Worcester Art Museum

55 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609, USA

Address:	55 Salisbury St, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
Phone:	+1 508-799-4406
Site:	worcesterart.org
Rating:	4.6
Working:	Closed Closed 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 11AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 11AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Edmund Rogers

We visited the Worcester Art Museum (yesterday) whilst on a trip to visit local Universities. The surrounding area it is in is reasonably pleasant and there is plenty of free parking which is a welcome bonus. The staff was very pleasant and the museum itself is clean, spacious and has quite a few worthwhile exhibits. The museum sports not only paintings but sculptures, weavings, woodworking, jewelry, spectacular mosaics and a complete reconstruction of an actual room from France which was amazing. There are "big name" artists like Monet, Sargent, Turner, Renoir, Cassatt, Warhol... but its the lesser known artists which drew my interest and attention. There was a modern "electronic" exhibit which was quite interesting. I think the artist might have been from Worcester Polytechnic Institute (could be wrong). Now on the the not so pleasant: The lighting on some pieces is atrocious with glare right smack dab in the center of the paintings so most of them have to be viewed from an angle. Glass over some of the well known works (I do understand why) made it impossible to discern fine detail. While a majority have a description adjacent to the work there are a few rooms with either no description at all or "maps" which you have to play "guess the painting by number". One gallery (room) had just two Ipads to cover 2 rooms (and the ipads were only in one room not both rooms) which made it virtually (pun intended) impossible to match up the art with the description. There is a place for modern "tech" but this is not one of them. Now the most unpleasant part: Im not sure if it was because admission was free (month of August) but our experience with other "guests" was less than pleasant. There was a couple who insisted that their 5 -7 year old children be allowed to (literally) run free, scream and do whatever they pleased; A middle school aged group where the teacher/counselor spoke so loud (she should have known better) we had to leave the room and yet still heard her 2 rooms away; A high school aged (camp group) with seemingly NO SUPERVISION as they were so loud and obnoxious we actually had to say something to one of the kids ourselves. I/we are highly in favor of exposing art to children of all ages but the lack of respect and etiquette by the simple act of being quiet was almost unbearable. Yes we tried to move to different rooms but total lack of supervision prevented the groups from staying together so they wandered all around. For all the camp groups and parents with young children, there was no attempt by either the supervisors or museum staff/security to say "hey, keep it down and have some respect for the other people who actually choose to be here and enjoy the art". I partly blame the museum for not stepping up and laying down the (obvious) rules. There is no absolutely way they didnt see or hear this because they were in the same rooms. Im confident this is not the norm (having unmanageable school/camp groups and obnoxious self entitled parents) and shouldnt dissuade anyone from attending the museum. We just wanted to make your aware that if you do encounter this situation the staff doesnt do anything to stop it. One last note: While we didnt eat there, the smells and sight of the Cafe inside the museum was wonderful! All in all it was worth visiting if youre in the area.

Joseph Adamczyk

This is a very large museum with a wide variety of interesting pieces from all different periods of time. Gallery workers are very knowledgeable and helpful when needed. Aside from my satisfaction with the main attractions, the museums cafe is a whole different environment. My waitress seemed to have quite poor work ethic and didnt care much for customer satisfaction. While I understand the cafe was busy at the time, this waitress didnt even attempt to speak with basic manners and etiquette. Most of the time spent there, I received very vague and blunt one word answers and I dont believe this woman even tried to put a smile on her face. My cafe experience ended with my waitress telling me that the tip I left her was unsatisfactory and that I should reconsider next time I go to a restaurant. Also, the BLT I ordered was made with minimal effort, which came as a surprise due to their high prices. It pains me to give this museum such a poor review, but this cafe experience totally ruined my day.

Victoria Nunez

The art is beautiful. Also, the setup makes it very easy to successfully see all exhibits without getting lost. Nothing bad about the art itself. Additionally, the gift shop is unique. HOWEVER , the cafe food service was AWFUL. this particular waitress was rude, and gave me attitude right from the beginning. She took my bill and said "Ill be back with your change" then she came back saying "you do want your change back, right?" Giving me complete unnecessary attitude. After saying "yes I want change" she stormed off. I left her a tip that I felt she deserved. (My bill was only 18$) . Then after leaving, she followed me. And stopped to yell at me, calling me a "kid" saying I should have given more of a tip. Not to mention that the food wasnt worth 18$ or that awful service. DO NOT EAT HERE.

Ken Pollan

Getting in free was nice we have been there before and liked it. Expected much more armour displayed in interesting ways instead of scattered sparsely around. The staff is nice. There is an aweful oder that permeates the building , especially the photography area that is nauseating. Never mind lunch there we had to leave asap. There are dull areasi that could be lit better and more interesting that 6-8 paintings cluttered on a wall with no description. Like a Van Gogh and dozens of small paintings. With some management this Museum could be far better.

Mia McDonald

Dont bring your kids to the new Knights exhibit. The kids part is great, but it is within feet of a nightmare-creating exhibit called Guns Without Borders (photos of murder victims). After marketing so strongly to children, and then creating such a wonderful kids area, its strange how they chose to place this completely inappropriate exhibit so close and within clear view of the visiting children. We wont be going back to this exhibit. Ever.

Allen Parsons

WAM punches well above its weight as an art museum. Art treasures from the Roman Empire to American primitive (and more) are well displayed within its sleek and quiet interior. The museums handsome exterior (old and new sections somewhat improbably merged) and its stately neighborhood set a tranquil and dignified mood even before you enter. Seldom crowded, which is regrettable. It deserves greater attention.

Bob Lawton

Somebody told me this medium is small, that Id only need 30 minutes. Trust me, this place is big and can easily fill up your afternoon so give yourself plenty of time. The displays are laid out to give you a very personal experience and their are plenty of docents to guide you. This would be a great museum regardless of where it is, so dont let it being on Worcester stop you from visiting.

James Walker

Was very impressed with my visit to Worcester Art Museum. When I visited in Aug of 2016, it was free for Worcester residents. That certainly made my day. I absolutely love art and everything to do with it, in all forms and mediums. This art museum has everything I could have hoped for, and more. It definitely kept me busy for the afternoon. I will visit again soon!