Springfield Museums Reviews

First off we went on free fun fridays, we saved the $25.00 entrance fee for 5 people, but sacrificed overcrowded exhibits. We were traveling with various ages from 14 to 50, and everyone found something to enjoy. Our main reason was Dr. Seuss, and unfortunately do to our misunderstanding of the event, we were not allowed passes into the museum. They sold out ,(there isn't an additional fee, but you are given an entrance ticket with a specific time to view that part of the museum). My daughter overheard that at the end of the day 4:30 ish, they would allow non ticketed guest to enter. However we had to cue up and as people exited, they allowed others to enter. We took a chance and lucked out but ended up having only 10 minutes to view what easily could have taken an hour to view. This museum alone was worth our 2 and a half our drive, but we are huge Seuss fans. As mentioned by another reviewer, it is mostly an interactive display for children, with the top floor being about Dr. Seuss's life and work. I loved reading the letters he wrote to his nephew, wish I had more time.

The rest of the museum is split into 4 other buildings, non to far apart from one another, but consider the weather when going as you will need to go in and out of buildings when visiting. The fine arts collection was as impressive as the Boston Museam of fine arts. It also has a temporary Chagall display for children which was interactive, and a great way to introduce fine arts to children. Actually every building had some area set up for children to touch, and interact. It's like getting a children's museum and adult museam for the price of one.

There is currently a temporary display of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle artwork, and again interactive displays among that. I was unaware that the creators were from Dover NH, and the collection also belongs to a native NH resident. Glad he shared his collection. This building also houses samurai weaponry and clothing, along with other displays. It was very interesting, and I had not seen this at any other gallery I have attended.

The science center is in the main building, and like another reviewer mentioned is a smaller version of the Boston Museum of Science. Unfortunately it is a bit run down, with several displays not working, and we found a few errors on some of the displays, nothing drastic, just type-o's, My daughter also,had a hard time with the size of the enclosures for some of the fish, they are too small, and unnatural and she found this to be inhumane. Also the air conditioning in this building is in need of repair, it was way to hot inside, and very uncomfortable. All the other buildings had ample air conditioning.

The last building we visited was the history museum, and my husband and I only visited for about 10 minutes as we rushed back to get into Seuss. The first thing you see upon entering are 2 airplanes suspended from the ceiling, very impressive, there is a nice display of antique cars, and Indian motorcycles, as well as a room full of Has ro oversized interactive toys. The 24 year old, and 14 year old, stayed in this building while we rushed to Seuss. They really enjoyed this area, and said the Smith and Wesson display was impressive which we didn't see again because of Seuss.

Overall this is a great find, I probably would not venture out often as the drive for us is a bit long, it was a great afternoon visit. We had read you need about 3 hours to visit, I would have liked 4 to 5 hours. Due to the crowds, when we arrived we opted to find lunch first then go to the museum with the hopes that crowds would have lessened. The wait line did go down considerably, but we missed out on tickets for Seuss, and again, we needed the time to see everything. I will say that my family has to take museums in small doses, both science and definitely fine art, this museum allows for that, it isn't so large that you become over stimulated. One more comment, it was a hot day, and we only found a water fountain in one building. So you had to buy water, but then they wouldn't allow you to bring it into certain buildings so you either tossed it, or left it on a community table, hoping to get your bottle back.

These museums have so much to offer. We spent over 4 hours and there was much we didn't get to. An enjoyable visit. We will come back to explore some more of it.

During a holiday school break I took my 5 year old grandson to the museum.
We had a wonderful experience.
The Museum of Natural History was very exciting for him. The life size animals including the Dinosaurs were thrilling. We enjoyed looking at the live fish and reptiles.
The Museum of Art had activities for him. He made a hand puppet and also did a drawing using a computer.
The Museum of Springfield History lets him play with games that were made in Springfield. Also motor cycles, airplanes, guns and cars manufactured from this area.
It was such a wonderful day I became a member of The Museum that day knowing that my other grandchildren would love to visit.
I hope to go back many times.

The museum was "Ok" but most of the time I just felt I was in someones basement from the 70s looking at dusty things. The museum could use some updating. The woman at the front desk was very knowledgeable and gave us a good direction on what would interest our young kids. My party ranged from a 6 month old to 8 year old kids. The kids seemed to enjoy it. The museum was close to empty so the kids got to run around and look at things with freedom. I think adults could appreciate these museums more as it was mostly "Look don't touch" The Dr. Seuss sculpture garden was the highlight for the kids and worth seeing! Parking was free and close. Visit if you happen to be in the area and have free or discounted tickets.

Lovely fine art and fun place. Cafe food was pretty good. Friendly staff and many choices as to what to see.

Visited several but not all in the time we had. There is so much to see it's hard to get it all in one day. Excellent motorcycle display on one visit, and vintage cars. Loved it all, just allow a full day

These are mostly fine museums for a city the size of Springfield. There are some interesting pieces in the art museums, the natural history museum has exhibits about local wildlife, and the science museum has the types of interactive displays for kids that I used to love when I was young. $25 is high for what you get, but I understand that it can be hard to support museums in a small city.

HOWEVER, the "history" museum is ridiculous. There are almost nothing but "exhibits" about the companies that paid for the museum. It's like buying a ticket to watch commercials. There's nothing about the founding of Springfield, or the people of Springfield, or important events that happened in Springfield - in other words, nothing about the city's actual history.

This is a great idea to put a number of museums in a one city block area, where you only have to park once, free I might add, and then walk to 5 attractions close together. We didn't arrive early enough to do all 5 and we ended up spending a lot of time in the Smith Art Museum and the Springfield History museum. I am not a Seuss fan at all so that one was never a consideration. We liked the fact there is a single admission, but we got lucky for the month we were there they had a special that gave veterans and service people free admission so both my friend and I along with our wives got in free. The art museum doesn't just have an art section, but also facades, statues and other forms of art, but the American Paintings Salon was a great rom to visit. In the History museum, there are displays that feature Springfield's rich history, including the Indian motorcycle collection, the Springfield Armory and Colt firearms displays. Also, Friendly's store, cars and various industries are shown.

Not the Smithsonian but a nice merging of Art, Science (Planetarium), stuffed animal displays, Dinosaur Bones, and antique Automobiles and Racing airplanes that were part of the local history (Duryea, Indian Motorcycle, Gee Bee airplane, etc.). Statues, Ancient Chinese Armor, and the Dr Suess courtyard make this a must see if you are traveling with some time in Springfield MA.

This is a complex that I had never heard of, but has a range of interests that almost everyone can enjoy. For $25 per person ( $16 for seniors) there are separate museums for Dr. Suess, Natural History, Fine Arts ( Renoir, Etc), Autos and Motorcycles, and Historic Develooment of Springfield. We have a short attention span but this place changed in content so drastically from Place to place that we never lost interest. The docents/guides/counselors were very well informed and not at all short or brief with questions. Free parking and a well balanced map make a solid ‘Must See’ if you have from 2-5 hours to spend leisurely in Springfield Massachusetts!

a must go to museum if you are in the springfield area.... lots of special programs...

lots of different exhibits.. a must see

We were staying with family nearby and looking for a cool, rainy day activity. The Springfield Museums were a great surprise! Two boys, ages 4 & 12, mom, dad & grandpa. We started with the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden - nice green lawn & flowers to go along with the fun sculptures created by Dr. Seuss’s step-daughter. Then it was on to the new Dr. Seuss museum. Wow! Small but packed with innovative activities for kids of all ages. The second floor is an interesting history exhibit, including family letters and re-creations, geared toward the adults. Both our kids loved it! The Springfield History Museum was fascinating for all of us. Exhibits of motorcycles, Rolls Royces, etc, and a fantastic interactive Milton Bradley exhibit. Well worth the visit! We also visited the Springfield Science Museum, which was an old-fashioned history museum that was okay, but needs an update. It did have a traveling Clifford exhibit that our kids enjoyed. We skipped the art museums because of the 4 year old. It took us all afternoon for the 3 museums, and we could have stayed longer. The museums have reciprocity with other astc museums (our membership is with Fort Worth Science museum), so we didn’t have to pay the entrance fee. But, admission price includes all the museums. Nice way to spend the day & learn about the area too.

I spent an entire afternoon enjoying the incredible collections and variety of the Springfield museums. It was so cool! I came for the Suess museum and then found the art museum (fantastic collections to include Tiffany, Winslow Homer, Impressionists, Early American art and so much more), the biggest collection of Indian motorcycles, Chinese and Arabian art, the Samurai collection and so much more. I found myself saying "Wow! I had NO IDEA this was so cool!". I'm definitely going again.

The whole area is beautiful. Outside even though chilly was nice to walk around. The planetarium is one of the oldest in the country. Very nice walking

One of the volunteers working at the Springfield Armory recommended that we check out the museums. We had some extra time to kill after the Armory, so we decided to venture down.

Parking was slightly hectic in the main museum lot (in front of the building where you purchase tickets), so just coast through with your foot hovering over the brake, anticipating some kid is going to jump out in front of you.

Once we purchased our tickets, we ventured around the Museum of Science a little bit. There were some interesting exhibits, but most of them were poorly taxidermied animals in a dismal looking habitat. Some of these set ups looked rather silly to me, but might entertain some children. The layout of the Science Museum was very sporadic, as you'd have a dinosaur exhibit in one room and a Native American exhibit in the room next door. The transitions from exhibit to exhibit were not very well thought out.

We really wanted to see the automotive collection, so we headed over to the building that held those exhibits. I like the idea of several different buildings with different subjects. They're very easily accessible, though be careful crossing the street in between buildings.

The "Museum of Springfield History" is just fantastic!! It has a bit of something for everyone; art, science, culture, and innovation. Between the two floors offered, you will see a wide array of things related to Springfield. There was a ton of information, and one could easily spend a couple of hours in this museum alone. I really enjoyed the Indian roadster and Rolls Royce vehicles.

Overall, you can easily spend a day at the different Museums. Between all of the sites available, it's easy access, free parking, and wide range of topics, it is very much worth the trip if you're going to the city.

Pitstop here for an hour or two, to enjoy each museums but entrance fee is $18/adult. Consider as a donation :) Warning : Don't expect too much and don't compare against those big museums in DC.

I had a fabulous day checking out all these museums. A great deal since you can see so many places at once. Fun fun fun at Dr Seuss. The American Art Museum was really fabulous. The people were incredibly helpful and knowledgeable about the art. I highly recommend visiting.

We have visited the Springfield Museums several times since becoming members of the museum a few years ago. All five of the museums have a lot to offer, with both changing and permanent exhibits. The new Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum is nicely done and is very good for both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, is good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor has multiple sections, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display.
Besides the Dr. Seuss Museum, the other current changing exhibits are nicely done at the Springfield Museums. The Jeweled Objects of Desire Exhibit features many amazing items from the Smithsonian that have been created from gem stones and is quite interesting. The Mutant Ninja Turtles and Samurai Hero Exhibit could be enjoyed by both children and adults, being entertaining and informative. There is much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here and they are all definitely worth visiting, but it may take multiple trips to see it all!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

These museums are a "hidden" gem. The Dr. Seuss museum is really for young children with just a small area upstairs for historical information. The two art museums are impressive as is the Springfield History Museum. The science museum could really use some updating but young children may find it interesting. Packing a picnic lunch is recommended as the cafe onsite had limited options. The staff were friendly and helpful and the free parking was wonderful. A good time!!

This was a great place for us to stop as we passed through Springfield on our road trip. The Dr Seuss exhibition was great for the kids and the art museum had an impressive collection. It was a little pricey for a short visit- but if we had more time to spare that day I'm sure it would have been worth it.

This is an excellent set of musuems. Love the fact you,paid one price for all of them and the Dr. Sues garden in the middle of them.

Been going here for the last 30 yrs, always wonderful. Exhibits change and the several Art Galleries always exquisite, 1 entrance price varies by special events. Indian Motorcycle Museum, science museum & plenty of Springfield Ma/ Pioneer Valley History.

Great place and great memories, but the place has not changed in 25 years! its the same as when I was a kid!

We came to town for the Basketball Hall of Fame and found this museum. It was a very pleasant surprise and extremely worth the trip. This museum has many historical things, but a large amount of information on games. There are hands on exhibits and some amazing things (etch-a-sketch of Michael Jackson). You can easily spend 2, 3 or 4 hours in the museum. You will enjoy it.

I honestly think this is the best museum this whole area has. There stuff for everyone and the history covers more than just the city of Springfield. The Rolls Royce in this museum are beautiful very rare. There a lot of history on manufacturing as Springfield was consider to be the manufacturing center of New England.

my wife and I joined the museums so that we could enjoy all of the happenings at reduced prices and now we also have a way of being told when these things are happening with the mailings we receive. There seems to be something going on all the time. the times we have spent there going from room to room have really been educational. and the displays are done beautifully and clean.

A wonderful and educational experience for people of all ages. One price admission gives you access to 5 museums including children and adults.
Dr, Seuss is a wonderful interactive museum for children and a hoot for adults who grew up with the characters.
The Indian Motorcycle museum is filled with lots of airplane engines, bicycles and, of course, motorcycles. There is also a lot of other exhibits commemorating the history of Springfield.
The Art Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts have phenomenal exhibits including the gold exhibit (unique items encased or decorated in gold), Monet paintings, 17th century statues, Chinese war helmets and, so much more. The science museum has a huge T-Rex as well as other dinosaurs.
Amazing complex to spend a day. There is a museum store, decent prices. Parking may be difficult since the two small lots fill up fast, parking is free. Highly recommend.

My wife and I brought our 4 year old to the museums. She absolutely loved it. The fossil collection was her favorite. And she loved the animals

The science museum was small, but entertaining. My 16 month old especially loved the Clifford play room and the African animals. Definitely small and scattered though. Worth checking out if you're there for the other museums as well. The 25 dollars to get into all the museums isn't bad at all. The gift shop that's for all the museums isn't kid friendly and we were yelled at for having our son touch a toy. Also note that only 12 people are allowed in the shop at all time.

A 90 year old friend ,who is still a life long learner, was thrilled to visit the Springfield
Museums. We were able to visit Dr.Suess Museum, Dr. Suess Sculpture Garden, the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, and we closed the Springfield Science Museum!
There is a small cafe on the grounds where we ate a light lunch.
Free parking is on the property and across the street.
Elevators and restrooms were available in the Museums.
Next year our plan is to return with another friend to see the Smith Art Museum and the
Museum of Springfield History.
Our local library has a 4 person Free Pass to the Springfield Museums...
Sign up ahead. Pick up the Pass the day before the visit. Return the Pass the day after the visit. Amazing!

I attended this pre-arranged first grade field trip with 78 children and 11 other adults. We where divider into smaller group. It was Awesome!

An amazing set of museums and worth an entire day to see. The art museums are great. Dr. Suess exhibit and garden are outstanding and the History museum is fantastic.

Interesting Historical museum across the street and then two art museums and a science museum and library all situated in this quadrangle which houses the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden

With a diverse number of museums in close proximity, this quad of museums is a unque and mind broadening experience for our area.

First of all, I must share that I grew up in the west and am a good shot! I made up my mind years ago, that IF I TRULY feel my life and safety are threatened, I will use my gun to save myself! Anyway, that being said, on our recent trip "back east" we added a stop at the Springfield Museum in Springfield, MA. Perhaps because of the time of year we visited, we pretty much had the museum to ourselves and spent leisurely time seeing it all. My very favorite part was the exhibit showing rifles that had been used during several wars which actually had a bullet embedded in them! Truly amazing! These dated back over several wars--made me think of the men who were using them and wondered what they thought when they saw how their gun actually had "taken a bullet" for them!

I arrived on foot, having come from the Springfield Armory up the road. There are signs warning those entering on foot that they must check in at the welcome center, but there is no indication where that welcome center actually is. I tried going into one of the museums (since I had already bought a ticket online), but a rather rude guard told me I'd have to visit the welcome center first. Again, there was no signage for where that welcome center was. It turns out that the primary entrance is by a parking lot at the opposite side of the complex. They should at the very least have the route there from other possible entrances clearly signed. They don't seem very welcoming at all to pedestrian visitors, though.

Once I finally did find the "official" entrance, my visit to the museums was very nice. The complex includes several different co-ticketed museums. The most famous is the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss and its associated sculpture garden. These were interesting, but would not alone have been worth the trip. What I found far more interesting was the museum of Springfield history, a barely visited place on the opposite side of the parking lot. They have a huge collection of exhibits that do an excellent job of explaining all aspects of local history. I also very much enjoyed the science museum.

The fours museums and structures are located around a beautiful quadrangle. One fairly reasonable admission price for all the museums. Give yourself plenty of time for there is a lot to see. The Science Museum has dinosaur skeletons, Native American and African artifacts along with stuffed animal displays. The Museum of Fine Arts has works representing all periods of Art History. The Museum of Springfield History features Indian Motorcycles, firearms by Smith and Weston and displays of Springfield business history. A single collector museum houses painting, Asian & Islamic art. There is also a Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden.

Love coming to see the different exhibits. There is many things for my family and I to do. Always a good day when we go.

It was just not my day. After driving two hours to get to the Springfield Museums I entered the welcome center in urgent need of a restroom. Seeing the line for tickets was long, I asked to use the restroom before getting my ticket. "The restrooms are for patrons only," said she who was guarding the entrance. I tried to explain that I'd be a patron in about five minutes but to no avail. "The restrooms are for patrons only," she intoned repeatedly, and added "I don't want any trouble." Fortunately the line had abated by that time, I got my wrist band and calamity was avoided.

A little while later I stopped by the remote branch of the Blake House cafe in the fine arts museum for a chocolate chip cookie and a decaf coffee. The cookie they had, the decaf they didn't, so I said I'd just go over to the main cafe. But alas the lady behind the counter said they didn't have decaf at the main restaurant, either, and added somewhat unhelpfully that they did have flavored coffees though, just not any decaf. Really?

I've been to the Springfield Museums several times before. They are not bad but not my favorites, I'd give the whole lot about 3-4 stars on a normal day. This time I'd come for a couple of exhibitions but it was also Dr. Seuss's birthday celebration. I figured that wouldn't be a problem because all the Dr. Seuss stuff was in another building. Wrong again! Kids all over the place made it hard to see and concentrate on what I came for. But I don't blame the kids or the museum for that, it was just not my day.

It was great fun visiting this museum complex. there is so much to see. The Seuss museum was fun, of course.
I especially liked the art museums. There was a wonderful range of exhibits.
The George Walter Vincent Smith Museum was my favorite. What an amazing collection of Japanese art and weaponry, all with good historical explanations, and I was entranced by the American Paintings Salon.
The Blake Court was my favorite gallery at the D'Amour Museum.
The Springfield History Museum is also very nice, but we where running out of time and had to rush a little.
So much to see!

Parts of the museums were as I remembered them butth ere were many additional exhibits. The museum was clean and had interesting geological, planetary, nature and wildlife, exhibits. The problem was that although given a map, I had difficulty figuring how to get from one floor to another. There were no signs indicating what direction to go to get to a particular exhibit. That would have been very helpful to get around. If you are not a member then the charge is $12 for entrance. A few well-behaved children were in attendance that day also. No problem.

We had no idea this museum was actually 4 museums ! We intended only to see the Dr Seuss one, but ended up walking through all of them, as each had something fun for the kids !

Fun for the whole family. A lot to see. Dinosaur exhibit was awesome. And the history of springfield was very fascinating. Something for everyone to do

I was with a middle/high school teacher group with like minds. We enjoyed the history and art museums the best.

This past Sunday I went with my wife, 3 kids (ages 2, 5, and 7) and my parents for a day trip to the Springfield Museums. I have lived about an hour away for 10 years and was unfamiliar with them. I was looking for a fun family activity to get us out of the house and we had such a terrific day! The museums are just off I-91 and there was easy free parking adjacent. The offerings are really nice and diverse- the Dr. Seuss Museum, a natural history museum, two art museums, and a history museum. The museums are large enough to be able to explore and feel substantial, but small enough to not be overwhelming. The staff was friendly and helpful. We planned to cover everything, but only managed to cover two of the museums before we called it a day! It was not crowded at all when we went, which made it great for the kids to be able to see and interact with whatever they wanted. The easy parking made it convenient for us to take a break, have lunch off site, and return for more fun. We definitely plan to return! Please note the Dr. Seuss museum has timed tickets, so you may want to purchase them online in advance. Also, if you're a Bank of America customer, the museums participate in the Museums on Us program where the first weekend of the month, B of A customers can get free admission.

