Last-Minute Art Getaways: The Clark Institute

Degas, Renoir, Homer, and more await you at the expanded Clark Institute.

Architecture meets art meets nature at the newly expanded Clark Art Institute.

So you woke up late on the weekend, and need to get out of the city to see some art, but you haven’t had time to plan. No problem: We’ve done the research for you. Here’s our pick for a great emergency art getaway this weekend:

What: In July, after 14 years in the making, the Sterling and Francine Clark Institute in Williamstown, Massachusetts, revealed its expanded look. At the heart of the renovation is the newly constructed Clark Center, a 42,600-square-foot visitor hub designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando and visitors can roam a 140-acre campus (replete with a lake). The collection has been re-installed by architect Annabelle Selldorf. Read here what Alexandra Peers said about her recent visit to the new Clark. 

When: To keep up with increased summer attendance, the galleries are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and until 7 p.m. on Fridays in August.

Where: Sterling and Francine Clark Institute, 225 South Street, in Williamstown. This is about 160 miles from New York City.

Why: Apart from the expansion and rehang, which we think is reason enough to make the trek, the Clark’s regular offerings by Degas, Renoir, and Homer, among many other famous artists, are stellar. Also currently on view is “Raw Color: The Circles of David Smith,” through October 19; “Make it New: Abstract Painting from the National Gallery of Art 1950–1975,” through October 13; and “Cast for Eternity: Ancient Ritual Bronzes from the Shanghai Museum,” through September 21.

Perks: If you’re driving, do some antiquing along the way.

How: If staying overnight, head to nearby North Adams and the very chic Porches, which is offering “rack rates” on rooms Sunday through Thursday for summer getaways such as this!


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