I've enjoyed this museum on several occasions over the years. It's peaceful and educationally…read moreenjoyable.

Northampton isn't even a third-tier city. This is fourth tier. And so when I was looking for a…read moremuseum in town and this popped up as a "People also search for..." I thought, why not? I'll check it out. It's only $5 admission. I. WAS. BLOWN. AWAY. I would expect this sort of art at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts of the New York MoMA. I would not expect this in Northampton. Absolute priceless artworks by master artists. Mark Rothko, Auguste Rodin, Paul Cezanne, Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso and Georgia O'Keeffe. Unbelievable to find these and more here. Just absolutely amazing. If you're in Boston and bored with their art scene, make the journey to Northampton and check this out. You will not be disappointed. [Review 17830 overall - 1125 in Massachusetts - 1351 of 2022.]

A Saturday well spent…read more Hubby found this botanical garden in Massachusetts while looking for activities. It was a four hour (non highway) drive for us and while we had to fill up our gas (expensive, no doubt) on our way home, the bulb show itself was free of charge. They gave a suggested donation of $5. The campus is beautiful. They do such amazing job with their plants. Would love to explore Northampton again in the warmer months.

We've been members of the Botanic Garden of Smith College for ten years. Last year, I called to…read moreverify I could take pictures in the greenhouse on a weekday. But when I got there, not even 5 minutes pass when a woman comes in saying I'm aren't allowed to take pictures. I said I did get permission, besides that there were other people taking pictures at the same time as me. There were very few people there on a weekday morning. She argued that it was disruptive for others. I apologized and was almost ready to go, when she said nevermind, go ahead, and left me alone. I thought that was very odd, but then this year, while enjoying the spring bulb show, a class of possibly 20 five-year-old school children came through screaming, crying, ripping/pulling on the plants, with chaperones shouting to be heard. It was complete pandemonium and ruined the experience for us. This group was not asked to leave for 'disrupting.' I also don't appreciate the unilateral decision that was made (that is, no consultation of Botanic Garden members who contribute annual membership fees) to shut down the annual chrysanthemum show in the fall. They just sent a letter saying "they decided" to do other exhibits instead. I don't know what the fall botanical exhibit was that they did instead, and can't find anything online about what it was. The chrysanthemum show was an extraordinary event that was held annually since the early 1900s. If it had to be discontinued, it would be nice if the botanical exhibit that replaces it would meet or exceed that experience. Instead, nothing at all. Contributing members should be able to contribute their input when these decisions are made. We are a part of the campus community.

The Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts, was established through the will of Judge Charles…read moreEdward Forbes, who died in 1881. He left $220,000 to the city to create a public library that would be free and accessible to all residents. Construction began in 1893, and the library opened in 1894. The building was designed by architect William Brocklesby in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, using Longmeadow brownstone and fireproof steel framing. It remains one of the most architecturally distinctive civic buildings in western Massachusetts. Judge Forbes was not related to the Forbes family associated with Forbes magazine or the well-known Forbes millionaire rankings. His wealth came from investments in the New Haven and Northampton Canal and later in railroads. He lived modestly, never married, and rented rooms in town. His legacy was civic rather than commercial, focused on education and public access to knowledge. The library also houses the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, reflecting its deep ties to local and national history. So while the name might suggest a connection to publishing or wealth, the Forbes Library stands as a monument to quiet generosity and intellectual accessibility. Beyond the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Museum, the Forbes Library offered a warm, welcoming space filled with quiet nooks, curated art displays, and shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly with local history, fiction, and research materials. We explored the main reading room, where natural light poured through tall windows and the original woodwork lent a sense of timeless dignity. A rotating exhibit near the entrance showcased regional artists, while tucked-away corners revealed archival maps and Northampton memorabilia. The elevator made it easy to reach the upper floors, ensuring that the library's resources and charm were accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility. [Review 1135 of 2025 - 1276 in Massachusetts - 24688 overall]

You know me and Libraries; can't keep me out of them!! and this one I daresay is my favorite in the…read moreWestern Mass area. Ok, ok, it's not just because Paco the vegetarian Pirahna is here. The building itself is an architectural marvel. There's something about this beautiful building that's up on the hill, surrounded by large oaks. It's as if the leaves billowing in the wind beckon you to: "please come in." There's just something about where this building is situated that exudes peace and tranquility. You'll see that others feel the same in the reviews. If you follow Forbes on Instagram, you'll not only see that it's active with events, but a lot of them strive to help the community. They have an upcoming event where they'll have clothes, shoes and general business attire available for people who are looking to get a job. I can't think of any other library that does that. To further expand on that note; they lend out musical instruments. You read right; you can borrow musical instruments here. I'm not sure what details are involved but I personally found that to be incredible, and a show of the willingness to go the extra mile for the community. Yes, you do have to pay for parking here. I know that sounds off putting, but there is a sign on the property that says the proceeds help the library and their programs. Besides, I think a dime gives you 20 minutes time so it's extremely cheap. Keep up the good work Forbes! You definitely have admirers.