This place has every kind of museum there is AND the Dr. Seuss museum and sculpture garden. Science museum has a nice, small planetarium. Lovely gift shop. Great place for children, too.

This is a lovely complex of museums. There was a Science Museum, Natural History Museum, Fine Arts Museum, History Museum and Dr. Seuss Museum. The museums are not very large but the exhibits have been well chosen. The galleries make a rectangle on each floor making it easy to see everything. The Dr. Seuss Museum had interactive exhibits on the first floor for children and the second floor was a museum of items from Theodor Geissel's life.
The Fine Arts museum had some lovely European art as well as several pieces of Impressionist art by Monet, Degas, Pissaro and Renoir.
The History Museum had nice exhibit of the history of bicycles, cars and motorcycles.
There was a nice little cafe for a quick lunch.
Masks are required everywhere, indoors and out and everyone complied.

Decent admission prices and lots to see! I love taking my kids to the Natural History Museum! We especially enjoyed the Dr. Seuss Exhibit.

The Dr Seuss museum has been on our to-do list of things to see for a while now. So, we decided to do the 1.5 hr drive out to Springfield and check it out. As you've probably already found out, it's not just the Dr Seuss Museum, but five museums including two art museums, a science museum, the museum of Springfield history and the Dr Seuss museum.

The museum 'campus' is a tree shaded grass quadrangle surrounded by the museum buildings and the Springfield public library. The quadrangle contains the life size Dr Seuss bronze character statue exhibit (including Dr Seuss himself). This is the exhibit that I think initially attracts people to the museums. These are fun to look and take in all the detail.

As far as the museums themselves go..

The Science museum reminded me more of an abbreviated version of the Boston Science museum with a nature exhibit (taxidermy animal dioramas), small dinosaur exhibit, space/planetary exhibit. We did not go to the planetarium show so can't comment on that. I'm sure it's fine though.

The art museums were very good as well. Again, pared down version of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. Some great stuff, just less of it than a larger museum. One museum building is mostly framed art while the other museum building is more artifacts from antiquity (particularly Asia and the middle east). Again, good exhibit.

The Dr Seuss museum is the big draw. The tours are hourly to control the crowds as it's in a big old (large) house. The tour is self guided. As you move from room to room they're painted with the colors/themes of the Dr Seuss books. Most walls have Dr Seuss themed murals of various scenes from the books. The theming is very well done. The ground floor and basement are mostly for the kids and is basically a big playhouse and activity center as opposed to a museum. The second floor is more museum like in that the rooms contain actual artifacts from Dr Seuss's life (like his drawing table) and a room or two of family correspondence. There is also an exhibit in one room that explains how the statues in the quadrangle were made.

I personally felt the Dr Seuss museum was a little underwhelming. When I compare this museum to say the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco I would prefered the museum be less like a playground and more of an education on Dr Seuss's life and works (including the his work in television etc). At the same time, I understand the museum must be entertaining for kids. It's Dr Seuss after all.

My favorite museum by far was the Museum of Springfield History. This museum is not in the quadrangle but across the street next to the secondary parking lot. This museum was housed in a beautiful brick building and contained a collection of antique cars, Indian Motorcycles and an amazing collection of Smith and Wesson firearms. It was exceptionally clean and well maintained.

Otherwise there is a great gift shop with some pretty quality items for sale. There is also a cafe on site too, but was not really equipped to handle the museum crowds. it served cold sandwiches for the most part (although I did not read the entire menu) and it was a 45 minute wait for a sandwich (and the place wasn't all that crowded).

There are two main parking lots (free parking) as well as some street parking. We visited on a Saturday, arriving about 11:00am, and got one of the two last parking spots in the secondary lot (right across the street from the museum main lot). Neither lot is very big. The lots seemed fairly full most of the time we were there.

The ticket prices were reasonable and you can save a couple dollars off of each ticket with a AAA discount. The staff was very friendly and all the facilities clean and well maintained.

Any one of these museums by themselves probably could not compete with their larger city counterparts (that's not a knock, just an observation). But, given the variety and quality of the package in it's entirety (free parking, 5 different museums, cafe, gift shop, uniqueness of the museums), this is definitely worth checking out and also worthy of high marks. I would highly recommend the Springfield Museums

I really wasn't sure what to expect and imagine my surprise when we arrived and I noticed there are 5 separate museums around a courtyard. We've never parked in one place and been able to five museums in the same spot. Each museum was well organized, well done, and had an easy flow.

Your first stop will be at the Springfield Science Museum that also has the welcome center where you purchase your tickets. Here you will find natural science, anthropology, and physical science exhibits.

Then you have the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum which has Japanese, Chinese, American 19th century, Italian, Greek and Roman Art. After that we went to the Michele & Donald D-Amour Museum of Fine Arts. There were five closed exhibits here but we still saw American, Asian, and European paintings.

Next we stopped at the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. It covered the history of the Connecticut River Valley starting with the Hasbro Gameland for kids of all ages. This really brought back good memories of my childhood seeing the the Hasbro toys. They also had many Indian motorcycles, automobiles, and firearm collections.

Last, but not least, was the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum and sculpture garden. I thought this place was so much fun I felt like a kid again. The second floor has even recreated Theodor Geisel's (Dr. Seuss) studio and living room with the things he actually had in his house. In the center of all 5 museums is a Dr. Seuss sculpture garden.

Be sure to check their website for special events that may be going on on the day you are planning to be there or you can plan your visit around a certain special event.

Fantastic day trip, many different exhibits including Dr Suess. Small cafe offers tasty treats at a fair price for lunch.

There are four museums in what’s called the quadrangle, but I only visited the Science Museum, which was very basic and not particularly modern. There were certainly some interesting things to see, but for the most part, a quick walk through seemed sufficient. If you’re in town for another reason and have some time to kill, you could do worse, but the value proposition only adds up if you visit more than one museum because the admission price isn’t inexpensive. For that reason, it was a little disappointing to see there were exhibits that required an extra charge (for example, a Curious George exhibit at the time of my visit).

The Dr. Seuss exhibit had many fun things to do such as lego building, letter tracing, and fun arts and crafts! Because I was traveling with teens, however, the activities seemed a little uninteresting to them. Even though the museum's target audience are kids, we all wished it had more activities for all ages. Furthermore, the whole exhibit had a very pungent and unpleasant smell to it which made enjoying the different exhibits quite difficult. The sculpture garden was beautiful, but we could not walk on it for the metal was extremely hot. This was unfortunate, mainly because the sculpture artist who designed the garden meant for it to be walked on.

We were in the sculpture gardens at 9am and they closed the museums before we were finished for the day. Very informative and plenty to see, laid out in easy-to-wander “pattern”. Dr Seuss Museum has changed a bit since the last time we came (in a bigger building now and has much more interactive area). Definitely a great way to spend the day.

You would never know that there are five museums in one complex, right in the heart of downtown Springfield. Exhibits are top rate, and it's an easy one day adventure!! Some very nice restaurants downtown, after you build up a hunger!!

We took a day trip here..explored the Dr. Seuss Museum and since we had toddlers with us, went to the Natural HIstory Museum and the Art one, but only to the kid exhibits (the Fairy Tail Land and the Chagall for kids). Adults with older kids or on their own can get a lot more out of each of these museums.

The Seuss museum was great for the kids, but personally I wish I could have ditched the kid to explore the upstairs on my own. There was a lot of interesting info about Dr. Seuss (ted) himself and I wanted to read, but was difficult to do with a toddler pulling at your side.

We brought our own food and had a picnic on the grounds.
There were signs about no backpacks allowed, but this was fortunately not enforced since we had diaper bags and such with us for the toddlers.

Also a bonus- at least in the history museum- there was a changing table in both the men and women's bathrooms!

The Dr Seuss museum was the draw to come over to Springfield but there were several different museums to appeal to everyone in your group. The outdoor sculptures are all great too.

After reading so many great reviews one would think it's a great museum. Nothing can be further from the truth. They have 5 museums in one. The art museum has a very, very small collection on display although the building itself is impressive. The Dr Seuss museum is nice for kids but after visiting it we decided to skip the rest of them.

There are five museums plus a sculpture garden that make of the Springfield Museums. They cover science, art and local history. People of all ages can find interesting, entertaining things here. People could easily spend a whole day exploring the Springfield Museums.

We have visited the Springfield Museums many times. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit these museums frequently, which has been quite nice. There always has been something for everyone and something new, with two Art Museums, a History Museum, a Science Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum. We are very glad that the Massachusetts Travel Restrictions have been lifted, effective March 22nd, and non-residents could enter into the museums without having to meet special requirements, in addition to wearing masks and social-distancing.

The way this write-up is structured is that I provide some General Information about our visits to the museum first, then I talk about some of the Special Events/Exhibits and then finally about the Permanent Exhibits.

General Information about our Visits to the Museums:

Both the permanent and changing special exhibits within the Springfield Museums have been all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. The write-ups throughout the museums include nice overviews together with detailed descriptions of each item on display, all being quite informative.

The Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden in the quadrangle outside, is always nice to see and take pictures of. In addition, don’t miss the beautiful flowers and gardens that are on display throughout the well-maintained museum grounds during the warmer months

Free parking with three large lots convenient to the museum (including one on State Street), the Museum Gift Shop, and the nearby Red Rose Pizza Restaurant, have all made our visits quite nice.. We recommend the Springfield Museums and hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have. .

All the Springfield Museums are definitely worth visiting, It may take multiple trips to see them all, which has been the case for us!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

Special Events/Exhibits:

‘The Festival of Flowers’:

We attended the 'FESTIVAL OF FLOWERES' at the Springfield Museums on Friday, April 9th.
A very nice assortment of different types of floral arrangements were on display at this event in the Blake Court and Modern and Contemporary Galleries in the D’Amour Museum of Art as well as in the Classical Cast Gallery and American Paintings Gallery in the George Walter Vincent Art Museum. This was definitely an impressive exhibit of creativity! All arrangements had very interesting stories about them.

The information on the Western Massachusetts Master Gardener Association was quite helpful, including the write-ups and pamphlets about Growing Herbs; the timeline for herbs; and the Growing Tips for easy herbs and preserving herbs; as well as how to use herbs. Also the information on planting pollinator friendly gardens, including planning your pollinator garden, creatures that pollinate and selecting the best plants was all very educational. In addition, the representative answering questions was very friendly and helpful.

We only wish that this event/exhibit lasted longer than April 8th – April 11th because it was quite impressive. .

‘How People Make Things’:
:
‘How People Make Things’ tells the story about the people, the manufacturing processes and the technology used to make everyday objects. The exhibit is geared towards children but has some good information around the process of making things, including historical context, which was quite interesting and educational. Multiple ‘Springfield Firsts’ were depicted addressing such subjects as Expanding Worldwide, Genius, Ingenuity and Made in the Valley, providing a nice perspective on the products made in Springfield and their inventors. Such manufacturing processes as cutting, molding, deforming, assembling and recycling were defined and nicely illustrated through games and other hands-on interactive activities. However, I wouldn’t think these hands-on activities would be entirely safe, due to the pandemic, from my perspective. But there was hand-sanitizer available to minimize the risk of issues. The exhibit is relatively small and we were at the exhibit for about a half hour, however, not really trying the hands-on activities. So if you did the hands-on activities it may take longer. There were also additional activities outside the main exhibit hall.

The ’Outwin: American Portraiture Today’ Special Exhibit definitely addresses current political and social context providing interesting and unique perspectives on some of today’s most pressing issues through various types of paintings produced in a wide range of different media.

The ‘Hall of Heroes’ is definitely nostalgic and provides interesting historical details and is quite educational. This exhibit is very good for families with children.

The ‘This is Us: Regional Portraiture Today’ Special Exhibit is quite nice with each painting having a story about it that made it rather interesting. The exhibit definitely highlights the rich artistic talent of our region and represents diverse viewpoints produced in a wide range of media. However, this exhibit is only one corridor of paintings. We wished that there was more to see in this exhibit.

Some of the Special Exhibits that we really enjoyed in the past include: ‘Two Lives, One Passion’: Works of William Jurian Kaula and Lee Lufkin Kaula’;; ‘Van Gogh for Everyone’; ‘Luster: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting’; and .’Gingerbread in Wonderland’. The current Special Exhibits cover a wide range of different topics. However, we tend to prefer more traditional landscape and floral paintings as well as exhibits involving interesting cars, motorcycles, dogs and dinosaurs, than what is on display in the current Special Exhibits.

Permanent Exhibits:

The new renovated entrance to the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is quite impressive and integrates well with the Springfield Library. We enjoy touring the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, which has an amazing and extraordinary collection of various types of art including Japanese arms and armor; Japanese Decorative Art,, including ceramics and bronzes; one of the largest collections of Chinese cloisonné outside of Asia; Chinese jade and ceramics; a salon of beautiful American paintings; a large gallery of plaster cast sculptures; a gallery with Art of the Islamic World and items from a Grande Tour of Italy. The staff member at the front desk of this museum has been very friendly and helpful, and has provided some interesting details about the museum’s founder, including some historic pictures. This museum is definitely worth a visit!!

The permanent exhibits in the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, include a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries. This is comprised of American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries. I especially like the Impressionist art gallery within this museum.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum is nicely done and could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. However, there is also some very interesting historical information on Springfield in the first room on the left as you enter the museum. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, is good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor has multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display.

There is much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. The Science Museum has permanent dinosaur exhibits, a nice aquarium downstairs, very informative rock and mineral exhibits and interesting shows in the Seymour Planetarium on the ‘Night Sky’ as well as ‘Oceans in Space’. However, the Planetarium is currently closed, but will re-open after Covid-19 Capacity Restrictions are lifted with some changes planned that we are anxious to see. There are also multiple galleries in the History Museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history.

Again, we recommend a visit to the Springfield Museums. As you could see, there is definitely a lot to see!!

My husband and I were here in Springfield for the weekend with another couple. The guys had a convention to go to so my friend and I left the Sheraton for probably and 5 minute walk. OMG! We didn't have enough time to see everything. We are definitely are going back. I am getting a season pass for my niece and her family for Christmas. She will love it!

We visited the Springfield Museums multiple times in November and December of 2018. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit them frequently, which has been quite nice. There always has been something for everyone and something new, with two art museums, a history museum, a science museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum. The permanent galleries change in terms of pieces being rotated in and out of them on an on-going basis, making each of our visits to the museum different. Both the permanent and changing special exhibits have been all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. The write-ups throughout the museums included nice overviews together with detailed descriptions of each item on display, all being quite informative.

During our recent visits we focused on the special exhibits, spending about an hour or so each visit. based on the amount of time available to us. However, all of the museums could be seen during a single visit, but it may take several hours, probably at least four to five hours to absorb and appreciate them all. Free parking with two large lots convenient to the museum, the Museum Gift Shop, the Blake House Café located on the grounds, and the nearby Red Rose Pizza Restaurant, have all made our visits quite nice. We recommend the Springfield Museums and we hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have.

Special Exhibits:

The special exhibit on the Gingerbread House competition, ‘Gingerbread: The Pop Culture Edition’ in the Science Museum was quite impressive, with very elaborately decorated Gingerbread houses, featuring Gingerbread Houses along the Pop Culture theme. Putting together these Gingerbread houses involved an amazing amount of creative talent, patience and dedication! This exhibit was definitely worth seeing.

Isabel Bishop’s ‘Working Women Defying Convention’, which was in the Fine Art Museum, was very interesting and unique with historical, cultural and social impact. The exhibit portrayed ordinary people in an ordinary manner, focusing on the important roles working women played in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, which was a nice tribute to these women. The exhibit illustrated the variety of artistic media and techniques she used for her artwork, such as etchings, aquatints, drawings, sketches, copperplates, sketchbooks and paintings. Bishop’s paintings and etchings depicted her love of city life, capturing women at the lunch counter or on the park bench or illustrating the element of movement by female commuters in subways, buses, street cars or train cars being what she called strap hangers because they held onto short straps or chrome rings. Her artwork helped to portray New York’s Union Square’s connection to the world. Through Bishop’s walking figure studies in the 1960’s – 1980’s she used the technique called ‘deep frieze’, integrating multiple points of view through patterns moving through space, illustrating a crowd of people in motion to be magical!! This exhibit illustrated multiple interesting aspects of Isabel Bishop’s artwork and career and was nicely done.

A related exhibit was the ‘Taking Care of Business’ The Influence of – Women, Work and their Impact’ in the history museum. This exhibit chronologically illustrated a century of change in the work place for Springfield women, including their influence and impact. This was a very comprehensive exhibit, addressing multiple facets and fields of the work that these women did, which was a nice tribute to them.

Other special exhibits in the Fine Arts museum included the ‘Icons of American Culture’ with costumes, accessories and other artifacts from the Smithsonian worn or used in sports or in entertainment, by American icons, including Superman, the Lion King and much more. Each object told a unique story, showing how pop culture influenced our lives now and in the past. This exhibit was very nicely done, but we only wish that there were more of these very special artifacts on display.

In addition, there was the ‘Framing the 1930s – Architectural Photography’ which illustrated how renowned artists used the power of photography to influence the way that we see and interpret our surroundings through the qualities of architecture and the environment. Also, Thomas Hart Benton’s artwork from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston was on display. All the art in the Fine Arts Museum had historical, cultural and social impact and was quite interesting and unique. It was nice to see all these different exhibits throughout the museums

There were several special exhibits currently on display, more than what I mention here, and new ones frequently come out. There were even some that we have not had the opportunity to see yet but would like to see, including ‘The Baby’s Biography: Theodor Seuss Geisel’, which was in the Dr. Seuss Museum and featured the book in which Henrietta “Nettie” Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss’s mother, recorded the childhood milestones of her son, Ted Geisel. This will definitely be nice to see.

In addition, in January there will be a new exhibit in the Science Museum on ‘Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas’ that we plan to attend to learn about the findings based on new research in this topic on Dinosaurs. We look forward to seeing and enjoying this new exhibit!!

Permanent Exhibits:

While in the Fine Arts Museum, we viewed the remaining parts of the museum. This included a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries. This was comprised of American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries.

Although we did not have time to go to the Dr. Seuss Museum during the time of our recent visits, we have gone to it multiple times in previous visits and it was worth seeing. The new Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum was nicely done and could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, was good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor had multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display.

There was much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. This included the other art museum, the science museum, with a nice aquarium downstairs and dinosaur exhibits, the multiple galleries in the history museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history. All these museums are definitely worth visiting, but it may take multiple trips to see them all!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

Not only are adults amazed by the many inventions/ideas, etc. that came from Springfield Massachusetts but the kids will love the Dr. Seuss exhibit. It was well worth the visit!

This place consists of several buildings plus some Dr. Seuss sculptures outside. There is lots to see and some very good temporary exhibitions which are always changing. Lots of local history but it is done in a way that is interesting to anyone even if you are not familiar with the event. When we were there, there were motorcycles on display as well as an exhibition of drawings of Currier and Ives. We want to go back next year.

In 1977 I worked in the Education Department of the Springfield MFA (now the Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts under CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act). Different times indeed. There was no Seuss Museum or Seuss sculptures. One of the buildings was the Connecticut Valley Historical Society. The plaster casts in the GWV Smith Art Museum were freshly restored and displayed.

Had spare time before a wedding so we thought we'd look around. So many of the changes are just excellent. But I was profoundly disappointed to find the atmosphere inside the art museums changed. The guard's attitudes ranged from indifferent to surly. The buildings felt empty, almost abandoned. The art looked good and there were many fine acquisitions I enjoyed seeing. But it just seemed like having made everything look really nice, nobody cared about what might happen next.

Certainly they don't care about the visitor experience. Back then, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) had just been enacted. I was assigned the task of determining what that might mean for the MFA. I heard things like "This museum can never be made handicapped accessible," stuff like that. Well someone made it accessible and handsomely so. But that's only a matter of getting through the doors.

