Summary: the DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park features temporary and permanent exhibits of 20th century painting and sculpture on a Victorian estate in the pastoral Lincoln countryside, about a 25 minute ride west of Boston.

The DeCordova Museum and Sculpture Park has long been a player in the contemporary arts scene in Greater Boston. Once the home of entrepreneur Julian de Cordova, the brick-turreted museum sits at the apex of a driveway which winds through the works of sculpture. Art is everywhere and, after a while, you begin to see art even where it isn't -- a lesson in appreciating the beauty and meaning of everyday objects. (Even the walk from the car to the front door of the museum is an aesthetically pleasing experience: the pathway is lined with bold blocks of granite, slender white birches, and clusters of daylilies.)

The Museum
The museum's permanent collection is devoted to the work of living New England artists, but there is much more to see than the pieces the museum has acquired: temporary exhibits allow a wide range of works by many different artists to be shown; The DeCordova Annual Exhibition series features works by up and coming new artists and provides an annual snapshot of regional talent; and the Media Space @ DeCordova highlights an ever-changing array of local video artists.

The museum also offers lectures, gallery tours and talks, and the other programming and amenities that modern museum-goers have come to expect.

The Sculpture Park
Almost eighty sculptures dot the 35-acre grounds, not including those on the new Sculpture Terrace overlooking an unspoiled view of Flint's Pond. Some of our favorites have included "Listening Stone" by Joseph Wheelwright, a huge stone head which appears to be carved from an on-site boulder; "The Musical Fence" by Paul Matisse (we can guarantee you won't be able to resist trying it out!) and the whimsical pieces in "Alice's Garden." Note that DeCordova often changes the sculptures in the Park and Terrace so that what you see will be fresh and vibrant.

Be sure to pick up a map at the front gate; the reverse side lists the pertinent information about each piece. It takes about an hour to see all the sculptures if you stroll about the grounds at a leisurely pace. Although it is terribly tempting, visitors are cautioned not to climb on the artwork. On a beautiful afternoon, the park is the perfect place for a leisurely picnic lunch.

Other Amenities
The DeCordova Museum School of Art, which is adjacent to the museum, offers over 350 courses and workshops each year in a non-degree setting. The school also exhibits work of the faculty and students in the lounge next to the museum store, an airy annex called the Store@DeCordova, which sells art supplies, decorative and wearable art, and quirky toys and games.

Logistics
To get there, take Route 128 to Exit 28B, the Trapelo Road/Lincoln exit. Follow Trapelo Road west about 3 miles to Lincoln center, where you will see a tiny stone rotary. Continue straight on, as Trapelo Road turns into Sandy Pond Road. The museum is one-half mile ahead on the right.

For hours, admission fees, and information about what's on display, visit the DeCordova web site.

QUICK CLICKS
Cheap Tickets has some of the greatest travel deals on the web. Just click. You're there.
Hotwire Hot-Fares are airfare deals you won't find anywhere else - up to 50% off.
Luggage Online carries top brands in luggage, briefcases and travel accessories at great prices
Choose from one of our once-in-a-lifetime vacation experiences, including skydiving, helicopter rides, hot air ballooning and much more, to your Boston trip -- you'll be glad you did!

Site Directory: