reuse and recycling while turning everyday materials into something new.
The following weeks of Summer at the Museums will highlight additional special exhibitions with new activities and experiences worthy of a repeat visit. Game On! (July 20–31) invites visitors to experience the excitement of gameplay on a larger-than-life scale through hands-on challenges. Markets, Foodways, and the Essence of Place: Works from the Museo de Arte de Ponce (August 3–14) explores the vibrant colors, textures, and stories of Puerto Rican markets through still lifes and aerial views of everyday places.
Throughout the series, visitors can meet the Cat in the Hat each Monday, drop in on Professor Knows A. Lot for face painting or balloon animals on Wednesdays, and enjoy giant bubbles with Mr. Vinny and a performance by children’s entertainers Toe Jam Puppet Band every Friday.
“From meeting beloved characters and enjoying live performances to discovering hands-on activities throughout the Museums, there is always something new to experience, “said Family Engagement Coordinator SarahRose Adan. “We love welcoming families back again and again and seeing the excitement that comes from sharing these moments together.”
Summer at the Museums is sponsored by Beacon Bank, Country Bank, Eversource, and M&T Bank. Book of Wonder, Cover to Cover is sponsored by PeoplesBank and supported by the Springfield Cultural Council and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. MassMutual is the season sponsor of the Springfield Museums.
SpringfieldMuseums.org, One Admission/Five Museums,
including the one and only Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum
Parking is always FREE
About The Springfield Museums
THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in the heart of downtown Springfield, MA. Reaccredited in 2023 by the American Alliance of Museums (only 3% of the nation’s museums earn this distinction), the Smithsonian-affiliated consortium of museums includes the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the world’s only museum dedicated to the beloved children’s book author and Springfield native.
Hours
Monday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Advance tickets are strongly encouraged. Please visit the Tickets page.
The Hanmer Museum Store
Monday-Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am to 5 pm
Smoked BBQ @ the Blake House Café
Monday-Sunday: 11 am to 3 pm
Smoked, the 413’s BBQ food trailer, is now serving in The Blake House Café! In addition to the barbecue fare of the day, soups, salads, and sandwiches, coffee, tea, pastry, and muffins are also available. Check out the daily menu at the Café and in the Welcome Center. ■