When I started reading object labels there were two obvious problems. One was the content. They were completely snooze-worthy, utterly deadly boring. "Here," they seemed to say, "Stand still and listen obediently while we tell you facts that we deem to be of the utmost importance." Doesn't seem like anyone there has EVER been to a label-writing workshop at a American Alliance of Museums conference or even thought for five minutes about what a label should or could do.

Then there was the accessibility problem. The font was small to allow all that deadly content to fit on small cardstock. Tiny font by itself is a transgression of ADA rules because people with impaired vision--me for instance with my old eyes and thick-lensed glasses--can't read them. Then the exhibition designer or curator or some moron chose to use a sort of speckled or mottled background which made them that much harder to read. Camouflage the text? That's a new way of expressing disdain for the idea that there should be labels at all.

We walked all the galleries but when we left I felt profoundly disappointed.

Of course I wanted to see two works in particular. The Chardin still life was there and as glorious as every. The 19th century galleries, however, were closed off and I could just catch a glimpse of the Gericault madman obliquely through a doorway. Sigh.... Those two paintings are not only my favorite works at the MFA--they are two of my favorite works period.

The GWV Smith seemed empty. The Japanese arms and armor gallery was so dark objects were hardly visible. There was a total absence of useful interpretive labels. If some kind of ongoing project is underway, a sign saying "Excuse our dust but we are in the process of rearranging and redecorating" would go a long way. Upstairs, with the ceramics and cloisonne and 19th century paintings was much better, I am glad to say.

We didn't go in the Science Museum or the Seuss building but imagine that those kids were all having a grand time. Sadly, though, the bronze Seuss sculptures on the Quad, installed there around 2002--and it is a marvelous ensemble--were roped off. No touching, no climbing. My husband notice that the fine print said the metal was too hot and I agree,. that poses a real hazard to tots. But surely there is a way to rope them off and make the signs have a jollier, nicer tone or expression. Besides, the potential for all that bronze to represent a burn hazard is very really. Why the museums and the artist didn't think that through is beyond me.

So I left feeling really disappointed. Is three stars too harsh a judgment? Maybe. Maybe I really should give it four stars. But if I were still a museum educator or connected to the museum biz and involved in accreditation, I would raise these issues. Forcefully.

The complex has free parking. There are 5 museums and the public library in the complex. The five museums include the Dr. Seuss Museum and Sculpture Garden, 2 art museums, a science museum, and (across the street) the Springfield History Museum. You pay one reasonable fee for all the museums in the visitor's center. There is a restaurant next to the parking lot and the complex has a gift shop in the science museum (which also houses the visitor's center). You may come and go all day to any and all of the museums. COVID-19: Employees were masked and visitors were expected to be masked and practice social distancing.

Museums have much variety. Good activity for all ages. Space, aquatic, art modern day and past, animal statues.

We visited on a Saturday morning. Loved the Dr, Seuss house, so happy!!! Learned a lot in the Springfield history museum; who knew Rolls Royce cars were built here? And thoroughly enjoyed a very quiet time in both fine art museums, which were nearly empty. Well worth a visit! And parking is free.

For the price of 1650 each for a senior ticket we got to see 5 very good Museum.
the Dr. Seuss Museum is especially geared for children.

We really enjoyed the Dr Suess Museum. It is cleverly curated and great fun. The history museum was interesting and well laid-out. The art museums had decent art but were presented in a manner that made them rather dull. The Natural History museum had an interesting collection that was nicely displayed. A very good cafe is on the property.

My husband and I visited the Springfield Museums many times, most recently on Wednesday, July 21st, 2021. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit these museums frequently, which has been quite nice. There always has been something for everyone and something new, with two Art Museums, a History Museum, a Science Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum

This time we really enjoyed the Special Exhibit ‘Capturing Our Works: Works by the Springfield Photographic Society’. Although this exhibit is only in one corridor of the D’Amour Fine Arts Museum it very nicely illustrates three approaches to navigating the world in which all of us live, including – ‘What We Do, Where We Go and What We Seek’ – offering windows through which to contemplate images through beautiful, impressive photography. We only wish that this exhibit was larger. We also visited multiple other Specials Exhibits which are described below in the Special Exhibit Section. Unfortautely, we were a bit disappointed in the current larger Special Exhibits..

We look forward to having the opportunity to visit again to see the newly renovated Planetarium, with its modern digital presentations in an afternoon sometime soon. Unfortautely we were unable to go to a show this time. Daily shows are currently scheduled for:

• 1:00 PM - (‘Magic Sky’);
• 2:00 PM - (‘Mystery of the Disappearing Dinosaurs’); and
• 3:00 PM - (‘Splendors of the Summer Sky’).

We think ‘Splendors of the Summer Sky’ would be the best for us. We just wish there were morning shows.
.
One thing to note is that when we arrived about 10:00 AM, the main parking lot was about half full. When we were leaving about 11:00 AM, that parking lot was totally full and the overflow parking lot across the street on Edwards Street almost full. The only thing is we didn’t see too many people in the exhibits that we went to during our time at the museum. So something must of been going on at the museums. Just in case you can’t find a place to park, please note that the museum offers free parking in their two lots on Edwards Street, as well as their lot on State Street across from the City Library.

The way the remainder of this write-up is organized is that I provide some General Information about our visits to the museum first, then I talk about some of the Special Exhibits and then finally about the Permanent Collections..

General Information about our Visits to the Museums:

Both the permanent and changing Special Exhibits within the Springfield Museums have been usually all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. The write-ups throughout the museums include nice overviews together with detailed descriptions of each item on display, all being quite informative.

The Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden in the quadrangle outside, is always nice to see and take pictures of. In addition, don’t miss the beautiful flowers and gardens that are on display throughout the well-maintained museum grounds during the warmer months. They were beautiful during our visit.

Free parking with three large lots convenient to the museum (including one on State Street), the Museum Gift Shop, and the nearby Red Rose Pizza Restaurant, have all made our visits quite nice.. We recommend the Springfield Museums and hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have. .

All the Springfield Museums are definitely worth visiting, It may take multiple trips to see them all, which has been the case for us!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

Special Events/Exhibits:

‘Ai Weiwei: Tradition and Dissent’:

This exhibit, which is in the D’Mour Fine Arts Museum, is interesting, unique, educational and thought-provoking being a good lesson in Chinese art, history, culture and politics. The exhibit starts off with beautiful replicas of blue and white porcelain objects. Although these replicas are beautiful to see, based on the write-ups they cause you to consider the implications of borrowing, repurposing and replicating artistic traditions. The autist’s techniques question value and perception. The replicas are visually similar to the counterparts, in fact there are no recognizable differences between his pieces from the authentic pieces, but there is a monetary cultural value difference, which is brought to light in the exhibit. .

The background information on the Chinese Zodiac is quite interesting and the zodiac animals are also very vibrant and colorful. But beyond the first gallery of the exhibit you definitely need to read the write-ups to both appreciate the art and understand the meaning of it. It is not really very visually appealing otherwise. Based on this, we were a bit disappointed in this exhibit.

However, this art does show the artist’s creativity and very unique view of art, including a map advocating for free speech throughout China and through his incorporation of maps of China into various aspects of his practice. His jade handcuffs are a reminder of the physical constraint and trauma that he endured during his imprisonment. His marble surveillance cameras are a commentary on surveillance in society through its pervasive and permanent presence.

His porcelain practice questions the limits of the medium and pushes against it in order to move forward age old traditions of Chinese porcelain praxis including in his transformation of a snack food, sunflower seeds, and watermelon into works of art, demonstrating his interest in creating everyday forms with naturalistic accuracy. The art is definitely a critical look at the past to raise people’s consciousness on how we deal with our past and blurs the boundaries between art and activism. However, we definitely prefer his more traditional blue and white porcelain, which is much like the Chinese art in the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum of Art.

‘Constructing Poetry: Sculptural Work by Don Gummer’:

The Special Exhibit: ‘Constructing Poetry: Sculptural Work by Don Gummer’ was nicely laid-out in two galleries in the D’Mour Fine Arts Museum and with some works on the grounds outside. The write-ups gave some interesting details on the artist’s background and techniques, and how he approached his work having the discipline to start; using principles such as inherent logic, separation and togetherness and space in his artwork. What was interesting was how the artist re-contextualized natural materials like rocks and earth, positioning them within ordered steel frameworks, bringing unaltered stone into the realm of sculpture and a balance between manmade and natural elements. It was also interesting how he explored sculpture from an architectural viewpoint. Although this work is both very interesting and unique it is not our type of art.

‘Horn Man: The Life and Musical Legacy of Charles Neville’:

This exhibit was in one gallery in the Wood History Museum having his personal mementos, musical instruments, photographs and his music on display. It was definitely a nice tribute to Charles Neville’s life, career and musical legacy with a lot to read about his background. Unfortautely, we did not have the time to read it all during our visit. Although he faced addiction, criminality and violence, It was quite interesting how he used music to keep his spirit centered, gentle and kind. He exemplified courageous, peaceful resistance throughout his life, using music to touch diverse people and unite them in common humanity across racial divides. This along with the section on the New Orleans Musical Culture was quite interesting. . .

The Special Exhibit ‘Creative Power’ was definitely geared towards children and not an exhibit that could be enjoyed by both children and adults alike. We preferred the Special Exhibit: ‘How People Make Things’ which was on view a few months back, becasue it could be enjoyed by both children and adulats alike from our perspective.

In summary we were a bit disappointed in the larger Special Exhibits. They were not like Special Exhibits that we enjoyed during the summers in the past, such as: ‘Two Lives, One Passion’: Works of William Jurian Kaula and Lee Lufkin Kaula’; ‘Van Gogh for Everyone’; and ‘Luster: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting’. We tend to prefer more traditional landscape and floral paintings as well as exhibits involving interesting cars, motorcycles, dogs and dinosaurs, than what is on display in the current Special Exhibits. We preferred the art that was on display at the current Special Exhibits at the Clark Institute of Art and at the Norman Rockwell Museum during our recent visits to those museums.

Permanent Collections:

The newly renovated entrance to the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum is quite impressive and integrates well with the Springfield Library. We enjoy touring this Art Museum, which has an amazing and extraordinary collection of various types of art including Japanese arms and armor; Japanese Decorative Art,, including ceramics and bronzes; one of the largest collections of Chinese cloisonné outside of Asia; Chinese jade and ceramics; a salon of beautiful American paintings; a large gallery of plaster cast sculptures; a gallery with Art of the Islamic World and items from a Grande Tour of Italy. The staff member at the front desk of this museum has been very friendly and helpful, and has provided some interesting details about the museum’s founder, including some historic pictures. This museum is definitely worth a visit!!

The permanent exhibits in the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, include a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries. This is comprised of American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries. I especially like the Impressionist art gallery within this museum.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum is nicely done and could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. However, there is also some very interesting historical information on Springfield in the first room on the left as you enter the museum. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, is good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor has multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display.

There is much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. The Science Museum has permanent dinosaur exhibits, a nice aquarium downstairs, very informative rock and mineral exhibits and interesting shows in the Seymour Planetarium based on our past visits on the ‘Night Sky’ as well as ‘Oceans in Space’. We look forward to the opportunity to see the renovations and new digital shows in the planetarium. There are also multiple galleries in the History Museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history, even pictures of Forest Park before Route 91 was constructed. This time there were even new and impressive restored antique cars in the collection in the History Museum.

Again, we recommend a visit to the Springfield Museums. As you could see, there is definitely a lot to see!!

Come here a lot during hot summer days. Always have great displays and staff are very friendly. The restaurant in the first building has a nice selection of sandwiches so you don't have to leave the grounds to eat. Great for locals as well travelers.

There are 5 separate museums all close to each other, the most famous being The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum. The others are The Springfield Science Museum, The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, The Michele & Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Art, The Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History & The Dr. Seuss Museum.

Stopped here for the Dr. Seuss museum, but visited some of the others. Some really neat exhibits, with many related to the area. There was also a group of Indian Motorcycle owners there when we visited with their cycles, so that was a neat addition during our visit.

We have never seen the museums around the area so i figured we'd bring the kids. It was nice for kids.

We put this in our touring itinerary because of its association with Dr Seuss. There's an exhibition with original written and drawn items as well as representations of characters from his books. Outside there's a garden with character statues too.

We were reliving our memories of reading the Dr Seuss stories to our grandchildren. There were lots of children's groups visiting.
We did go around some of the other museum buildings too, which were good. Oh, there's also a cafe on site.

A good place for a family outing.

I took my grand babies here & we had a great time. We especially enjoyed the safari & dinosaur exhibits. FUN FUN FUN

5 museums with one entry fee. The Dr Suess building is a must see. The candy area across the street was really cute.

My guy friend and I are both retired military so the museums were free. Thank you Springfield! What’s not to love about Dr. Seuss! That was well worth the visit. The Springfield history section is one of the best. So many industries I didn’t know came from Springfield- Milton Bradley board game, Indian motorcycles, GeeBees airplanes, Smith and Wesson firearms and many other products - violins, rolls Royce’s. My favorite display was Friendly Ice Cream. We visited the Art museum, very impressive museum for a mid sized city. Loved the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden. Definitely recommend these museums when visiting Springfield. Thank you!

Took a "tank away" trip with my husband for Labor Day Weekend. Thinking we were only going to the Dr Seuss gardens, we were pleasantly surprised to see that the price of the ticket included multiple museums that immersed you in the history of the area.

Being a native of Massachusetts, I was shocked at how rich with history was the western area of Massachusetts.

Whether you are visiting Mass from another state or a local, I recommend a visit. You will be glad that you did.

The museums individually are small but all are worth visiting. This is a good way to kill an afternoon or part of a day if looking for something different.

This was the best part of our trip tp Springfield, and the new Casino. The only issue is locating places to eat the casino restaurants always booked up and the hotels the food is not the greatest.

The Quadrangle has a nice collection of old masters and impressionist works. As a modern painter, I am not impressed with their modern collection. It's definitely lacking.

There is not much in Springfield. However, this was a bright spot. I wish we could have stayed longer to see each museum. We were two adult and were not to interested in seeing the Seuss museum. We did visit it, but as one would expect, it was a zoo of fun loving kids, with their stressed out parents.

The art museum had a nice, small and intimate collection. We enjoyed it. Hey they even have works from some of the big guys like Picasso! So please do check them out.

There are four museums in what’s called the quadrangle, but I only visited the Science Museum, which was very basic and not particularly modern. There were certainly some interesting things to see, but for the most part, a quick walk through seemed sufficient. If you’re in town for another reason and have some time to kill, you could do worse, but the value proposition only adds up if you visit more than one museum because the admission price isn’t inexpensive. For that reason, it was a little disappointing to see there were exhibits that required an extra charge (for example, a Curious George exhibit at the time of my visit).

My sister and I met at this mid-way point and were pleasantly surprised with the options here. We started with the Seuss museum, more of a site for children, and then moved on to the art museum. After lunch we went to the art museum focused on Asian and Islamic art. This site was less well-marked but interesting none the less. It was a nice quad to find in the city center. Food at the cafe in the quad was convenient but not great.

I had my son and his friend. ages 8 years old . They had a very good time. We spent a good part of the day there.It was educational , amusing and fun.

The Science Museum is one of five. A visit to the museum was not on the agenda, the main museum was the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. The admission & gift are both located in this museum. Since I was early decided on a visit.

On three levels-basement, first & second floors-there maybe an upper floor- only had time for the basement & first floor. The basement contain exhibits of several aquariums, a small dinosaur exhibit, animals of the African plains/jungle, a mineral hall, life of present day African tribes, Native American artifacts, interactive life,-science exhibit & a planetarium.

My visit started in the basement with the aquarium of fish, coral, animal life that include a Riparian Zone, a Northeast Stream, Signs of Autumn, Winter, Spring & Summer, Wetlands, Atlantic Salmon, Pacy, GSAR & Mangrover.

The aquarium leads to the Tolman Dinosaur Hall. Here stands a 28 tall R-Rex-museum's largest dino- Coclophsis, skeleton of a Segosaurus, info about a Alamosaurus and where dinosaur were found in the state of Connecticut.

The R.P. Pholop African Hall contains present day animals. A animals are: antelope, lechwe, warthog, elephant, giraffe, Gem Bok, Spring Bush Antelope, Black Rhinoceros. From here I encountered information & a large wall photos about three tribes-the Ashant, Masai & Kung San.

This is where my visit ended, by now I was on the upper first floor level. Time spent was about two hours. I estimate a visitor could spend four hours if viewing all floors. The museum is a small version of Washington D.C.'s Natural History Museum.

The best space to park is where four different color flags fly. A suggest arriving shortly 9:00. By 11:00 the lot will be completely full.

All museums have the same time & admissions.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday. 10:00.-5:00.
Sunday 11:00-5:00.
Monday closed.
Admission. Adults $18.00.
Seniors $12.00 (60+).
College students with Id $9.00.
Ages 3-17 $9>50.

The museum is educational, interesting & historical. A visit is highly recommended.

A lovely range of experiences. We began at the Smith which has an eccentric but fun range of things . The we went to the D’Amour which has some truly fine art, some by famous people like Gaugin and others by a local artist name Harold Rabinowitz, which was brilliant.
The current exhibition of women’s art was excellent and while a bit preachy the art was so good I didn’t care if they were giving me a mini lecture
Charlie Hornstein a security guy was amazingly welcoming and always going out of his way to be helpful. Thanks

The Seuss gardens and sculpture was fun.
The we went to Nosh for a lovely lunch and came back and went to the history museum which was the perfect way to close the visit. It was small but the cars and the local displays were an absolute delight.

We had a great time

We stopped here with the main purpose of going to the Dr. Seuss Museum and were not disappointed. It was a nice and whimsical 1st floor with an environment of Dr. Seuss. I found the second floor more interesting as it told the and showed the life of Theodore Geisel with artifacts and letters written to members of his family. As an added bonus we forayed to the Springfield Museum of Fine Art. This was a pleasant surprise with the museum running the gamut of artwork ranging from the 1400’s to present including a Van Gogh exhibit. Unfortunately due to time constrictions, we did not have time to go to the other museums. However it might be worth the trip at a future time.

The Dr. Seuss museum is a definite. Our grandson loved the Thomas the Tank place in the science center. One price handles all. 2$ for the planetarium. The Dino’s need some work. The aquarium is very limited but informative. Lots of hands on activities which is great for the little ones.

The Museums of Springfield offer something for everyone. Whether you are looking for art, science, fun, history or just want to enjoy the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden,you can spend the whole week here! Definitely well worth the time and money for the trip! (sponsored)

This is NOT a must-see, not worth the drive when there are so many other great ones.
Also nothing much more worth seeing in the city.

We visited the Springfield Museums multiple times since the last time, three months ago, that I was able to post a new review on TripAdvisor for the museums. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit them frequently, which has been quite nice. There always has been something for everyone and something new, with two Art Museums, a History Museum, a Science Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum. This review provides an update on what we have seen at the museum during the past three months.

The permanent galleries change in terms of pieces being rotated in and out of them on an on-going basis, making each of our visits to the museum different. Both the permanent and changing special exhibits have been all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. The write-ups throughout the museums included nice overviews together with detailed descriptions of each item on display, all being quite informative.

During our recent visits we focused on the special exhibits as well as parts of the permanent exhibits, spending about two hours at each visit. based on the amount of time available to us. However, all of the museums could be seen during a single visit, but it may take several hours, probably at least four to five hours to absorb and appreciate them all.

Free parking with two large lots convenient to the museum, the Museum Gift Shop, the Blake House Café located on the grounds, and the nearby Red Rose Pizza Restaurant, have all made our visits quite nice. We recommend the Springfield Museums and we hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have.

Special Exhibits:

the “Toytopia” special exhibit in the History Museum could be enjoyed by both children as well as adults alike. It was like a walk back through time down memory lane. It provided a very good history of many different toys through actual well preserved toys and informative write-ups. Many of the toys were available to try out or play with, depending upon what was applicable.

The ‘Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas’ exhibit in the Science Museum was very interesting and quite educational. It illustrated different scientific approaches and discoveries associated with dinosaurs through informative interactive displays, simulations, and detailed write-ups.

