About the Museum
The mission of The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a non-profit organization in Amherst, MA, is to inspire a love of art and reading through picture books. The only full-scale museum of its kind in the United States, The Carle collects, preserves, presents, and celebrates picture books and picture book illustrations from around the world. In addition to underscoring the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of picture books and their art form, The Carle offers educational programs that provide a foundation for arts integration and literacy.
Eric and Barbara Carle founded the Museum in November 2002. Eric Carle is the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Since opening, the 40,000-square foot facility has served more than half a million visitors, including 30,000 schoolchildren. Its extensive resources include a collection of more than 10,000 picture book illustrations, three art galleries, an art studio, a theater, picture book and scholarly libraries, and educational programs for families, scholars, educators, and schoolchildren. Educational offerings include professional training for educators around the country.
Read here about the remarkable life of Eric Carle MORE
Hours:
The Bookshop, Art Studio, and Reading Library hours are the same as the Museum.
Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day.
Story Chasers Join educator David Feinstein for a fun-filled storytelling adventure! Starting with a read-aloud designed for early learners, we will use books to spark our creativity and chase story themes across the museum, including the galleries, art studio, and Bobbie’s Meadow. Prepare to go wherever the stories take us! WHO YOU'LL MEET DAVID FEINSTEIN Literacy Educator […]
Celebrating the Freedom to Read With Your Favorite Authors Join The Carle and Authors Against Book Bans (AABB) for a full day of programming to celebrate our freedom to read in recognition of Banned Books Week 2024 (September 22-28). Join The Carle and Authors Against Book Bans (AABB) on Sunday, September 22nd for a full day […]
Enjoy a morning exploring the Barbara Elleman Research Library (BERL), a collection of scholarly resources and rare books. Barbara Elleman will share some of the treasured items she amassed over the course of her thirty-year career in the children’s literature field, along with more recent additions to the library. Free with museum admission. Registration recommended, as […]
Join Assistant Curator Isabel Ruiz Cano for a guided tour exploring The Carle’s current exhibitions. WHO YOU'LL MEET ISABEL RUIZ CANO Isabel joined The Carle as Assistant Curator in 2022. She is committed to fostering curiosity about picture book art across all ages.
The Carle’s picture-book exhibitions showcase a variety of artists, themes, and styles. Our three galleries host six original shows a year, so there is always something new to see! Artful Collaboration: Eric Carle & Ann Beneduce September 7, 2024 - March 9, 2025 West Gallery A shared love of art and books. Recent Acquisition: Jerry Pinkney's The Lion […]
Artists at Play Online Talks September 12, 2024 at 7 - 8 pm Virtual Register Stories within stories. Book characters interacting with the reader. These are just a few examples of metafiction. Join guest curator Cathryn M. Mercier for a discussion with exhibition artists Aaron Becker, Barbara Lehman, Yuyi Morales, and Kathryn Otoshi as they talk about […]
Don't miss your chance to save on Back to School supplies! Our sale ends at midnight EST on Saturday, August 31st. Use coupon code B2SCHOOL in your cart to save 15% on select categories. Members get an additional 15% off. Become a member today and save all year long. It's time for teachers and librarians […]
Free The Carle is pleased to be participating The Highland Street Foundation’s August Adventures summer program. Admission to The Carle on Wednesday, August 21 is free. Food vendors: Riff’s Food Truck (11 am - 3 pm) and Crooked Stick Pops.
Join us and certified children’s yoga instructor, Lorrie Heard, as we explore movement and fun inspired by the beautiful nature in Bobbie’s Meadow! Children will be invited to practice foundational yoga poses and breathing exercises, while stretching and strengthening their bodies and minds. Class will be geared towards ages 3–6, but parents and siblings are welcome. […]
Join us for a truly enchanting evening filled with art, live music, and nature. Immerse yourself in the Museum, from wandering through the galleries and art studio to browsing the bookshop and enjoying Bobbie’s Meadow. Listen to the delightful tunes of Chris James J in the courtyard while relaxing with your own blankets or lawn […]
Enjoy an extra special evening at The Carle with art, music, dancing, and food! Held on the third Thursdays in July and August, Summer Nights at The Carle provides evening access to the entire museum – from the galleries and art studio to the bookshop and Bobbie’s Meadow. Join us on July 18th and August 15th […]
Join us and certified children’s yoga instructor, Lorrie Heard, as we explore movement and fun inspired by the beautiful nature in Bobbie’s Meadow! Children will be invited to practice foundational yoga poses and breathing exercises, while stretching and strengthening their bodies and minds. Class will be geared towards ages 3–6, but parents and siblings are welcome. […]
The Carle will be closed Wednesday, June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth.
The Carle is pleased to be participating The Highland Street Foundation’s Spring Week program. Admission to The Carle is free on Wednesday, April 17.
Join us for art-making, a museum-wide scavenger hunt, films, and storytime. Guests can also meet the Very Hungry Caterpillar in our Great Hall for pictures and be part of a Wiggle Jiggle Dance Party! Schedule 1:00 - 1:30 pm - Meet The Very Hungry Caterpillar! 1:30 - 1:45 pm - Wiggle Jiggle Dance Party with The Very Hungry Caterpillar […]
February School Vacation Week February 20 - 25, 2024 The Carle is open Tuesday through Sunday during February School Vacation Week! Come for art-making, storytimes, and special guests! Everyday Art Project: The Bigger Picture! January 10 - February 25, 2024 Create your own folded drawing to expand and reveal a bigger picture! Special Storytime: Astrid Sheckels February 21, 2024 at 11 am - 11:30 […]
Inspired by the Elephant & Piggie book series by Mo Willems, First Book Friendiversary is a celebration of friendship and reading. Families with children who visit The Carle between February 7-11 will receive a FREE Elephant & Piggie book while supplies last! One book per child. During Friendiversary, buy one admission and get one admission of equal or lesser value. We are grateful to Disney Publishing for their […]
It’s The Carle Bookshop’s Annual Holiday Sale! Save 15% off your entire purchase in-store and online, including sale items. Museum Members take an additional 15%. Don’t miss the sale! Here’s all the ways you can shop with us this year: Shop online and select curbside pickup. We’ll pack you order and email you when it’s ready. No lines! […]
Please join us November 4 to honor Alix Kennedy and celebrate her 15-year tenure as executive director at The Carle. Since 2008, Alix Kennedy has dramatically raised the profile of The Carle, now an important champion for picture book illustration around the world. She has been a dynamic leader, trusted and respected by colleagues, staff, […]