Mrs. K. and I were fortunate to have a half-hour tour led by the fabulous Eli who walked us through…read morethe life and times of the 30th POTUS, Calvin Coolidge. The museum is inside the Forbes Library but is operated separately. The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum was established in 1920 when Coolidge, then Governor of Massachusetts and Vice President-elect, began donating personal papers and memorabilia to the Forbes Library in Northampton, where he had practiced law and served as mayor. In 1956, at the request of Grace Coolidge and the Forbes Library trustees, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts funded the creation of the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Room to house the growing collection. Over the decades, the library expanded to include manuscripts, photographs, artifacts, and even quirky items like Coolidge's electric exercise horse, making it the largest repository of primary materials on his life and presidency. The collection that celebrates his integrity, modesty, and civic dedication. Among its most cherished items are Coolidge's handwritten speeches, personal correspondence, and campaign memorabilia that reflect his commitment to limited government and fiscal responsibility. The library also houses artifacts from his time as mayor of Northampton and governor of Massachusetts, underscoring his steady rise through public service. One particularly endearing item is his electric exercise horse--a quirky reminder of his dry humor and personal discipline. Together, these pieces form a narrative of a president who valued restraint, honesty, and quiet leadership, inviting visitors to appreciate the enduring relevance of Coolidge's principles. Not all of Coolidge's time in office was positive - the library does point out the Immigration Act of 1924. Intended to preserve what lawmakers called American "homogeneity," the act favored Northern Europeans and reflected the era's nativist and exclusionary sentiments. Which strangely contrasted with Coolidge's support of Native Americans. The man was a conflict. You might be wondering why the collection is so small. Presidential libraries only began receiving federal support with the passage of the Presidential Libraries Act of 1955. This legislation established a formal system in which privately constructed libraries could be transferred to the federal government to be operated and maintained by the National Archives and Records Administration. [Review 957 of 2025 - 1237 in Massachusetts - 24512 overall]

Weird. I'm visiting Northampton for a few days and thought I'd check out their museum. When I…read morewalked in I was greeted and informed that part of the museum was closed for a new exhibit. The greeter looked me up and down and said flatly "you can leave your stuff on that table". The table she referred to was small and I asked if I could put my backpack near the coat rack. She responded "I don't care about the backpack. Im worried about that coffee" and pointed to the coffee in my hands. I suppose the vague description "stuff" was to imply my cup of coffee? She then asked me if I would give a donation stating "we're broke and could use all the money we can get". I said "sure" and dropped in the little amount of cash I had and entered the museum. The greeter then turned and walked into another room. The museum is one, very small room that has probably 4-5 cases that display some antiques donated by community members. I was less than impressed with not only the small state of the museum but also the service. The one thing this place has going for it is that it's free.

I just visited Historic Northampton today to see the Making it on Main Street exhibit. It was very…read moreinformative, giving a great deal of information on the formation and development of Northampton's Main Street. It did not shy away from unpleasant topics such as treatment of Native Americans and slavery. The quality of the displays rivals those found in larger museums. Kudos to Historic Northampton. You need to make time to see this exhibit before it is gone!

Um... Amazing, stunning, incredible, fantastic, mind-blowing, wow. Genuinely my favorite art…read moregallery, period. Got a suggestion to come here because I absolutely love picture books and the things they have in this gallery does not disappoint at all. Here are some of my favorite things in this gallery: - The fact that this gallery used to be an old bank is kind of wild. Like all of Marc Brown's Arthur prints are just sitting in a bank vault which is so weird but wonderful at the same time. - The collection of artists they have here is absolutely mind-blowing. Especially the Mo Willems section is absolutely incredible as they have both his original artworks from his hit series as well as new and explorative art that he has been working on. Other favorite artists there included Rosemary Wells (Max & Ruby), Grace Lin, Jason Chin, and Marc Brown. It was like a trip down my childhood memory lane. - I super appreciate that alongside these artworks, the gallery also has the picture books that accompany this and it also doubles, in a way, like a children's bookstore. Honestly, cannot recommend it more especially if you are into picture books. After coming here, I feel like there needs to be more galleries dedicated to picture book art as so many people can relate to it from their childhood. Loved getting to visit this gallery!

We are in town for a graduation at Smith. We have time to spare and came to look…read more All original illustrations. Child books to nudes. Has to be a genre you seek. They also custom frame prints. An old bank building with the safe as a display room..

The Soldiers and Sailors Monument consists of two spectacular bronze sculptures that stand on the…read morefront steps at the entrance of Memorial Hall. As you stand in front of the building and face the front door, a sculpture of a sailor stands to the right of the door and a sculpture of a soldier stands to the left. Memorial Hall was built in 1872 to honor the memory of the 90 Northampton residents who perished during the Civil War. The building has served as a library and museum over the years. The soldier and sailor are dressed in period uniform. The soldier holds his rifle vertically and the sailor holds a telescope in his right hand. It's a very cool monument -you get the feeling that the soldier and sailor are standing guard outside of the building -ever vigilant and ever dutiful.

Personal help finding things. Kind and experienced staff is super helpful. They reserved a book…read moreat another library and it was sent to Lilly library for me to check out. -For my book club. Computers available. Love the free Summer concerts just steps away on Thursdays.

From the owner: Lilly Library serves traditional and modern library user's needs. Come check out books, movies,…read moremusic, magazines & more. We also have ebooks and digital audiobooks available on our digital catalog. Find out about storytimes, book clubs for new readers, teens, and mystery lovers, as well as movie show times and other exciting programming on our website.