The exhibit included new dinosaur discoveries based on the use of biomechanics, revealing such things as how quickly they really moved, how they supported their bodies and how they behaved. The research findings nicely illustrated that looks could deceive with the dinosaurs being destructive but not fast.

Designing Dinosaurs using knowledge gained from studying living animals, including what present day large animals have in common with dinosaurs, was well illustrated.

Informative details about multiple factors that impacted the extinction of dinosaurs were presented, including enormous asteroids, volcanoes, changes in sea level and climate change, with quite interesting information on the element Iridium, the K-T boundary and the cloud of dust that caused the loss of sunlight.

New discoveries based on the important fossil beds in the Liaoning Forest in China provided very good insight into how the ancient world became modern as well as the evolution of feathers with respect to dinosaurs and birds.

How our ability to look at fossils today has changed as technology has changed was addressed with details about supporting technologies, including CT Scans, models, computer simulation software, and scanning electronic microscopes, all quite interesting.

We recommend visiting this exhibit, including seeing it in combination with the ‘Mystery of the Disappearing Dinosaurs’ show in the Seymour Planetarium, which was also very interesting and informative, providing further supporting background on dinosaurs.

Isabel Bishop’s ‘Working Women Defying Convention’, which was in the Fine Art Museum, was very interesting and unique with historical, cultural and social impact. The exhibit portrayed ordinary people in an ordinary manner, focusing on the important roles working women played in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, which was a nice tribute to these women. The exhibit illustrated the variety of artistic media and techniques she used for her artwork, such as etchings, aquatints, drawings, sketches, copperplates, sketchbooks and paintings.

Bishop’s paintings and etchings depicted her love of city life, capturing women at the lunch counter or on the park bench or illustrating the element of movement by female commuters in subways, buses, street cars or train cars being what she called strap hangers because they held onto short straps or chrome rings. Her artwork helped to portray New York’s Union Square’s connection to the world. Through Bishop’s walking figure studies in the 1960’s – 1980’s she used the technique called ‘deep frieze’, integrating multiple points of view through patterns moving through space, illustrating a crowd of people in motion to be magical!! This exhibit illustrated multiple interesting aspects of Isabel Bishop’s artwork and career and was nicely done.

A related exhibit was the ‘Taking Care of Business’ The Influence of – Women, Work and their Impact’ in the History Museum. This exhibit chronologically illustrated a century of change in the work place for Springfield women, including their influence and impact. This was a very comprehensive exhibit, addressing multiple facets and fields of the work that these women did, which was a nice tribute to them.

In addition to the above, we also enjoyed some of the smaller special exhibits. This included: ‘Elemental: Contemporary Encaustic’ and ‘Dynamic Duos: Printmakers as Partners’ in the Fine Art Museum; ‘Charles Manthos and his Prototype Indian Motorcycle’ in the History Museum and the ‘The Baby’s Biography: Theodor Seuss Geisel’, in the Dr. Seuss Museum. The ‘Baby’s Biography’ featured the book in which Henrietta “Nettie” Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss’s mother, recorded the childhood milestones of her son, Ted Geisel. All these exhibits were both interesting and quite unique.

Permanent Exhibits:

The permanent exhibits in the Fine Arts Museum, included a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries. This was comprised of American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum was nicely done and could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The first floor was geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, was good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor had multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display. Also, don’t forget to see the actual sculpture garden in the triangle outside.

There was much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. This included the other Art Museum with extraordinary Chinese, Japanese and, Middle Eastern Art as well as a Salon with fine American Portraits. In addition, the Science Museum had additional permanent dinosaur exhibits, a nice aquarium downstairs, very informative rock and mineral exhibits and interesting shows in the Seymour Planetarium on the ‘Night Sky’ as well as ‘Oceans in Space’. There were also multiple galleries in the History Museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history.

All the Springfield Museums are definitely worth visiting, but it may take multiple trips to see them all!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

1 ticket gives you admission to 5 museums! All museums are walking distance from each other. I went to Dr Seuss, art and science museums. Those three plus the fine arts museum surround the Dr Seuss sculpture garden. The history museum is across the street. The Dr Seuss and Science museum is perfect for young kids with interactive activities. The arts museum was also cool because it had teenage mutant ninja turtle (TMNT) art and samurai arms display, which my 7 year old daughter who loves TMNT appreciated. Cool gift shop too.

My latest visit to Springfield came as a newspaper discovery while doing laundry! When I read of this fantastic display I decided I must travel 30 miles to Springfield. I did. My visit was awesome.

Before going know what you want to see. The buildings are divided by subject. Science, is first then art, then history. Without a plan you won't be able to see them all. You will need five to six hours or more.

This are actually several museums that your ticket price covers:

-Smith Art Museum: worth a visit, very cool architecture with Tiffany stain glass windows. Old Smith family house, lovely collection of curios and collectibles. Fun mostly for adults.

-Wood Museum of Springfield History: this was my favorite museum, full of cars, Indian motorcycles, planes and Springfield history. Fun for adults and kids.

-The world or Dr Seuss: lower level is interactive for kids with life size Seuss cartoon character sculptures. Kids will LOVE this. Upstairs, life and background of Ted (aka Dr Seuss). The personal letters in particular, I really enjoyed and unique.

-Natural History and Science Museum: this is an old style diorama of animals.

-D’Amor Fine Art Museum: did not visit.

We enjoyed a lovely afternoon strolling through the museums. It was surprisingly empty for a Sun afternoon.

Great museum! Such a wide variety of things to see that everyone is happy! We made a special trip here on the way to Boston. So glad we did!

This is a National Park site that is a little different. The ranger was incredibly friendly and met us well before we ever made it to the information desk. He provided just enough information (not too much, not to little) for our interest, but it was obvious he could have gone into much more detail had we asked.

There's a lot of history here and as we continued along our vacation, visiting many other military sites in the NPS system, it was really neat to see all of the connections to the Armory across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic. It is a bit odd in that it is situated on a community college campus.

Unusual collection of art, history, and science museums. High quality exhibits with something for everyone. I loved the Dr. Seuss sculptures on the quadrangle green. You can walk under the arches by Horton and be in the sculpture!

These museums have an exhibit for everyone...from oil paintings to antique cars. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

The kids were excited to go to this museum, but they did not honor reciprocal membership as was listed on a museum pass we had for our children. Not very kind about it either.

We were in town for the Big E and wanted to do something different on Sunday before we went home. what a great deal to see all museums.
Dr suess museum is a blast for children and the upstairs exhibits of suess' personal drawings, writings, photos shows what a sense of humor he had. The Science museum was three floors of wonderful exhibits, though alot of the interactive exhibits were not working.
The History museum was my favorite. The old guns, the cars, Indian motocycles.. so much to see.
we only had time to see one of the art museums but it was fabulous and it just so happened there was a traveling exhibit of my favorite artist, Salvador Dali.
And don't forget a photo op in the suess garden
I highly recommended a stop here. The staff was all very knowledgeable and helpful.

A lot of art work to see and other museums in same location that are great to see also plan to spend a few hours at least to see it all

There are 4 museums in a quadrangle: Science museum, Springfiled History Museum, one art museum and a museum of a personal art collection. Also, outside there are wonderful statues of Dr Seuss characters. We spent from 11:00am - 4:00pm, including having lunch at their cafe. We loved it. The Springfiled History Museum especially showed you the best of Springfield in it's prime.

Visited Springfield Museums and was very impressed with the collection and the staff !! Very good for younger children to explore their world, and the history of Springfield itself.

A great local quad or museums located within walking distance of the hotel. A great way to spend your afternoon.

There is so much to see in architecturally beautiful buildings. There's museums that appeal to all ages. Once you're done perusing the museums, you can't miss taking the time to see the Dr. Seuss garden.

The Springfield Museums offer a variety of classes throughout the year, for both adults and children. They offering courses such as potter, oil painting, toy making, and other science based courses as well. They offer everything from beginners to advanced, and the great thing is, that classes are offered year round at different times of the day including some Saturdays. If you are visiting the are you can look at the schedule in advance and see if you can fit in a class with your visit. If your from the area, you can appreciate the museums in a whole new light. The staff there is wonderful, as are all the instructors.

I have taken classes and all of my children have taken classes there at some point. Great way to introduce children to art and science.

I have been to the Springfield Museums more than once. There are several buildings you can walk through and they do not take long (nice if you have little ones). Different special exhibits each time you go. This time we went for the Gingerbread Exhibit (theme was Harry Potter). And another building had Ninja Turtle Exhibit.

the life size dinosaur is fun, the rest of the museum is kind of dark and sad. Not worth the high admission price unless you do the other museums with it.

You have to pay for entry to all five museums even if you only want to visit one or two of them. We had time on our hands so were able to wander around all five museums one morning. The Art & the Science Museums were vaguely interesting, the Museum of Springfield History was better, but we were really only here for the Amazing World of Dr Seuss which was fine but nothing special.

There is something for everyone here and is a remarkably good value because you can spend all day here.
The Museum of Science has a focus on dinosaurs, the African ecosystem, the local ecosystem, and space - it is very kid friendly.
The Art Museum has a few focuses - sculpture, 19th century painting, Asian, and Islamic art. Great that they had a kid activity and a moving diorama in the sculpture room. I think they can do more to engage kids upstairs.
The History Museum is a gearhead’s dream. It was very interesting to learn about the various local companies that got their start in Springfield. Lovely to have the playroom for kids, again could do more to engage kids upstairs.
The Dr Seuss Museum was a chaotic wonderland. There are a lot of huge sculptures that dominate the main floor, but would love to have more of an adult approach to his work, with placards explaining the influences and messages of the various books to help with an greater understanding and appreciation of his work.
The cafe was lovely as a lunchtime respite, the museum shop likewise has something for everyone. Delighted by the parking, but it was not well advertised, would also like to see more signage on the nearby streets. We didn’t visit the Museum of Fine Arts - an excuse to come back next time! Can’t wait to come back!

Dr. Seuss Museum was definitely geared more towards preschool/elementary students, however, our whole family (teenagers/HS/college) enjoyed the second floor exhibits and history. All the museums within the complex were well done; especially the fine arts. Take the time to visit the Springfield History Museum (also included)--very well done/updated. Great feature on Hasbro Games--lots of interaction--and the two pinball games were a hit. Very well done!

Multiple museums together for all interests. Between Dr. Seuss and the Science Center, it was a full day for us with our 7 year old granddaughter. She wasn't much interested in the art museums, but we moved pretty quick through them so it was a good introduction for her. Cafe is good for a bit to eat without leaving the complex. I also like that they don't charge extra for parking.

One of Springfield greatest treasures full of culture and history excellent for young people to gain knowledge of culture well worth the adventure.

I went there with my grandson to see the Dr. Suess museum. It was awesome. But had to pay for all the museums and that got a bit pricey. I did not have the time (or enough kid interest) to visit the other museums/galleries but, if I had the price would have been worth it.

Springfield has a long history of transportation & manufacturing-the transportation being automobiles & motorcycles & the manufacturing of automobiles & firearms. The exhibits are displayed on two levels with an elevator.

As a visitor enters they are greeted with a small aviation gallery. Two 1930's hang from the ceiling-a Gee Bee racer & a unknown aircraft. Along one staircase & wall are several aviation posters from the 1930's.

After the aviation gallery is the beginning of the Early Transportation in Springfield. On the walls are the following: The Advent Of The Railroad, Connecticut River Steamboatr Era, Public Transportation In The Valley-1933, The Trolley Age-1910-1940, & Rolls Royce, Inc. Nine vehicles are exhibited:
1893 Springfield Duryea.
1899 Knox.
1901 Crestmobile.
1903 Stevens-Duryea Stan Hope.
1910 Atlas.
1919 Militor.
1925 Rolls Royce Phantom
1925 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost.
1928 Pierce Arrow Brougham.
All vehicle-except Pierce Arrow-were produce in Springfield or the state of Massachusetts. Rolls Royce vehicles are made from 1920-1929, with a total of 2,944 produced. Also is small Springfield police & fire department exhibit.

The upper floor is the SIS Hall that displays a private collection of at least 26 Indian motorcycles from 1906-1951, with a small number of non-Indians. Also two bicycle exhibit-Setting the Wheel in Motion-The Bicycle Era & From Bicycle Racers to Motorcycle Makers. All motorcycles are well exhibited, good distance for a photo shoot, excellent lighting for photography.

A short distance away is the Smith & Wesson & Springfield arms-pistols, muskets, rifles, shotguns & carbines. A very clear restroom is located on this flor.

The museum is one of five. The other four are grouped together across Edwards Street. Not many visitors during my 3 &1/2 hour visit. Possibly people ae unware of the museum's existence. The motorcycles, firearms, automobile & small aviation gallery made a good afternoon of Springfield history.

Parking is across Edwards Street were four different colored flags fly. I suggest arriving before 9:30 for a parking space. BY 11:00 the lot will be full.

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday. 10:00-5:00.
Sunday 11:-5:00.
Monday Closed.

Admission Adults $18.00
Seniors -60 + $12.00.
College student with ID $9.50.
Ages 3-17 &9.50.
Admissions is located in the Science Museum.

Any possible visitor with an interest in early automobiles, Indian motorcycles & firearms-that date back to 1760's-this museum will not disappoint.

A visit is highly recommended.

Since reading reviews about this museum opening this year (June 2017) we had to make a visit. My children are 10 and 12 and loved reading Dr. Suess books. I purchased tickets online the evening before to ensure we would get a time slot to visit. They only allow 200 patrons in the museum at a time per hour. The day before we visited they sold out! Museum is three floors. Main level is all decked out with lots of character items from his books and they are larger then life! Also, geared towards younger children with fun, engaging learning activities. Upstairs you can see items donated to exhibit that allow you to learn about Dr. Suess as an author and how his talent and passion developed. In the basement there is a maker space, and a nice place to relax and read books.
Getting there was easy, just used GPS and I parked across from the library (free).
With our ticket purchase it also allowed us to visit all the museums in the complex, my children wanted to look at others too! Might not be as easy if you have toddlers, the Natural History section where you enter for all museums would interest the little ones with all the animals. The gift shop was nice, but since Dr. Suess section opened end of June and we visited 3 weeks later- out of stock of items because of the popularity/specifically t-shirts. I would also recommend packing a picnic lunch or eating prior to arrival.
This was a wonderful day trip and my 12 year old was fully impressed with the exhibit after completing a bibliography project on Dr. Suess during his previous school year.

We intended only to visit the Dr. Seuss museum, but since we had a few hours to spare decided to visit the art museum. We were in for a surprise. Beautiful museum with great architecture. Interesting exhibits, especially for children. Definitely did not expect to find sure treasures in a small town.
We also visited the history museum to see the Indian Motorcycle exhibit. We also learnt a lot about Springfield's rich industrial history in automotive and aviation.

This museum has something for everyone. The grandkids like it, the great green parents like it and everyone in between. Great art, local history and science.

The museums at the Quadrangle have an great variety of attractions - two art museums, a science museum, a history museum, and a library. I have visited many times and have never left disappointed. The planetarium in the science museum is my personal favorite and has a fascinating history - make sure to ask about it.
Make sure to visit the gift shop on the second floor of the science museum before you leave - they have unusual and beautiful gifts.

My wife, son, and I had a blast going to several of the museums (Dr. Seuss, Natural History, and Toytopia at History Museum). I wish we had more time because it was a great value and lots of fun. A single admission gets you into all. Highly recommend!!

Wanted to go to the Dr. Seuss Museum and found that it is in a quadrangle with 5 museums !!! We were a little limited on time but did Dr. Seuss, Natural History Museum, Fine Art Museum. VERY nice, can't go wrong wtih Dr. Seuss, the we were just 2 adults but the kids seemed to be having a great time. Good to learn a little more about Dr. Seuss and where he grew up. The Natural History Museum had, planets, dinosaurs, rocks etc.... fun. Go to the Fine Arts Museum and see the Objects of Desire, beautiful bejeweled everything from an office phone to a pooper scooper !!!! Will return and allow a little more time.

A great way to learn about history. Fun and interesting facts. Great place for young and old. Hands on and fun.

The Springfield Art Museum in a setting with several other museums, including science and Dr. Seuss,is a hidden gem. Small but strong collection. Very excited to see an Alice Trumball Mason painting there. Went to see the Elizabeth Bishop show which was extraordinary. Definitely worth a visit!!!

We went for the art museums & it was fun to browse in the Seuss Museum, too! The larger of the two art museums, the D'Amour Museum is the larger and features collections of Asian, American and European. Best of the work is in the American collection but the European collection has superb pieces as well. The second building housing art, the Smith, is an eclectic mix collected by the 19th century benefactors, the Smiths, who donated all the pieces in the building. American art, Japanese, Chinese, Islamic. Fun visit. And your tickets gets you into Dr. Seuss, history, and natural science museums as well, all co-located on the Quadrangle.

If I had to pay separately for these museums I wouldn't, but since it is included with the Dr. Seuss visit it is a nice addition.

I must say I was just expecting a bunch of Indian Motorcycles...shame on me - there was so, so much more. From the motorcycles, to the Gun collection, interactive kids areas and so much more. What a great value. As it turns out ...they do not charge for Veterans and their families which saved us about $50...either way it was a great place. The woman at the desk was terrific and even suggested lunch in the cafe which was delicious and well priced. A win all the way around@

I found these museums to be a very nice group of interesting things to see from animals to planets and paintings to sculptures. Definitely a nice day to spend with the family and you can spend as much time as you want walking through the many exhibits.

Beautiful, paintings, sculptures, natural history scenes. There is also an amazing museum of Springfield's rich history, and don't forget Dr. Seuss!

Well worth the price of admission. Plan a day at least. The local history museum is great, plenty of Indian motorcycles. Natural history museum, artwork, Japanese swords, statues, Dr. Seuss, Loved it all.

We were fortunate to be in the museums when there were multiple activities. The Science museum is nice and informative. The Dr Seuss sculpture park is very small, but nice. Food selection is not big (we found only 1 place that serves mainly sandwiches). The entire place has a very sleepy state of mind which is a shame, because i think it has a huge potential.

There are four museums, a wonderful outdoor courtyard with Dr. Suess scuptures, and lots to see for all ages! You could easily spend a whole day here. There is a cafe, although I can't review it as when I went we choose to eat on our way home. But I've eaten there in the past and enjoyed it. There really is a little something for everyone: fine art, sciences and discovery, Indian motorcyles and transprotation, items from other parts of the world, and parking. There is something for every age person. I noticed each building has little areas just for the children to explore as well.

I love to visit the Springfield Museums, its full of local history, beautiful art, Dr. Seuss, and wonderful science. i love the Second Saturday's walking tours of Springfield. Fascinating.

The Springfield Museum complex offers something for everyone - dinos & glow-in-the-dark minerals in the science museum; Far Eastern and European art in the Smith museum; painting & sculpture in the art museum; local history in the Springfield Museum; and of course the Dr Seuss Museum & sculpture garden. Free for Springfield residents. Off street parking.

The kids love it. They want to return. It has exhibits that interest the parents as well. It is a well done exhibition. Something to go to.

The number of museums that make up the system give Springfield ,Mass. a system that many much larger cities would envy.

The Museum is first class and offers a great varity of exhibits! There is enough on exhibit to offer a full day of enjoyment for the whole family!

We decided to visit the museums after arriving at the sculpture park .we felt that we couldn’t miss the Dr Seuss museum and as we are seniors the tickets are discounted so we didn’t feel that we had to spend all day, we could chose what we wanted to see. The Dr Seuss museum is great it evokes many memories. The art museum was good to , we loved the clever Van Gogh exhibition.

You really need to plan more than one day to see this gem in the middle of Springfield, Ma. Something for everyone, even the little ones. The Dr.Suess museum is hands on for the kids. Well worth the price but, check online for discounts. Springfield residents are free with proof of residing in the city.
I am already planning my next visit. How wonderful to have this right here in our community.
Plenty of parking and even a very nice restaurant right on the property.

There is fee charged to enter any the museums at the Springfield Museums at the Quadrangle ,discount tickets for Senoirs and young children it is worth the money if you can spend hours at the combined Natural History , Art Pioneet Valley buildings. From a real Egyptian Mummy ,Centuries old Chinese and Japanese weaponry, Currier and Ives Collection ,modern art , antique autos Rolls Rocye cars built in Springfield Mass,,natural history. You could spend days here ! It is a smaller version of what I would call a miniature Smithsoniisn . Well worth it.

