Danforth Museum of Art

Danforth Museum of Art
Danforth Museum Shop
Marks Fine Arts Library
123 Union Avenue
Framingham, MA 01702
(508) 620-0050

Open to the Public Wednesday - Sunday
12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Handicapped accessible


Organization, History and Objectives:

The Danforth Museum of Art was incorporated as a nonprofit institution in 1973. It was founded by area residents, with support from Framingham State College (FSC), and the Town of Framingham. The Museum was named for Thomas Danforth who owned the original Colonial land grant for what is now known as the Metrowest area of Boston. The selection of this name reflects the Museum's regional focus.

The mission of the Danforth Museum of Art is to preserve, promote, collect, and exhibit the aesthetic achievements of the past, and to encourage, support and promote the arts of the present. The Danforth's bylaws state: "The Museum shall encourage public interest in and foster an understanding and appreciation of the arts by all segments of the population. The Museum will feature a broad spectrum of programs and events of consistently high quality and function as a regional art museum, an educational center and a cultural resource."

The Museum houses six galleries featuring exhibitions from the permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century prints, drawings, photographs, paintings, and sculpture. Special exhibitions include both regional and national contemporary art, 20th-century photography, and historical exhibitions of specific artists or movements in American art. Hands-on activities are available for children. A fine arts library provides art historical literature as well as information on all special exhibitions and the Museum Shop has a varied selection of craft items, cards, gifts and unique jewelry.

Who We Are:

  • Danforth Museum of Art is: A Local Fine Arts Museum with a National Reputation.
    The Museum's permanent collection is particularly strong in American 19th- and 20th- century paintings, European and American prints, contemporary painting (especially of Boston-area artists) and New England photography. Our exhibitions range from painting and crafts, to photography, drawing, landscape, portraiture and prints, and present a balance of media, subject matter, materials, periods and styles.

  • An Educational and Cultural Resource Center
    Did you know that the Danforth provides art education to 63 public and private schools from 17 surrounding communities - and sponsors free, after-school art enrichment workshops to homeless children living in area shelters and transitional housing? In addition, the Danforth offers a complete schedule of cultural and social activities including concerts, art workshops, an annual craft festival, film series, gallery talks, lectures, special appraisal days, and trips to other art and cultural institutions.

  • A Hands-on Art School to Nurture Creativity and Artistic Curiosity
    The Museum School offers hundreds of introductory through advanced courses in drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, weaving, photography, and calligraphy to area adults, teens, and children. Taught by professional, certified art educators, classes are held in the Museum School's nine classroom/studios, photography lab, and ceramics studios.

For more information, contact Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702, or call (508) 620-0050, or visit the museum website at: www.danforthmuseum.org