We took advantage of free admission on Smithsonian Museum Day. And will remember to take advantage in the future at other participating museums!

What is particularly nice about this museum is the variety of content and theme. Currently four buildings house four different types of content -- science, European Art, Asian Art, and Local History. It meant that each person in our group was entertained along the way.

Also particularly nice was that the majority of the museums were temporary exhibits, rather than permanent collections. Check out the website to see what is on display before your visit.

Check out a map for best directions; Siri and Apple maps took us a very roundabout path.

We enjoyed the museums as there is a single admission ticket which includes the Dr. Seuss museum. You can visit all museums in an afternoon.

We arrived here around 3 p.m. after driving from Boston. Springfield has a campus of 5 museums. You have to buy a common ticket for all of them. There is a medium-sized lot in front, with an overflow lot across the street. We ended up in the overflow lot.

The combined ticket costs $25 for adults. Theoretically, you can see all 5 museums. However, as we arrived later in the day we only were able to see 2 of them. If you want to maximize your value, arrive earlier in the day.

We walked out of the ticket lobby into the central sculpture garden / lawn. From there, The Dr. Seuss Museum is ahead and to the right. If you turn left and walk to the end of the lawn, you will come to the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum on your left. When we were there, they had a piano on the covered arcade along the front of the building. This was a magnet - various people played a bit during our visit.

I suspect that some of the other 4 museums don't get the same level of exposure / traffic as Seuss. This one was much bigger but less crowded. The guard / docent was very helpful and gave us a brief history of the place. It was the original of the 5 museums, built around 1905. A young Ted Geisel could have explored it, in fact, as he lived in the area. It is part of that class of museums where Gilded Age millionaires were getting on in years and were looking to leave a legacy and find somewhere to house the stuff they'd picked up on their world travels. That is not meant to be condescending in any way.

The Smiths had certain interests and collected things in those areas. The museum has a room devoted to Samurai armor, one for Chines jade, one for Islamic (mostly fabric) art, a huge gallery of plaster replicas of Greek and Roman statues from antiquity, and a room of (at the time) contemporary artworks (now about a century old) of artists of interest to the Smiths.

The architecture is an exhibit in its own right. One room in particular (where the Samurai items are displayed) has tiffany windows each dedicated to someone like Shakespeare, Dante, etc.

If you are here and pay for the collective admission, by all means stop by and see this place as part of your visit.

We have loved this museum for years. But having recently moved to Springfield we get the chance to go more often. They have a little bit of everything. The Morrocan carpets are especially lovely as is the Asian room. And don't forget to have a bit of lunch or coffee in the cafe, a nice spot to sit down and have a cuppa.

We spent much more time than expected. Their was something for everyone. We went with a 15 year old and a 6 year old. We Loved how even the fine arts and history museums had fun stuff to engage even the little guy! Had a bite at Blake House which was quite inexpensive but very fresh and food was good. Mostly sandwiches but were loved that it was right there on property.

Great place to spend the day. There was so much to see. They do a great job catering to little kids.

Five museums compose the museum's system.
1.) Springfield Science Museum-a small version of Washington's Natural History Museum.
2.) George Water Vincent Smith Art Museum.
3.) Michele & Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts.
4.) Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
5.) The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum.
I had only time for the Science & Lyman & Merrie Wood Museums. Viewed less than half of the Science Museum before having lunch at the Blade House Café-just outside the Science Museum-than a complete tour of the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum. Both museums are extremely detailed no matter the what the subject.

The Science Museum starts on the lowest floor with aquariums of fish & animal life. Next is a dinosaur exhibit-with 28 foot high T-REX-. A large hall has present day animal life of the plains & jungle of Africa. The African hall leads to photos, life & daily working of the Ashanti, Masai & !Kung San tribes. This is as far I manage. A person could 3-4 hours if stopping to read & view every gallery of the Science Museum.

The Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum exhibits early Springfield transportation-several automobiles from the 1910's to 1930's- 2-3 horse-drawn buggies, some police & fire fighting vehicles. The upper floor is a very large Indian motorcycle collection from the early 1900's up the 1950's. At least 50 Indians. Also is the exhibit of Smith & Wesson fire arms. On the ground floor leading up to upper level is a small aviation gallery. Hanging from the ceiling are two aircraft-one being a 1930's Gee Bee racer. The second aircraft I never learned the name of. This museum was the main for my visit. Restrooms are located on both floors.

The admission booth is located in the Science Museum. One floor up is a large gift with two help & polite women staff members. My visit started shortly after 10:00 with quick visit to the gift shop. About five hours one remembered my early visit & what I had an interest in.

To visit all five museums probably would take 3-4 days. What the other three have to offer I am unable to comment on. I called the museum directly to ask if the facility has some type of package. Ended up having a long & pleasant talk with one woman that sent a good size package. I recommend this to all visitors.

Four of the museums surround the out door site of the Dt. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden & Horton Court the Big Exhibit, which both are very interesting.

If a person googles the museum's hours they maybe mislead. Hours for all five museums are.
Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00. Monday maybe for groups only.
Sunday 11:00-5:00.
Admission:
Adults $25.00.
Seniors (60+) $16.50.
Collage students $16.50.
Youth 3-7 $13.00.
Under 3 Free.
Springfield residents-with valid ID-Free-youth included.

Look for the parking lot with four different colored flags, this the preferred lot with no admission. A visitor should arrive soon as possible as the lot will be full by 11:00. There is lot across Edwards Street, this is for staff only.

Both museums I visited are recommended.

What an incredible museum showing how central Springfield used to be to American manufacturing. Every company based in Springfield is covered here, with great exhibits of planes, Indian motorcycles, cars, Friendly's ice cream ... you name it. Sad, given how little manufacturing is left in the US.

After visiting the art museum at Smith College the previous day, the Springfield version stood no chance. Far lower quality. Plus the building is awkwardly designed and especially problematic for those with mobility issues. And the lighting is generally poor.. I understand that light needs to be subdued to protect artwork, but in a corridor that held nothing but reproductions, it could have been greatly improved.

The Asian museum is okay, I suppose, though not exciting. The best by far is the natural history museum, which has done a great job with the dinosaur and animal exhibits.

The cafe is the worst run such establishment we've ever been to. Hard to believe anything so inefficient can survive. But then, it's not like they have any competition anywhere nearby.

The only reason the rating isn't lower is that at least you have a number of museums all part of the same establishment, so there should be enough to keep you busy for a couple of hours. And the parking is free.

If your looking for a great experience as well as a learning experience, this is the place.
From history to science
Kids as well as adults will love it

I don't know why the ratings are so high for the Springfield Museums. Sorry, but the quality of the displays/art in the museums here are second rate compared to the big cities. Sure, it may be nice for a small city, but no reason to qualify it for that. It's ok, that's 3 stars is right

Get there early because you'll want to stay all day and come back tomorrow and the next day and the next day!

We visited just the Fine Arts Museum at the "Springfield Museum." It has a very nice and varied collection of art & sculpture as well as fun children's exhibition, not surprising since Springfield is the home of Dr. Seuss!

The Fine Arts museum features both American and European Masters such as Bierstadt, Homer, Copley, Gaugin, Picasso and Monet.

Definitely worth a visit. Try to find time to visit the other museums in the quadrangle and see the many Dr. Seuss sculptures outside on the grounds.

Went to a friend's wedding in the Springfield museum, oh my goodness what a great time.my daughter Went to art classes she had a blast

Just returned to the history museum with visiting family. It never gets old. We love the Indian Motorcycles and antique cars. My cousin is a gun enthusiast and love the extensive gun collection and accompanying history. The John Brown and Underground Railroad sections make me proud of our state. The history museum is only one reason why my husband and I belong to the Springfield Museums. Enjoy the visit and come back!

Air, space, history, cars, motorcycles, wonderful walking spaces, small cafe for quick lunch . Excellent parking. Very kid friendly. Dr. Seuss museum opening next year. Dr. Seuss sculpture garden wonderful.

Have visited several times over the years. They have something for all ages and interests. Several to choose from, or do all museums in a full day.

We had a surprisingly great time at this smallish science museum. Our expectations were low as we really came to see the Suess sculpture garden. Then we stumbled on the science museum and spent over an hour enjoying all the exhibits. The kids LOVED all the minerals and rocks, animals, habitats, all of it. The gift shop was excellent. The quad where the museum is located is lovely and once the Suess museum opens, these museums will be a must-visit.

The wife and I came here for the Dr. Suess Museums. The rest of the museums we visited were nice in their own ways. Some of them were a bit dated and a bit unorganized, while others had great exhibits. Please keep in mind that these are not great big museums with lots and lots of money. They are small museums in an economically depressed town, and they are trying to do their best with the resources they have. If I am in the area again, I will more than willingly return and spend my money again.

This is not one museum, but a collection of 4 different in 5 building on a single campus. Offerings from European masters, to natural history to Rolls Royces and Indian Motorcycles, which were produced in Springfield. The fine arts museum is one of the most beautifully designed and curated that I have visited.

There are several choices here:
Art, Technology, local history ... kids ( especially Dr. Suess) and very pleasant museum grounds.

I just came back from visiting the museums. I went to the D'amour art museum and I was truly impressed with the beautiful collection there. I went to the Springfield History museum to see the John Brown exihbit as he used to live in the city, it was fascinating. I stopped in briefly to the Science Museum to see my oldfriends Snowball the Polar Bear and Suicide Sam the elaphant. I could not go any further due to sore feet.

I was certainly welcomed in the museum's Welcome Center by Ann who gave me VIP guidance with my having limited time to spend in each of these 5 separate museums that are all in one area as well as the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden. She gave me good advice so that I could see all.

I lucked out getting a pass for the new Dr. Seuss Museum that was chock full of children enjoying the hands on exhibits. I went directly upstairs to see the history of the author and his wonderful books.

From there I got a kick out of the special jewelry exhibit at the Fine Arts Museum. Unusual pieces made of gold and precious stones were awesome.

The beautiful Asian pieces were the highlight for me at the Art Museum, and the cars and motorcycles at the History Museum were a worthy stop of my visit.

I skipped the Science Museum with no more time to spare, but this 2 hour stay was a wonderful surprise.

we visited the Springfield museum complex for the flower exhibit, which was spread throughout the art and natural history museums. I was impressed with the museums. Natural History was a bit dated, but the art gallery was impressive. We did not make it to the science museum, or the new Dr. Seuss museum. Lovely complex in down town Springfield. Ample parking, but there is also plenty of off sight parking in the neighborhood.

We visited the history and science museums. The science museum was decent - would probably be better for those with young kids. We were able to get through it fairly quickly. I immensely enjoyed the Springfield history museum. I learned so much about Springfield and the Indian motorcycle exhibit was wonderful. I did think the admission cost was a little pricey, but enjoyed visiting quite a bit. They also have a nice gift shop where we were able to pick up some Christmas gifts.

Great place to go. Dr Seuss was a lot of fun. The planetarium was exceptional. All the museums were interesting. Would definitely recommend this.

Great day spent with the family exploring and playing. Brought back many memories of our childhood field trips.

First art museum I've ever liked. Rich in history, you can spend an afternoon here. I'm not normally a fan of art museums.. Not my thing, but I like the fine art museum a lot because it brought together a historic picture. The history museum was great. If you have kids (or want to be a grown up kid) you have to check out the Dr. Seuss museum. $25 actually seems like a bargain after you go.

We only had the time and energy to see three of the museums -The Seuss Museum, The History Museum, and the Fine Arts Museum. They were all wonderful. The Dr. Seuss museum, especially the first floor, is geared for children, but even a couple of old folks like ourselves enjoyed it. We enjoyed the Fine Arts Museum best. We were surprised at the extent of the collection and the many fine works displayed. We would have loved to see at least one more museum, but we simply ran out of steam.

I visited The Springfield Museums during Indian Day. The museums are very well laid out and on this particular day, there were hundreds of Indian Motorcycle enthusiasts who brought there bikes in to show. I wish I had more time to visit.

I discovered two vintage Rolls Royce recently. They are awesome. Made in Springfield from 1921 to 1931 these antique cars deserve the attention of the connoisseur. My love of American-made Rolls goes back to 1961. This recent discovery is worth crowing about!

First, I have been super spoiled and lived a mile from Chicago's The Field Museum, so I lived by a fabulous one.
This one, by comparison, is okay. Entertained the 9 year old grandson for a bit over an hour or so. It needs MAJOR updating. The temporary exhibit on POOP was the best thing there, after the Planetarium show where we were the only visitors. Never had our own show.

The location of all the museum's were key and our admission to 1 museum allowed us to visit all of the other museum's for free. We had so much fun and the kids had so much fun. We have 5 kids ages 10,8,5,4, and 1. We spent 3 hours here and could have easily made a day trip out of it. Definitely worth your money and time. We will be back!

We only had a chance to visit the science museum, besides the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Gardens. The science museum is small and intimate, yet packed with interesting exhibits. I really enjoyed it. Not overrun by visitors, you can really spend some quality time with the exhibits.

This is a collection of museums that you can go and visit with 1 ticket.
The Dr Seuss Sculpture Museum is in the courtyard around the other buildings, it is of his famous characters, and they were done by his stepdaughter.
It is easiest to start at the planetarium and science museum because that is where you have to pay or pick up your ticket. The exhibits are a nice walk through of dinosaurs, Africa, Native American culture, space and an exhibit on New England animals.
The George Walter Vincent Smith Museum has a collection of Asian antiques and Middle eastern carpets. I like the samurai armor and various swords and weapons. They also have a plaster cast hall which has replicas of many famous sculptures in other museums like the Vatican Museum or the Louvre.
The Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum is mainly European Art which had a couple exhibits by current artists on the first floor.
The Springfield History Museum tells of the story of the city and has various exhibits on residents and businesses. They have Dr Seuss car here with a Grinch license Plate
The Dr Seuss Museum is obviously geared towards children with all his favorite characters in rooms based on their stories. On the second floor they do have a lot of exhibits about his life, some correspondence and awards that he won.
None of museums really blew me away but they all had some things that were interesting to me and it was a good way to spend a few hours.

There are 5 buildings to see. It cost $25 for an adult. The Dr Seuss exhibit was good. Very kid friendly. The museum of natural history had lots of rocks. So many rocks. I might even dream about rocks. There were some native American exhibits. And there were also lots of animal exibits. Lots of taxidermy. After that we lost interest, we never made it to the other buildings.

These museums are VERY worth a visit. I went and stayed 4 hours, which was about enough to do half of them. Excellent art collections, great stuff in the Springfield History museum (you don't have to care about Springfield, because I don't), and of course the Seuss museum and sculptures are wonderful. I say that even without having children with me -- worth going to just because it's so well done. The asian weapons collection, in particular, is spectacular.

I want to call out the staff, though -- everyone was extraordinarily friendly and helpful. The gentleman working the second floor of the Seuss museum, in particular, went out of his way to tell me what I was looking at, to give me background and to be very, very welcoming. I honestly can't say enough about him.

Also had lunch at the little cafe there -- great and simple lunch. Not very expensive, and again, very friendly staff. Definitely recommend.

I was there to see the Made in Springfield collections and greatly enjoyed the Automotive collection as well as the Indian motorcycles and Bee Gee air craft.

I jave been going to the Science museum here since I was a kid. Whenever I visit Springfield every handful of years I pay it a visit. The addition of the Dr. Seuss museum and sculptures is fantastic. The Dr . Seuss museum is very colorful and pleasing to the eye. Kids love it, and you get great history lessons on the top floor.

You pay for all of the museums.I however would suggest you come in the summer time for the extended hours. We only saw 4 out of the five. Needed to see the art museum. Saw Dr Seuss, fine arts, science, and Springfield. We did get to see 2 planetarium shows. One about dinosaurs and one of the skys.

The Springfield Museums are a great group of museums, including 2 Art Museums, a Science Museum and a History Museum, with something to offer to everyone. All the Springfield Museums are very interesting and enjoyable to visit. There is plenty to see in these museums, including a very large collection of Indian Motorcycles. Also, it may take more than a single visit to see the contents of all of the museums, making becoming a member a very viable option. The membership benefits are great and a good value, including unlimited free visits to the museums, invitations to member events and a great opportunity to visit many other museums that they are affiliated with the Springfield Museums through their reciprocal arrangements.

The Seuss museum is, of course, the big draw, and it is terrific especially with kids. I, however, love the 2 art museums. We hosted a wedding at the History of Springfield Museum in 2018 and it was fabulous! We had the cocktail hour in one of the art museums and the reception in HOS. Highly, highly recommend.

I love the events they do we go to all of them especially when kids are on vacation and it's cold during winter

There are five museums to visit with one admission ticket! Excellent permanent exhibits but here I feature some of the current temporary exhibits of special note. At the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts four of the current temporary exhibitions with their end dates are worth a visit soon: through May 26 “Isabel Bishop’s Working Women-Defying Convention”; through July 14 “Elemental-Contemporary Encaustic” ; through August 4 “The American Scene- Realism in the Early Twentieth Century”; through June 9 “In Bloom- Floral Works from the Collection’. All four are valuable and relevant to our current national situation! At the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: through May 26 “Taking Care of Business-A Century of Women and Work in Springfield” and through July 31 “Thank you for your service- The City Salutes the USS Springfield”. In the Springfield Science Museum: through May 12- “Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas”. For more details visit website: SpringfieldMuseums.org

I have been to this museum complex many times. It is a must see when out of town friends come to visit. As a 3rd generation motorcyclist, I enjoy the Indian Motocycle area, as well as the other mechanical areas featuring GEEBEE Racer airplanes as well as earlier Daimler Benz vehicles. As a Springfield native, I am well aware of Theodore Geisel, aka "Dr Seuss. Thre is a wonderful section set u0p to honor him and explain his background.
When I go to the Natural History Museum, I enjoy seeing our pet polar bear, "Snowball" who was stuffed and saved for all to see. When you go into another room, Jiggs, the longtime resident Monkey at Forest Park was saved and stuffed for generations to see. It is a great section to learn more about animals and their surroundings.
I have also enjoyed the Art Muse4um with many wonderful paintings and the Museum of History and Art featuring Artwork from all over the world.
One particular section is outside, andis a joy to behold. The Dr Seuss Bronze Statue Park features an assortment of Dr Seuss themed statues for all to see and enjoy. Why not get your picture taken with the good Dr., and his Cat, or maybe with the Lorax, or Horton? It will be an enjoyable day, and is very child friendly. I would suggest you look online and see what special events they may have during your visit!

We visited the Springfield Museums on Friday, July 10th, 2020, attending a members-only early viewing in honor of the re-opening of the museums. We are very glad that the museums have re-opened to the public and hope to have the opportunity to visit again soon. The below provides details about our visit as well as information about all of the museums from our many visits.

Our focus this time was in the D’Amour Fine Art Museum, enjoying both the special and permanent exhibits. We really enjoyed the “LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting” special exhibit. The exhibit had some very interesting and amazing types of art with very impressive and even amazing attention to detail. The art illustrated the visual effects of chrome, polished molding, metal and plastic, highlighting the best in automotive design and style and both early and more current automobile history. There was very good information describing what photorealistic and hyperrealistic art is with over 50 different types of paintings using such techniques as transparent watercolor, acrylic on canvas, oil on aluminum panel, oil on wood panel and much more. Unfortunately we were not able to take pictures of the art on display in this exhibit at the time of our visit. However, there were some great photo opportunities. We highly recommend this exhibit and will go back to see it again if we get the chance. The exhibit could be enjoyed by anyone, even if you are not an automobile or motor cycle lover.

We also enjoyed the other special exhibits in the Fine Art Museum, including “Voices of Resilience: The Intersection of Women on the Move” and ‘Fantastic Ruins: Etchings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi”. The ‘Voices of Resilience’ exhibit was a very nice tribute to various women who worked hard to change history and the world. The ‘Fantastic Ruins’ exhibit was a good depiction of ancient Roman architecture, being quite historical. These exhibits were very interesting and quite inspirational as well as educational, being nicely done. Going through the permanent exhibits in this museum was also quite nice.

What we did not have the opportunity to see at the time of our visit was the ‘Lion Guard’ Special Exhibit in the Science Museum, which would be wonderful for children. This exhibit would have been nice to walk through if we had the chance..

General Information about our Visits to the Museums:

We have visited the Springfield Museums many times. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit these museums frequently, which has been quite nice. There always has been something for everyone and something new, with two Art Museums, a History Museum, a Science Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum.

Both the permanent and changing special exhibits within the Springfield Museums have been all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. The write-ups throughout the museums include nice overviews together with detailed descriptions of each item on display, all being quite informative.

During this visit we focused on the special exhibits as well as parts of the permanent exhibits at the D’Amour Fine Arts Museum, spending about an hour and a half at this visit. based on the amount of time available to us. However, all of the museums could be seen during a single visit, but it may take several hours, probably at least four to five hours to absorb and appreciate them all. You probably could spend a whole day at the museums because there is so much to see

Free parking with three large lots convenient to the museum (including one on State Street), the Museum Gift Shop, and the nearby Red Rose Pizza Restaurant, have all made our visits quite nice. We recommend the Springfield Museums and we hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have.

More on the “LUSTER: Realism and Hyperrealism in Contemporary Automobile and Motorcycle Painting” Special Exhibit:

This exhibit was very impressive with dazzling paintings of many different types of automobiles, motorcycles, engines and much more being on display. The variety of items on display was amazing. These include a Ferrari Testarossa , a Jaguar E-Type, an Iconic E-Type Engine, a Ford GT, multiple types of Corvettes, Bentleys, a MG, a 1958 Lincoln, an Auburn, a vintage classic car series, wood paneled cars (woodies), old Indian Motorcycles, a Ford Falcon, an American La-France Firetruck, a Chevy Belair, a Police Squad Car, a 37 Oldsmobile, various types of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles and engines, a Z-Line Nascar Toyota, a Jaguar XKE, a 1960 Chrysler 300, a 1950 Buick Super, an Olds 88 (America’s 1st Muscle Car), a 1965 Ford Mustang, a 1937 Bugatti Engine, a Hybrid 1937/1940 Ford Coupe, a Ford GT, a 1931 Rolls Royce Phantom II, a 1959 Cadillac Eldorado, a 1959 Triumph Bonneville t120, a 1972 Ducati Silver Shotgun, a Vincent Black Shadow, a Hispano Suiza (Chrome), a 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe, a 1930 Duesenberg, an Austin Healey, a Le Mans Porsche 917, a Porsche 356 at Laguna Seca, a Custom Chopper and a Ferrari F40 and much more.

Permanent Exhibits:

The permanent exhibits in the Fine Arts Museum, include a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries. This is comprised of American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries. I especially like the Impressionist art gallery within this museum.

The following information is primarily based on our previous visits to the museums. We did not have the opportunity to visit these museums at this visit. I provide this information because it outlines what also is available at the Springfield Museums, all which is very nice to see.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum is nicely done and could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. However, there is also some very interesting historical information on Springfield in the first room on the left as you enter the museum. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, is good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor has multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display. Also, don’t forget to see the actual sculpture garden in the triangle outside.

There is much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. This includes the other Art Museum with extraordinary Chinese, Japanese and, Middle Eastern Art as well as a Salon with fine American Portraits. In addition, the Science Museum has additional permanent dinosaur exhibits, a nice aquarium downstairs, very informative rock and mineral exhibits and interesting shows in the Seymour Planetarium on the ‘Night Sky’ as well as ‘Oceans in Space’. There are also multiple galleries in the History Museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history. In addition, don’t miss the beautiful flowers and gardens that are on display throughout the well-maintained museum grounds

All the Springfield Museums are definitely worth visiting, but it may take multiple trips to see them all!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

Interactive thinks like Legos, Dr. Zeus, art, 150 years of local industrial history, Motorcycles, Arms and more.

Interesting how the gallery advertised a Van Gogh exhibition without any original paintings. Very disappointing.

We have visited the Springfield Museums many times. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit these museums frequently, which has been quite nice. There always has been something for everyone and something new, with two Art Museums, a History Museum, a Science Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum. However, the issue that we encountered during our visit on Tuesday, January 19th, put a damper on our membership and the desire to visit the museums at this point in time. This issue is described in the third paragraph below. We don’t recommend going to the museums if you are a Connecticut or out-of-state resident at this point in time.

Fortunately, we had the opportunity to visit the museums two times this year. Last Thursday, January 14th, we enjoyed touring the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, which has an amazing and extraordinary collection of various types of art including Japanese arms and armor; Japanese Decorative Art,, including ceramics and bronzes; one of the largest collections of Chinese cloisonné outside of Asia; Chinese jade and ceramics; a salon of beautiful American paintings; a large gallery of plaster cast sculptures; a gallery with Art of the Islamic World and items from a Grande Tour of Italy. The staff member at the front desk of this museum was very friendly and helpful, providing some interesting details about the museum’s founder, including some historic pictures. This museum is definitely worth a visit!!

We then went to the museums on Tuesday, January 19th, to see the new Special Exhibit that just opened last week, ‘How People Make Things’. We arrived shortly after 10 AM when the museum just opened and encountered an issue at the Welcome Center that we did not encounter when we visited last Thursday. Living about 20 miles from the museum in the neighboring state of Connecticut we were told that we were from a Restricted State and needed to have quarantined for 10 – 14 days or have a negative Covid-19 Test administered up to 72 hours before coming to the museum. The museum does provide a lot of details about their Covid-19 restrictions on their web site. There is a lot of information to go through and some of it may be subject to different interpretations.

Although we had no symptoms of Covid-19 nor have been exposed to anyone who tested positive for the virus, the staff member at the front desk said we should not be allowed into the museums because we were from a Restricted State and did not quarantine. However, she let us in, saying it was just for this time, as long as we social distanced, which was very easy to do because there was not anyone else in the exhibit, except people that worked there. This whole thing was a bit surprising since we are allowed to go grocery shopping in Massachusetts which is actually riskier than going to a museum where there is a lot more room to effectively social distance than in a grocery store. I would not even consider going to restaurants that I recommend in the area, such as Red Rose, if you are from Connecticut or out-of-state, after encountering this issue at this point in time.

Special Exhibit:

The Special Exhibit ‘How People Make Things’ tells the story about the people, the manufacturing processes and the technology used to make everyday objects. The exhibit is geared towards children but has some good information around the process of making things, including historical context, which was quite interesting and educational. Multiple ‘Springfield Firsts’ were depicted addressing such subjects as Expanding Worldwide, Genius, Ingenuity and Made in the Valley, providing a nice perspective on the products made in Springfield and their inventors. Such manufacturing processes as cutting, molding, deforming, assembling and recycling were defined and nicely illustrated through games and other hands-on interactive activities. However, I wouldn’t think these hands-on activities would be entirely safe, due to the pandemic, from my perspective. But there was hand-sanitizer available to minimize the risk of issues. The exhibit is relatively small and we were at the exhibit for about a half hour, however, not really trying the hands-on activities. So if you did the hands-on activities it may take longer. There were also additional activities outside the main exhibit hall.

We did not visit the other special exhibits in the different museums this time, having visited them before, however, they are all interesting and nicely done.

General Information about our Visits to the Museums:

Both the permanent and changing special exhibits within the Springfield Museums have been all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. The write-ups throughout the museums include nice overviews together with detailed descriptions of each item on display, all being quite informative.

Free parking with three large lots convenient to the museum (including one on State Street), the Museum Gift Shop, and the nearby Red Rose Pizza Restaurant, have all made our visits quite nice in the past.. We normally recommend the Springfield Museums and hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have, but we can’t do that at this point in time. .

The following information is primarily based on our previous visits to the museums. We did not have the opportunity to visit these museums at this visit. I provide this information because it outlines what also is available at the Springfield Museums, all which is very nice to see.

Permanent Exhibits:

The permanent exhibits in the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, include a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries. This is comprised of American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries. I especially like the Impressionist art gallery within this museum.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum is nicely done and could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. However, there is also some very interesting historical information on Springfield in the first room on the left as you enter the museum. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, is good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor has multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display. Also, don’t forget to see the actual sculpture garden in the quadrangle outside.

There is much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. The Science Museum has permanent dinosaur exhibits, a nice aquarium downstairs, very informative rock and mineral exhibits and interesting shows in the Seymour Planetarium on the ‘Night Sky’ as well as ‘Oceans in Space’. However, the Planetarium is currently closed. There are also multiple galleries in the History Museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history. In addition, don’t miss the beautiful flowers and gardens that are on display throughout the well-maintained museum grounds during the warmer months.

All the Springfield Museums are definitely worth visiting, but not at this point in time if you are from a Restricted State such as Connecticut. It may take multiple trips to see them all!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

The history of the Springfield area is quite fascinating. I was surprised to find out items I used during my childhood came from Springfield.
This area has several museums that will allow you to visit with the one paid admission. Please inquire at this museum first.

We go here and there, we always see things we missed or new things to see. And things to remind us of the art and history here.

There are 5 museums for the price of one. We are members of the Boston Museum of Science and found out we could get in all 5 free. We have to come back. There's just too much to do and see. Lots of fun.

Plan to spend the day at this variety of museums, all centrally located. Bring a picnic lunch and spend the day. There are museums of natural history, art, and much more. They offer discounts, so inquire, especially free admission to veterans, which is not listed on their entrance price board, but is listed on the web sight. Google the entire group of museums and plan for a wonderful, educational time for old and young alike. My last visit here was a school class visit, 65 years ago and it was wonderful then. Now, it is fantastic, with so many additions and improvements. It's worth your time, and I grade it A+ with my highest recommendation.

So pleasantly surprised by this Museum. I went in not knowing what to expect and was really impressed with not only the works of art but the captions and descriptions that accompanied each piece. Kudos to whoever worked on them! They truly drew me in to the context and artist’s perspective and made me appreciate them even more. Getting to see a Monet, Degas, and Homer were a real treat too. So glad I went.

Went with my husband and nine year old son. We all had a great time. Easy to park (and free parking). All the museums were interesting and kept our 9 year old entertained. The Natural History museum could use some fixing up as many of the buttons at the exhibits were not working.

We enjoyed all the museums and seeing what they had to offer. The museums gave us a great idea of what Springfield was like and the people who helped shaped the city.

Very nice and maintain contains a lot o history and all sorts of artifacts. Easy to get to and safe. The Staff are very professional people.

In the City of Springfield was the first city to produce the first car and what history is here to see...

Each time I return to this museum I have one idea in my mind: viewing the 20 early horseless carriages.. namely the Duryea and Springfield-Made Rolls Royce. Under 3,000 Rolls were fashioned between 1921 and 1931,Silver Ghost saw a production of only 1100 and Phantoms of 1844.

Old car museums are a dying breed, so it seems. It is a great place for old and young alike. Perspective is the byproduct of the visit. I'm 74 and continue to delight is viewing these classics. More young folks should visit this poignant collection!

My wife and I drove to Springfield just to visit the Dr Suess museum. We were pleasantly surprised to discover that the price of admission covered 5 museums. Each museum was unique and very interesting. They are not large collections but consist of very diverse subjects. In addition, we strolled through the sculptures in the area outside. Well worth the drive!

Springfield resident - Took visiting (adult) family to the Museums. Whenever our grandchildren visit they always want to go to the Science Museum although our oldest is developing an interest in the art museums. Now that the Dr. Seuss museum is open there is really something for everybody: art, science, local history, interactive kid stuff and the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden all located in, around or near a large grassy quadrangle which is a great place for kids to run around (no cars).

As a Springfield native, I have grown up enjoying this group of museums. I think they have only gotten better. Enjoy History, Art, Science, and local history for all ages--with the library and archives for further research! The Dr. Seuss sculpture garden keeps the kids and adults entertained and rejuvenated. After taking it all in, I enjoy a snack and coffee at the Blake House Cafe. This is a passionate community that creates thought provoking exhibits and classes.

There's a group of museums that are all for the same admission price. I definitely recommend looking for a discount program, there are so many, and the full price is really high. Dr. Seuss was the main reason we went, the kids loved it (5 years old). There was clearly a lot of work put into this part and the artwork is on point. Tons of cool sculptures and activities. We also checked out the Hasbro area, Clifford the big red dog, the planetarium, the science museum, and the Springfield history part. All were nicely done and clean. The planetarium was pretty lame, but everything else was interesting and I would definitely check it out.--Some advice, plan to spend about 4-5 hours to get your money's worth.

Situated on a campus with the Dr. Seuss Memorial Sculpture Garden in the middle, the Springfield Museums are a great destination. Two art museums, a science museum and the Museum of Springfield History comprise the offerings.

The art collection is quite good for a museum this size. It includes Dutch and Flemish works, French Impressionists (including works by Monet, Degas, Gauguin, and Renoir), and a not-to-be-missed piece, Historical Monument of the American Republic by Erastus Salisbury Field.

Until October 25, 2015, there is a wonderful exhibit of American Impressionists, displayed by “colonies,” including Cape Cod, Cape Anne, Taos, and New Hope.

The campus houses a decent restaurant with well-prepared sandwiches and salads, with seating inside (noisy with children) and out.

Definitely worth a visit!

Many special programs for adults and childrens await you here.
Ever wanted to learn to paint? Check the program for classes.
It could be a fun day trip to go with a family or on your own.

I love the Springfield museums. We are residents of Springfield and because of this, we get free passes! It has taken us several trips to the museums to see all 5 of the buildings and we still have one more to go! There's a lot to see! The Dr Seuss Quadrangle is beautiful and lovely to walk through to get to each museum.

So many top quality displays/items. You'll be amazed at the arts from famous people of the past. you could spend days and still find something else that would amaze you.

We LOVE the Springfields Museams. We have done birthday parties, the mom & me class for pre-schoolers, and many special events, The Museams are great for kids and adults of all ages, they always have great standard and special exhibits. The Blake House Cafe is great for lunch, and hate staff is always very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended!

Beautifully displayed, the current Meow Mix of cats-antics, famous paintings with cats as subjects-cartoons to watch in the display-pictures to color, drawings to post on the board are encouraged of visiting children--great fun! the jewel collection is also gorgeous and there at this time as well-the master works are so lovely-it is just a pure pleasure t o go every time!

This group of museums are well worth a visit. It's one price for all the museums, you could spend a day there. Most of the complex is probably better for adults. There are old cars, guns, motorcycles, planes and artifacts in the history museum.There is art work, sculpture and fine art in the others. There's a science museum and the Dr. Seuss museum. Recommended!

I've done the Springfield Museums with my 5 year old daughter on 2 occasions thus far and she has loved it each time, especially the Science museum and some of the special exhibits like the Gingerbread Houses during Christmas. I think that some of the Arts she may enjoy as she gets older so there are years more worth of visits left here. Take a look at the calendar, as there are many special activities and events that go on int he Museums. The price can't be beat, especially for the amount of things to see in each of the various Museums. The cafe on site is also nice, with relatively inexpensive sandwiches.

You need to buy separate ticket for exhibit. You need 2 days to see all exhibits of museum, Free parking, Something for all.

At $25 dollar each it’s quite a pricey entrance fee but then there are multiple museums included around the square.

The Dr Seuss museum is mainly geared to small children and upstairs is mainly letters/notes so bit limited for adults or teens

The art museums are eclectic, some nice pieces but all feels a bit random.

Natural history museum feels quite dated with stuff animal displays but there was a very good small exhibit on engineering adaptations for people with disabilities which was really good

Out of all the museums in the quadrangle, my interest lies almost totally with fine arts and artworks from Asia. I tend to cruise through the Dr. Seuss Museum rapidly because it's not worthwhile for me. Specifics follow.

The D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts is "must see" in my book. There is a good variety in that building, such as works representing Europe from medieval times through the Impressionists, and different styles of American art. The "big hitters" are a stunning Bouguereau (French Academy) painting of a young girl, a Bierstadt (Hudson River School) painting of the Hetch Hetchy Valley, a beautiful bust by Pigalle, and a giant "American Monument" painting by Erastus Field, and works by Tiepolo and Bellotto, to name a few.

Also worth a visit is the G.W.V. Smith Art Museum, specializing in art from eastern and western Asia. The are many carvings, pottery (metal and ceramic) and a really nice prayer rug from Iran.

I read Dr. Seuss books when I was a kid, but that was decades ago. Although I still find the writing to be clever, it's lost in the Seuss building. The "Amazing World" is not so amazing to me; it looks more like a playground with bright walls and goofy stuff to attract kids ... little, noisy ones. Sorry, I went through this in a hurry because it was much more to my liking to spend time in the above two museums.

There's a parking lot across State Street, with spaces available if one gets there early. I noticed numerous cars circulating for an empty spot as I was leaving. There are also other parking areas proximate to the quadrangle (check the website for a good map).

The Springfield Museums were a mainstay for school groups when I was growing up. Fabulous assemblage of museums. Really worth a visit.

For 1 admission price you have access to 5 museum all in 1 location. We were only able to see 2 museums because we arrived late. Recommend arriving early afternoon if you want to see everything.
Dr Seuss museum and natural history museum are great for families with children.
Highly recommend this site!

Very good animal displays. Nice layouts and excellent story boards. It's geared mostly for kids but is still worth a visit as a traveling soloist.

Great xperience visiting 5 museums with a variety of exhibitions. First, Dr. Seuss experience is wonderful for kids and adults. The other 4 museums offer great art, for example a Renoir, Monet and Degas. Japanese warriors items and indian motorcycles as well as american art. Animals and other science displays are interesting. Not updated but it looks like the museums in Washington D.C. Plan to be there 3 hours or more. Adults $25 & kids 3-17 $13. Parking is included. We went on Superbowl day so it was almost empty. Security guy at the Seuss experience was super friendly.

We had a few hours before our family reunion so we went there and just loved it. We were also surprised with the quality of food offered in the outside cafe.

This is an exceptional local museum. The Indian motorcycle collection, Springfield Rolls Royce and Smith and Wesson exhibits are fantastic and worth the visit on their own. Add in airplanes and Milton Bradley and a single building could occupy a person for most of a day. The science museum is interesting and a great choice for children with its aquarium exhibits and other interactive features. The art museum is beautiful and a gem in an often overlooked city.

great collections from the magnates of the 19th Century in a surprise city. there is also a Dr. Seuss memorial, an antique car museum, a Japanese art and armor museum and other museums in one location. just park and explore,

I had not been to the Quadrangle since the late 1980s. The Springfield History Museum had been built since my last visit. We stopped by last weekend, with some friends.

It was like a trip down Memory Lane. We delighted in reminiscing about the bustling downtown, the thriving factories, the neighborhoods of homes. Loved it, since I used to live in Springfield. My husband, who is from NYC, especially enjoyed the Indian Motorcycle exhibit -- sad to say, another item that is no longer manufactured in Springfield.

We didn't have time to visit the other museums, but I would love to return.

Out of state visitors pay an inclusive fee to see all 5 museums...for us it was 86 dollars which included the 30 minute planetarium experience ( two adults and two teens). It was well worth it! Friendly staff, beautiful buildings,cool exhibits! Tons of interactive things that younger kids would enjoy. Learned tons about Springfield itself. A must visit!

I will admit my expectations were on the lower side but wow, I was very impressed with what they did with the area! First, the drive from Eastern Mass to the museums was very easy and straight forward so do not fear getting there if you are hesitant. Once there parking was easy and free! We started at the science museum which I loved! It kept the kids entertained with their many interactive exhibits. Big bonus: it was not crowded! We then went to the Dr. Seuss Museum which I loved the details of. It is smaller than I expected so definitely don’t plan your visit by just going there. An employee also recommended to us to check out the Hasbro Gameland in the Springfield History building but my kids were too tired to go. Looking forward to our next visit!

What a great group of museums! I only had time for the natural history and art museums, and I missed out on the Seuss and local history collections.

The natural history museum has a beautiful set of dioramas with North American wildlife displayed on the main level. Below stairs there are aquatic exhibits on the New England rivers and the Amazon, and above there’s a planetarium, a walk-through of tue African savanna, and a great minerals collection.

The art museum has a 19th-c curio cabinet, a collection of Japanese arms and armor, and selections of Chinese and South Asian art. There’s also a really interesting gallery of 19th-c painting displayed as it would have been in the Victorian era.

Definitely worth several hours. Will go again.

We visited this complex of 5 museums and a sculpture garden, not an easy task in one day. After finding the entrance to the ticket office(Science Museum) and paying $16.50 each senior, we began in the popular Dr Seuss Museum. My wife’s favorite was clearly designed for kids and bringing back lots of memories of books read over and over.
The Fine Arts Museum was my favorite with so many desirable paintings, focused on the Impressionists; 1650 "Marriage Feast," by David Teniers the Younger, 1873 “Factory Near Pontoise,” by Pissaro and 1893 “Grainstack,” by Monet.
The Science Museum had a very good Natural History collection from dinosaurs, African animals, minerals, gems and a wonderful film on the African Plains animals.
After a 1 hour lunch break, we visited the Smith Museum, a remarkable collection of Asian and Islamic artifacts, impressive artwork and eclectic pieces; 1815 Shinto Wheel Shrine, 1879 “The Peddler,” by Edward Lamson and the award winning 1899 Sumida Vase with 500 arhats.
The Springfield Museum had an expected weapon display but others were a surprise like Friendly’s Ice Cream, Milton Bradley games, Rolls-Royce cars and Indian motorcycles. The rare vehicles displayed are wonderfully preserved early examples.
Our wide interest made this a most impressive collection of museums and it was very easy to linger reading the informative descriptions on most artifacts.

I confess: I found the website confusing as to why it could cost $25 to visit The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum in Springfield, MA. As it was described in the newspaper, it wasn't a huge museum--so how could it cost $25?
When I arrived and parked in the free parking lot (always a plus with me) and crossed the street to the main entrance, I still didn't get it. Then the lady explained that the cost gives access to five museums, covering art, history, science, and...well, Dr. Seuss. I was able to take in three of them: Seuss' splendiferous setting along with the Science Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts.
There's something for everyone here, right? In fact, if you're seriously considering a long-term relationship, take your love interest here to see what s/he finds most interesting: there's your compatibility test. But seriously: five museums in one convenient location? It's like New York City, but for one price!
I enjoyed it enough to already be planning my next adventure there; I just didn't have enough time to explore to my satisfaction. Sure, the Dr. Seuss exhibits can be quickly navigated; however, if you're with children, a visit there could conceivably last long enough for you to enter your retirement home upon exiting.
Make sure you take the time to relax in the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden--don't miss Yertle the Turtle!

The Springfield Museums are a great place to bring the kids when the weather is bad and the kids are on vacation with nothing to do. It is a great learning experience for them and gets them involved. Most area libraries supply passes to get in free of charge, be sure to call the library first before you go to get details.

we purchased a ticket that would let us into all the museums. Went to two - The Amazing World of Doctor Seuss and the Science Museum. Both worth a trip! Both great for families

We visited the Springfield Museums on Monday, July 9, 2018. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit them several times, which has been quite nice. Five museums make up the Springfield Museums, including two art museums, a history museum, a science museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum, with something for everyone. All five of the museums have a lot to offer with both permanent and changing special exhibits, all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. The write-ups throughout the museums include nice overviews together with detailed descriptions of each item on display, all being quite informative.

Each time we visit the museums we have focused on different aspects of the museums, however, it is possible to see them all at once, but it may take several hours, probably at least four to five hours to absorb and appreciate them all. There is a café (Blake House Cafe) on the grounds and Red Rose Pizza is also nearby. There is free parking with two large lots convenient to the museum. The museum gift shop is very nice and the grounds are well-maintained and include the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, with a nice tribute to Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss). We recommend the Springfield Museums and we hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have. Our visit to the museums this time took about an hour and a half, based on the amount of time that we had available, but we could have definitely spent more time there because there is a real lot to see.

This time we focused on the special exhibits in the Fine Art Museum, which we really enjoyed a lot. The “Two Lives, One Passion” exhibit had four galleries showing the works of both William Jurian Kaula and his wife Lee Lufkin Kaula. It was a rather impressive collection of art work. William Kaula’s works, which used innovative approaches, were paintings of the countryside influenced by both the Impressionist and Hudson River School Movements. On display were beautiful New England Landscapes, including of the nearby Mount Monadnock Region in Southern New Hampshire. These landscapes depicted the changing effects of light and atmospheric conditions during different seasons, times of day and at various elevations. These paintings were all quite nice, especially because many of them were of the local area and several of them illustrated his strong expertise in painting clouds.

Lee Kaula’s paintings that were on display included still life images and portraits primarily of women and children reflecting various moods and expressions during a period of social, political and cultural transformation. She beautifully presented their expressions and moods at a moment in time. Also, included in the Kaula’s collection were nicely preserved sketchbooks photographs, postcards and personal journals illustrating their private lives. This was a great collection, all nicely curated and documented. It provided a very good historical perspective and a nice walk back through time.

The “Beyond Function Contemporary Ceramic” exhibit from the Donald Clark Collection illustrated very interesting aspects of ceramics and clay arts. The collection showed individualized handmade objects expressing personality and creative energy as well as the ever changing relationship between form and function. The Collector’s Perspective, included details on how the collection was built was nicely explained and illustrated interesting aspects of collecting.

In addition, we viewed the remaining parts of the fine art museum. This included ceramic pieces from the museum’s vault as well as a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries. This was comprised of American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries.

Although we did not have time to go to the Dr. Seuss Museum during the time of our visit, we have gone to it multiple times in previous visits and it was worth seeing. The new Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum was nicely done and could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, was good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor had multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display.

There is much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. This includes the other art museum, the science museum, with a nice aquarium downstairs and dinosaur exhibits, the multiple galleries in the history museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history. All these museums are definitely worth visiting, but it may take multiple trips to see them all!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

It’s nice to go back to see many nostalgia areas of the museum that have remained the same. It brings back fun memories of when I brought my daughters to see the same animal displays when they were young. I like that.

The new temporary exhibits are nicely done also. I was so surprised to see the tribbles from the original Star Trek series on display in the current POP Culture exhibit. Awesome! Plus, they had many other interesting movie and sports items on display, like Marilyn Monroe gloves, Superman’s suit, Ted Williams Red Sox Jersey, Babe Ruth signed baseball. (No photos can be taken in this exhibit.)

The Blake cafe was nice to sit in and relax. First time going there (it’s been there since 2012 only). Located just before the main gate. Anyone can go in there to get a bite to eat. I am a vegetarian and I had the veggie wrap which included spinach wrap stuffed with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado and a hummus spread - however, I don’t eat whole tomatoes so they suggested to sub that with a litttle pesto. Awesome again! So yummy.

Excellent day at the museum. My husband and I went to the Springfield Museum and was pleasantly surprised. You would think you were in a metropolitan city. Each museum was beautiful with many pieces to enjoy.

We purchased discount admission from Living Social as admission is on the pricey side. I loved the art museum and especially the vehicles and memorabilia in the other ! museum. As for Dr Seuss I'm really not into him so can't comment.

I had no idea that so many companies started in Springfield MA! We started in the Dr. Seuss museum. What a delight! The first floor was decorated with scenes from many of the Dr. Seuss stories. I didn't anticipate the warm feelings that all the Dr. Seuss theme rooms would bring up. So many things from my favorite childhood books. Upstairs had two rooms from his house and many letters that he wrote. Don't miss these! His humor is delightful. We spent an hour here. We made it to the Fine Arts museum and the museum of Springfield history. We ran out of time for the Planetarium and the Natural History museums.

If you have to chose one, I'd start with the Springfield history museum, There is so much to learn about Springfield.

In the Dr. Seuss museum, expect to be surrounded by yelling children. They can't help it when faced with all these goodies. There were a couple of videos that we couldn't hear due to the acoustics. Unfortunately, there was no closed captioning, so we could not understand them.

Springfield has an entire set of museums - science, history, two art museums, a Dr. Seuss sculpture garden (and soon a Dr. Seuss museum as well) all adjacent to the Springfield central library at the Quadrangle.
The range of items across the museums is large, from french impressionist paintings in an art museum, to items from Springfield history, to Planetarium shows in the science museum. Admission price is reasonable, without having to travel to a larger city.
The museums now have an affiliation with the Smithsonian as well.

My wife and I planned to visit the Springfield Museums for a specific exhibit and so glad that we did. What a hidden gem!! I had no idea it was multiple museums next to each other and as advertised it was one stop, four museums. Each of the four were excellent and the staff was very helpful. There is definitely something there for everyone. Kids can really enjoy the Dr. Seuss and animal exhibits. Adult will be amazed at the incredible Indian motorcycles, S&W firearms, and Friendly exhibits in addition to all the other exhibits. I had no idea Rolls Royces and Indian Motorcycles were at one time manufactured in Springfield. So many things I learned about the Springfield and Massachusetts on this visit.

So much to see that our few hours didn't scratch the surface. We look forward to going back and spending the day there. There is also a nice restaurant on the site and many great places to sit and have lunch outside. The restrooms were some of the cleanest I've seen in any public buildings and plenty of free parking. It was a great experience that we plan to do again soon.

A family-friendly museum, with adequate spaces and exhibitions aimed at children, what can be found in Springfield MA. We stayed there and had a few hours of fun. With a single ticket you can see up to 5 different attractions, including Dr Seuss' house.

We stopped in to see the Dr Seuss sculptures and ended up going to the Science Museum (not bad, but we're used to Boston Science Museum, which is larger and has more displays), and the Art Museum, which has some amazing pieces, very interesting and gorgeous pieces, as well as the History Museum - I honestly didn't know how many things in our nation's history had their beginnings in Springfield, it was quite the eye opener. Some gorgeous cars as well!

The museums have a great variety of exhibits that will satisfy almost everyone in your group. The history museum is especially interesting, with awesome relics and exhibits. Parking is free but weekends are packed. There is a small cafe if you get hungry. As a resident I get in free but I leave a small donation anyway because museums can always use extra funds to keep up to date. The Dr. Seuss museum is great for small kids but big kids will have a fine time as well. Plan on staying for at least 3 hours if you are a 1st. time visitor.

Great set of museums. There are at least 5 different museums all set up in a square. One more is opening soon and that will be all about Dr. Seuss! The butterfly gardens in the middle are full of Dr. Seuss inspired statues. My 13 year old son was even interested in all of the variety. The most interesting museum of the set was the history of Springfield and the famous people that came from there. The least favorite was the models of ancient Greek and Roman statues. They looked a tad fake, but if you can't see the originals then why not check it out. Good variety for adults, teens and young children (they had a dinosaur and science museum with a special exhibits that change). Great museum gift shops too!

Springfield has a rich history and everyone should go to the museums to see it first hand. Great for any age.

Definitely a must if you are in the area with kiddos... my 4 year old niece loves it there! The Doctor Suess museum is a 10

The Springfield museums are an interesting group of museums. The Walter Vincent Smith museum has a great collection of early Chinese cloisonne that probably is the best in the US. The museum of local history is a must see as well because of its presentations on the Indian Motor Cycle.

My husband and I visited the Springfield Museums on Sunday, February 18, 2018. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit them several times, which is quite nice. There are five museums that make up the Springfield Museums, including two art museums, a history museum, a science museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum, with something for everyone. All five of the museums have a lot to offer with both permanent and changing special exhibits, all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. Each different type of artwork on display has nice overviews with details about the art on exhibit

Each time we visit the museums we focus on different aspects of the museums, however, it is possible to see them all at once, but it may take several hours, probably at least 4 hours to absorb and appreciate them all. There is a café (Blake House Cafe) on the grounds and Red Rose Pizza is also nearby. There is free parking with two large lots; however, they may fill up during events, such as on school holidays or during school vacation week activities. The museum gift shop is very nice and the grounds are well-maintained and include the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, with a nice tribute to Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss). We recommend the Springfield Museums and we hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have. Our visit to the museums this time took a little over an hour based on the amount of time that we had available, but we could of definitely spent more time there because there is a real lot to see.

This time we focused on the Kennedy special exhibit, which was broken down into multiple galleries in the fine arts museum and one gallery in the history museum. We started in the fine arts museum and viewed ‘The Kennedy’s in the White House’ exhibit with multiple photographs taken of Jack and Jackie and their children prior to inauguration, (after President Kennedy was elected), on the inauguration and post inauguration. Some of the photographs were based on observations of the Kennedy’s by the photographer, reflecting their personal life as well as their public image. Some of the photographs appeared in Harper’s Bazaar and Look Magazine. The exhibit illustrated the Kennedy’s administration as an artful one with cultural impact, as shown through the art and elegance that Jackie brought to the White House. It reflected Jackie’s historical role in the restoration of the White House as well as her contribution to the White House collection of art and historical furnishings. There is even a gallery with a re-creation of the oval office where you could sit at the president’s desk and have your photo taken. This exhibit was definitely nicely done being both unique and very interesting, a good look back through time.

Before going to the history museum to see the ‘Collecting Camelot’ (Kennedy special exhibit), we viewed the Currier and Ives special exhibit, ‘From Sea to Shining Sea: American Vistas in Currier and Ives Prints’, where there were two galleries of landscape lithographs from Niagara Falls to the Rocky Mountains, which was quite nice with historical significance. We also viewed the ‘Impressions: Prints from the Impressionist Movement’ where there were interesting black and white prints in the form of lithographs and etchings by such artists as Renoir and Hassam. In addition, we viewed the remaining parts of the fine art museum which includes a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries, including American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries.

After we completed touring the fine arts museum we went to the history museum to see the remaining part of the Kennedy exhibit, ‘Collecting Camelot: The Kennedy Era and Its Collectibles’. This included many pieces of memorabilia, such as dolls, doll clothes, accessories, toys, fashion outfits, books, jewelry, pins, and magazine covers. There was even a film that reflected pieces of the Kennedys’ personal life including horseback riding memories. This exhibit was nicely done.

Although we did not have time to go to the Dr. Seuss Museum during the time of our visit, we have gone to it multiple times in previous visits and it is worth seeing. The new Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum is nicely done and is very good for both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, is good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor has multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display.

There is much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. This includes the other art museum, the science museum, with a nice aquarium downstairs and dinosaur exhibits, the remaining galleries in the history museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history. All these museums are definitely worth visiting, but it may take multiple trips to see them all!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

We got the museum pass for $25 per person. The art was beautiful and everything is very close together.

We have visited the Springfield Museums many times. Being members of the museums for a few years we have had the opportunity to visit these museums frequently, which has been quite nice. There always has been something for everyone and something new, with two Art Museums, a History Museum, a Science Museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum. I really enjoyed the Van Gogh exhibits that opened in July and will be on view until sometime in October, for which I provide more details about below.

Both the permanent and changing special exhibits within the Springfield Museums have been all beautifully curated and quite enjoyable, interesting and educational. The write-ups throughout the museums include nice overviews together with detailed descriptions of each item on display, all being quite informative.

During our recent visits we focused on the special exhibits as well as parts of the permanent exhibits, spending about an hour and a half at each visit. based on the amount of time available to us. However, all of the museums could be seen during a single visit, but it may take several hours, probably at least four to five hours to absorb and appreciate them all.

Free parking with three large lots convenient to the museum (including one on State Street), the Museum Gift Shop, and the nearby Red Rose Pizza Restaurant, have all made our visits quite nice. We recommend the Springfield Museums and we hope that you have the opportunity to enjoy them as much as we have.

Special Exhibits:

‘Van Gogh for All’:

This is a very interesting and unique exhibit with focus on Van Gogh’s life and Van Gogh as a person. It uses many of his famous paintings but none of them are authentic, only reproductions/prints are on display. So it is not a serious exhibit of Van Gogh’s work but an enjoyable one nonetheless for both children and adults alike. It is nicely done using very vibrant and bold colors, typical of Van Gogh, and is definitely a great learning experience for younger audiences. Being a member of the museum I have been able to visit this exhibit two times so far. The first time we were told we could not take pictures but the second time we could. So you could take pictures and there are a lot of opportunities for some great ones

Based on the write-ups in the exhibit, Van Gogh left behind a very complete record of his life and work with hundreds of letters, many written to his brother Theo, along with sketches, drawings and paintings that provide insight into the artist’s creative vision and biography, which definitely helped in creating this exhibit.

The exhibit illustrates his genius, personal struggles and creative process through modern technology with interesting and engaging displays related to his studio, bedroom, house and landscapes. You could even walk inside, manipulate or feel the texture of some of his paintings or create your own drawings. The ‘Starry Night’ displays are definitely quite unique and amazing. The flowers included in the exhibit are beautiful!, especially the sunflowers!

The exhibit is a very good representation of the art that he created and is nicely laid-out with multiple rooms. It shows his innovative approach through experimentation with swirling brushstrokes, bold colors, daring compositions and thick application of paint that identify his characteristic self-portraits, vibrant landscapes and captivating still lifes. All this laid the foundation for numerous modern artists that followed!!

‘Van Gogh and Japanese Prints’ and ‘In Bloom: Floral Works from the Collection’:

The exhibit on the ‘Van Gogh Japanese Prints’ is related to the ‘Van Gogh for All’ exhibit. It illustrates Van Gogh’s contact with Japanese art which altered the direction of his creative path and inspired his portraits, landscapes and still life paintings. Japonisme, a passion for all things Japanese, was in vogue during Van Gogh’s lifetime and he participated in the craze. He purchased many prints that provided a new visual landscape that he applied to his paintings. He sought inspiration in prints designed by Ando Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai, which were included in the exhibit alongside small prints of Van Gogh’s versions of these pictures. Van Gogh felt that all his work was based on Japanese Art, which was really quite interesting

Ando Hiroshige and Katsushika Hokusai prints were also included in the rather unique and beautiful ‘In Bloom: Floral Works from the Collection’ exhibit, also in the art museum, on the first floor, and is a nice connection to Van Gogh’s use of Japanese woodblock prints. .

The ‘Taking Care of Business: The Influence of – Women, Work and their Impact’ exhibit is in the History Museum. This exhibit chronologically illustrates a century of change in the work place for Springfield women, including their influence and impact. This is a very comprehensive exhibit, addressing multiple facets and fields of the work that these women did, which is a nice tribute to them.

In addition to the above, we also enjoyed some of the smaller special exhibits/displays. This included: the ‘The Baby’s Biography: Theodor Seuss Geisel’, in the Dr. Seuss Museum. The ‘Baby’s Biography’ featured the book in which Henrietta “Nettie” Seuss Geisel, Dr. Seuss’s mother, recorded the childhood milestones of her son, Ted Geisel. Also, the ‘Legacy: the Philanthropy of Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson’ in the History Museum is a small exhibit but a nice tribute to these men and their accomplishments.

Permanent Exhibits:

The permanent exhibits in the Fine Arts Museum, includes a nice mixture of different artwork in several galleries across multiple time periods/centuries. This is comprised of American art, Asian art, a comprehensive collection of European art (French, Dutch, Flemish and Italian), as well as Medieval and Renaissance Art and both Modern and Contemporary galleries. I especially like the Impressionist art gallery within this museum.

The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss (Cat and the Hat) Museum is nicely done and could be enjoyed by both children and adults. The first floor is geared towards children but adults could enjoy it as well, including the Cat and the Hat Characters. However, there is also some very interesting historical information on Springfield on the first room on the left as you enter the museum. Throughout the museum, especially on the second floor, is good historical information and other nice memorabilia on exhibit. The second floor has multiple galleries, including a re-creation of Ted Geisel’s, the author of the Cat and the Hat, living room and studio as well as background information on the creation of the sculpture garden with many other very interesting objects on display. Also, don’t forget to see the actual sculpture garden in the triangle outside.

There is much more to see in the Springfield Museums than what I mentioned here. This includes the other Art Museum with extraordinary Chinese, Japanese and, Middle Eastern Art as well as a Salon with fine American Portraits. In addition, the Science Museum has additional permanent dinosaur exhibits, a nice aquarium downstairs, very informative rock and mineral exhibits and interesting shows in the Seymour Planetarium on the ‘Night Sky’ as well as ‘Oceans in Space’. There are also multiple galleries in the History Museum having an impressive collection of Indian Motorcycles, Smith and Wesson guns and beautifully restored antique cars as well as many other items that represent Springfield’s history.

All the Springfield Museums are definitely worth visiting, but it may take multiple trips to see them all!! These museums contain quite an extensive and very impressive collection of objects all nicely curated.

 

 

Spending $25 for 5 museums is a great deal when the museums are up to snuff. Not the case with the Springfield Museums. Yes, there was some cool artwork on display and it was fun to see some of the personal effects of Dr. Seuss, but overall the museums left much to be desired. The natural history museum, in particular, was probably one of the most outdated, decrepit and disorganized museums of its kind that I've ever seen. When you visit, keep in mind that much of the information was probably relevant several decades ago, but is now totally inaccurate. Modern science has yet to make its debut there! Also note that the Seuss museum's exhibits are largely geared toward young children. If you're an adult and not into Seuss stuff at all, might just be better off skipping it altogether.

With your admission you get 5 museum entrances which is quite a bargain!
Dr. Seuss, two fine art museums, one science and then the Springfield History Museum.
You can spend most of one day if you’re diligent.

We thought we were going to spend a couple hours and ended up staying for the morning and afternoon, we still didn't see one whole museum! There was so much to do and see...the art museum had a kids center too, we made a frog hat with our toddler! Can't wait for the Dr. SUESS museum to be there!!

Perhaps I am spoiled by Boston's MFA and MOS, but I found the Springfield Museums disappointing except for the Dr. Seuss Museum which is a great take for children. We did not visit the history of Springfield exhibit. The buildings are old and elegant and within close proximity but the display cases seemed dated, Many galleries were closed. One gallery was jammed with art but none had labels or tags. It took a while to discover brochures on a table in the middle with information about each piece. Many of the artists are "lesser known" or "unknown". I think I saw one Monet! May of the knobs on the interactive exhibits in the science museum did not work. The staff was friendly and helpful except for an employee who glared when we opened a door marked Deco Room thinking that was the period of the art work we might find within. Lunchroom not well marked! The museums have all the amenities like coat rooms, huge gift shop, elevators, and rest rooms and parking was free. We were able to use our MTA discount to access museum. Glad to visit once but might never return.

Fun place to stop with kids. 5 museums are included with admission. Dr. Seuss museum was the best attraction for anyone with small children.

I only visited the Springfield museum area courtyard where the excellent Dr. Suess memorial sculptures reside. It was too early in the morning to enjoy the museums, but the area was impeccably clean and well tended to the last detail! I've included pics of the sculptures. I would love the opportunity to visit the museums one day!

What a delight it was to take a break from a long drive and visit SMs. We visited the two fine arts museums and the Dr Seuss Sculpture Garden. The collections in the two art museums were quite varied and had nice pieces. The two visiting exhibits -- Kids Design Glass, and Two Lives, One Passion -- were superb. Neither of the art museums is large, so you can take your time and enjoy what takes your fancy without getting tired out. We had lunch in the cafe. Nice sandwiches, nothing fancy but tasty. Parking is free at the Museum lots.

It is always a great day at the Springfield Museums.
I've been taking my son there since he was little, as well as my niece and nephews.
They always enjoy the visit.

This is a dynamic museum offering well curated displays of their holdings, as well as visiting exhibits. D'Amour also is the site of lectures and even workshops on a variety of relevant topics.

Always a great time and springfield residents get in free. Ginger bread exhibit and dinosaur exhibit is always a hit with the kids.
Always activities in the numerous rooms and buildings

Only visited the science museum, but it was really cool. There was a dinosaur exhibit and multiple preserved animals. There was also some live fish on the lower floor. Gift shop is expensive!

A real treat for travelers who want a comprehensive view of art, science, industry and Dr Suese. Five museum buildings within a few steps of each other all very well laid out and can provide a full days worth of information and activity for individuals and families. Admission covers all five buildings and there will be something of interest for all from great art, to motorcycles and machines to dinosaur fossils and sculpture garden. Very well done!!!

my grandchildren really enjoyed it and lots to do and the small restaurant was reasonable and good. there are different buildings to go in. they have history and small live animals displayed and they do lectures with the animals and let you touch them the kids realy enjoyed that and the dinosaurs.

Our Family has been going to the Quad for over 40 years when we first reloacted to the Springfield area. The treasures are always changing and were a fantatsic activity to bring our children and now our grandchildren.

We woke on a vacation day to a washout, weather wise. My husband said he wanted to see the "Indian" museum(motorcycles) and a quick check here revealed that it wasn't just one museum but now 5 different museums on one campus for one price.

First thing we did was the Dr. Seuss museum. Like others have said, you need to plan ahead as they asked us when we bought tickets when we wanted to go. It was interesting but seeing we had no children with us, we weren't there long.

My husband loved the motorcycles and they had some great old cars too. Lots of history behind everything. My favorite part was the science museum with the history close behind. Lots of stuff for both children and adults. And even my husband, who normally shuns art museums enjoyed both art museums. Although we didn't stay long in the fine arts one.

There was a cafe with reasonable prices. And parking lots on site. Plan on a min of four hours if you wish to see all the museums. More if you have children or like to look at everything. We did it in 3 and a half, but we didn't have kids with us and we only spent like 10 minutes in the fine arts museum and probably that in Dr. Suess.

This review is just for the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss and Dr. Seuss memorial sculpture garden portions of the museum complex.

To be honest, we were traveling through Springfield and didn't have very much time to spend at the museums, although they appeared to be a stellar set of institutions. Instead, we saw only the two places related to Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss) who is a Springfield, MA native son. We wanted fun photos to send home to the (now grown) kids and granddaughter.

Both the indoor museum and the outdoor sculpture garden were very well done. Both my husband and I spent our 60-90 minutes there with big grins, remembering all the sweet memories in our own families related to Dr. Seuss's writing/illustrations and re-remembering what a genius Ted Geisel was with the English language.

There were many families there with children of all ages. It was fun to watch children recognize and name characters they knew from books. This is a worthwhile stop, even if you are of grandparenting age.

If you are in the Springfield area this a must see. Children will enjoy the finds they will see. There are things that anyone of all ages will enjoy

We came here because of the Dr. Seuss museum but found lots of other great things that made it worth the trip! One admission gets you into all of the museums. We spent a half day there and did not make it to the art museums, definitely plan for a full day if you want to see it all. My son absolutely loved the Clifford exhibit at the science museum. It was very interactive. The Seuss museum was phenomenal. We were given a timed ticket, as they like to control the crowds. That was really nice, it was a smaller building and it definitely could have been a zoo otherwise. The first floor feels as if you are in a Dr. Seuss book. It was priceless seeing my son's face light up as he saw life size familiar characters or pages out of the books painted as murals on the walls. The upstairs gave you more of the history and his biography and it was neat to see his studio. Downstairs had a large arts and crafts area.
We also visited the history museum. We practically had the place to ourselves, it seemed like a real hidden gem. The old motorcycles and cars were really interesting. They also have a great Hasbro games section which has over sized interactive board game displays. My 7 year-old had a blast here too!

It is fun that all of the different museums are right there in one spot with one admission. The history museum was especially interesting to us.

Took two 7 year olds on a day off from school.Went to all 4 museums,went to the Blake House Cafe for lunch.Spent 3.5 hrs here including time for lunch.We all had fun,lots for them and lots for me (as an adult).

A must for visitors and those who live nearby. They change some exhibits every few months. Very well done for a small city.

Took the grandchildren to the Springfield museum and had a great time with them. All sorts of animal exhibits along with a separate Dr. Seuss museum. They loved it and want to go back soon.

There are four museums that make up the Springfield Museums – Springfield Science Museum, George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. There is also a Dr. Seuss Scupture Garden that is surrounded by three of the museums along with the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum (sign in front of building as well as website say opening June 3, 2017).

We were pleasantly surprised at how much is to see here in all of the buildings. In the Fine Arts Museum, the Jeweled Objects of Desire is an interesting exhibit, with some items being common objects (roller blades that have been blinged out. This exhibiti is here through the end of the year (2017), so you have some time to see.

The Art Museum has various items including Japanese arms, armor & decorative arts, Italian paintings, Chinese decorative arts, as well as Islamic art. The Science Museum is great for the kids with lots of interactive displays, especially on the lower level . There is an astronomy hall, earth hall as well as a Native American Hall. The Springfield history has an extensive collection of Indian Motorcyles, Smith & Wesson firearms as well as an automobile gallery.

There was lots of parking in two locations across the street from each other. There is also the Blake House Café which closed shortly after we arrived. But the menu outside showed reasonable prices. The garden also would be a great place for a picnic, in the warmer weather!

We hope to return to see more of the Museums as well as the Dr. Seuss Museum!

My 13 year old was not excited to spend the day at a museum, but perked up the minute we got out of the car and saw how nice everything was. We both had a wonderful time exploring as many exhibits as possible. We started in the Toytopia temporary exhibit, which was SO MUCH FUN.

Surprisingly, we loved the George Walter Vincent Smith art museum best. There was nothing stuffy or boring about it! (or any of the buildings)

We were underwhelmed by the Dr. Seuss museum, but loved the sculpture garden. Plenty of families with little ones were enjoying the Seuss building, it just wasn't our thing.
This is a top notch museum. The buildings (for the most part) were beautifully maintained. There were restrooms on every floor, and benches in almost every exhibit area. We didn't see many docents (it was a weekday) but everything was well signed.

The cafe was small, but there were tables outdoors and inside visitor's center where you could picnic. The gift shop had a nice mix of items to appeal to children and adults.

We spent the entire day and could have spent another half day in order to see everything. I wish we lived closer and could enjoy these museums more often.

We didn't go to all five, but loved the three we did see, the Dr Seuss Museum, the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum and the Springfield Science Museum.

We are spoiled by our proximity to the Smithsonian museums in DC, but Springfield impressed us especially considering the size of the city.

I have been to museums around the world and this one is excellent. I never knew it existed a few hours away. There are 5 different museums in one area. One low priced ticket lets you into them all and free parking too. Go early and spend the day. I didn't ask about food. Wheel chair assessable. And a gift shop too.
Dr. Suess museum was wonderful for young and old. His books were everywhere. The sculpture park was cute to sit and relax and look at the sculptures.
The Science Museum was large enough to spend an hour or all day. It had many excellent exhibits: space, animals, aquatic, African history of man, etc...
The Springfield History museum was wonderful. I loved seeing the old toys and games, antique cars, motorcycles, video games to use etc..... Kids would love it here.
We didn't go to the art museums --lack of time and energy. But I sure there is a great collection. I hope my pictures help.

Loved the museum. Now with the Dr Seuss exhibit they have dived into politics so history is debatable. History should be left alone.

We had a wonderful time here at the museums. We purchased the yearly membership to the Intrepid Museum in NYC which takes part in the ASTC program. The ASTC program allows you to visit other science museums which are located more than 90 miles from your residence with some exceptions. We decided to take a drive up the museums (and also visit the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame) on a Sunday. We arrived at the museums at about 2 PM. There was lots of parking available as they have a few lots. We went to the main building and presented our Intrepid Membership Card which has the ASTC logo on the back and were granted free admission to the Museums. The collection includes 4 museums: science, Springfield history, fine arts and art. There is also a nice Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden in the center and an entire Dr. Seuss Museum set to open sometime this year. You can easily spend 3-4 hours if you decide to visit all of the museums. Center museums, like some areas of the science museum seems particularly dated, but still had lots to learn in there. The second floor of the science museum is the space area that also has a planetarium. There are 4 shows that last one being at 2 PM. The shows were very cheap; $3 for adults and $2 for children. There is also a great kids section which teaches about the germs and bacteria which was informative and had some interactive exhibits that were great. Currently, as part of the art museum, the have a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Exhibit which was very welcomed by my 6 year old. They have lot of art work about TMNT as well as related exhibits about ways of the samurai and ninja. As an added bonus they have a nintendo system set up there with the original TMNT game!! This was a nice bonus. Unfortunately pictures or photography is not allowed in that exhibit. The Springfield history museum was also great. They had an interactive section dedicated to Hasbro Games which every kids would love. Lots of little interactive exhibits there for them. There are also larger exhibits for automobiles which were started in the are and also Smith and Wesson Arms (though I believe there is an actual separate Smith and Wesson Armory nearby). Finally there was a little "cafe" on premises but we did not go. The staff throughout our entire visit were nice and helpful. Lots to learn at this place.I love that they combined admission for all museums into one and I can't wait to go back once the Dr. Seuss Museum opens. Bring the family and spend a few hours. Everyone will enjoy themselves.

We all went to the museum with the grandkids and had the best time of our lives. We saw so many things that our heads were spinning (animals, dinosaurs, etc.)

I have taken my grandchildren here for years and we love all the exhibits. The animals are life like and the dinosaur is awesome. I have many great memories of the looking at colorful frogs and fish. It is a gem for Springfield.

Free for spfld residence,very kool for the kids,very informative,don't forget the camera,the spfld library is right next door and so is the Dr.suess memorial also great for picture taking.

The Springfield Museums are a treasure and have a wide range of interest so that everyone in your group should find something that appeals to them. The science museum is excellent and it houses a very good shop. There are 2 excellent art museums, a history museum and the Dr. Seuss Museum. There are lots of activities for youngsters as well, and the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden is for all ages. There's a lovely cafe which offers reasonably priced and delicious food for all ages. Parking is free, in 2 nearby lots - one in the courtyard in front of the museum complex and the other just across the street.. This is a great place to spend a day, no matter your age.

My son and I went to the science and Springfield history museums. Both were very good. We learned so much! The bees were fascinating. And the Milton Bradley game section was really fun. We had a good time posing with the Dr. Seuss statues too.

This is a great local museum to bring your children. Lots to do and explore. I really love the space area and the dinosaur exhibit!

The quadrangle where the museums are located allow you to explore at a leisurely pace. All can be visited in one day for one price, and they are underutilized so its quiet and not rushed.

A great day of art & history! Loved the Springfield History Museum. We are always interested to learn more about cities we visit. Plan to return once Dr. Seuss museum is completed.

Lots to see. Lots to look at. The science museum and the indian bike museum were the favorites for my family.

A group of museums clustered together, one ticket admits you to all. I went to visit the Dr, Seuss exhibit, so much fun for kids or the 'kid' inside the adult. It made for quite a few fun photo opportunities, both indoors and out. It was nice to remember his books and characters. For adults, it jogs the memory in positive ways. For kids-lots of play spaces. On the 1st fl. it is more kid oriented, characters, books, sculptures and play areas. 2nd fl. is more for adults, with a focus on his personal life: history, family and homelife. Then there is the sculpture garden outside a very nice space/garden, for strolling and relaxing, and a few photos too. If you choose to take your time and enjoys all it has to offer and you can spend a coupe of hours here. I also did a quick visit to the Fine arts building to see the Frida Khalo exhibit before it closed, which was very well done.

The museum complex is fantastic-something for everyone. The Springfield History Museum brought back so many memories of growing up but gave me historical perspective!

fabulous our museums are fabulous ..we are so fortunate to have them. they are such a gift for our area.

Historically we have come to springfield for a dance competition in March the same as this year but we found we had a lot of time to fill this year and decided to venture out a little. The museums are conveniently located on the same place and admission gets you into to all of the museums. It was a pleasant time and it myself and the kids a bit of a diversion from the waiting game.

The museums are nice for a smaller city. They sit in an era called the Quadrangle. The buildings themselves are historical so that's nice. Unfortunately, they sit right in the heart of downtown Springfield which can be very dangerous, even in the middle of the day.

We like going here. Different sections and buildings are fun to explore. See some art, see nature museum, see some randomness. It’s a good place to spend some time with the family.
Staff has always been friendly.

What an amazing cluster of museums! One admission price for all 5, and a senior rate of $16.50 to boot made this a must-see site! And free parking didn't hurt!! Couldn't resist popping into the The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss museum just to know we saw it. Personally I was most interested in the Museum of Fine Arts and their Impressionist Gallery and works by Monet, Pissarro, Gaugin and more. Enjoyed the earlier European (emphasis on French) galleries as well. Loved the exhibition of Don Gummer sculptures too! At this point, our time was limited so we split up...I headed for the Smith Art Museum to see its American Paintings Salon, Tiffany Stained Glass Windows, and impressive Plaster Cast Gallery as well as learn more about George and Belle Smith and how they came to collect and create this beautiful museum building. My better half headed over to the Museum of Springfield History to look closer at the industrial history of this city. One could easily spend half a day or longer here!!

Amazing value to have 5 wonderful museums all in one place. Very easy to navigate and walk around, and it was a lovely fall day. People who live in Springfield get free admission, but my husband and I agreed that the $25 ticket each that we paid was well worth it. There was a cafe that we had lunch at, and we toured all 5 museums afterwards. We were exhausted but happy with our trip and plan to go back again probably yearly. There is so much to take in!

It would be hard to find a better value than a visit to the Springfield Museums. One admission covers two art museums, one science, one on Springfield history and one devoted to native son, Dr. Suess. It's overwhelming to cover each thoroughly in one visit, so unless you want to move quickly through all of them, focus on what's of greatest interest to you. Four of the museums are arranged around a nice quad containing the Dr. Suess Memorial Sculpture Garden. The Springfield History museum is a short walk from the quad and has a spectacular collection of Indian motorcycles and a range of other objects related to Springfield's manufacturing history which is very impressive.

The Dr. Suess Museum is like walking into one of his brightly colored books and the first floor is very kid-oriented. The second floor contains his studio, living room, correspondence, drawings, and family history, but the collection excludes some of the more controversial areas of his work. It's the only one of the five museums to have timed admission. I only made it to one of the art museums and took a hurried walk through the science museum, but I will return to spend more time in the art and history museums. There's a cafe on site and parking is free.

These museums are great! They’re packed full of interesting things to see and read about for visitors of any age. The history museum has a lot of old cars which I found to be fascinating, and the science museum has a huge tyrannosaurus rex model that used to scare me when I was a kid!

This is a must see for anyone visiting or living in Springfield or the surrounding area. Very well done and memorable.

The science museum includes natural history, astronomy and geology. The history museum has old cars, motorcycles and a room dedicated to board games. And the Dr. Seuss museum is included. Fantastic place to visit all around.

I drove two hours with my two kids (ages 6 and 4) in the hopes that we'd get a full day of entertainment out of the Springfield Museums -- we did! We spent close to five hours there. And, we used a reciprocal membership arrangement from one of our local museums, so it didn't cost us anything. Even so, the ticket price would have been worth it since it kept my kids engaged for so long.

The ticket agent was helpful and advised us to start at Dr. Seuss. My kids enjoyed climbing all over the various figures and some of the exhibits really held their interest (like the digital fish pond). It wasn't quite as interactive or as large as I'd hoped; we probably spent about an hour in it. I think I would have been disappointed if we'd driven all that way just for this, but having the rest of the museums on campus helped.

Next we went to the fine art museum -- It was hard going from Dr Suess where kids were literally climbing all over things to the "Don't touch that!!!" of the art museum. But the guard/docent was extremely friendly. We didn't spend too much time in here, but the kids did enjoy some of the large-scale and "really super old" paintings.

We ate lunch at the cafe on site, which was a good value for kids meals, but food was nothing to rave about. Very convenient to have it right there.

After lunch we went across the street to the Springfield History museum, which we probably would have skipped had the ticket agent not told us that there was a Hasbro game land in it that was good for kids. This did keep them engaged, but a lot of the exhibits were broken. One of the touchscreens on a word game display was frozen, one of the bicycle-powered ball drop machines didn't work at all, and some of the balance board stations didn't light up. My kids didn't seem to mind too much, but it was kind of disappointing. We didn't explore too much of the rest of this museum -- a brief walk through the firefighting and old cars hall but they weren't too interested.

We finished up the day at the Science museum. The kids loved the giant T-Rex replica and the models of the African animals. Even one of the educational videos held their interest for 15+ minutes. We spent some time downstairs with the fish, turtles, and crabs and they loved it.

We skipped the final Islamic/Asian art museum (mostly because I was horrified of them breaking something) but after spending five hours on campus, we definitely felt like the trip was worth it! The variety of museums and exhibits meant that we could spent a short amount of time in each place and move along when the kids needed a change of pace, but we still got a full day's outing. If the weather had been warmer we would have probably spent some more time in the sculpture garden and on the grounds, as well.