How To Explore the Cape Ann Art Scene

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Fisherman’s Memorial, Gloucester

Did you know that Cape Ann has some of the oldest and best art communities in our state? Its true. In galleries and museums, on stage, and in unique neighborhoods, our North Shore is the perfect place to scratch your creative itch. 

Here are some places where you can experience art in all its forms.

Rocky Neck, Gloucester 

Gloucester’s Rocky Neck neighborhood is one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the country, where artists live, work, and display their creations. In 2017, the community was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Artists who have called the community home include Edward Hopper and Winslow Homer. 

The community is located across the water from Gloucester’s famous working harbor. During the summer months, you can catch a ferry from downtown and walk around to see paintings, textiles, wooden works, and more. The 2024 season featured over a dozen separate galleries. 

Bearskin Neck, Rockport

Elsewhere in Gloucester, don’t miss the Cape Ann Museum. For over a century, the museum has collected and displayed works depicting and inspired by the landscape and charm of Cape Ann for all to see, cementing the area’s status as one of the most important art communities in the country. Today, the museum’s collections includes more than a million photographs of Cape Ann over the course of the past 200 years. The museum consists of 2 sites: the main campus is closed until spring 2026 for renovation, but the Cape Ann Museum Green Campus is open year-round.

The North Shore Arts Association of Gloucester and Cape Ann Art Haven also support the area’s creatives through exhibitions, events, and other programs. 

Bearskin Neck, Rockport 

Up to another “neck” – Rockport’s Bearskin Neck peninsula is one of the most underrated travel destinations in all of Massachusetts. Chock-full of galleries, artisans, and performance spaces, Rockport’s iconic strip of mostly locally-owned shops has inspired artists for centuries. It is not to be missed. Along the strip you’ll find jewelers, galleries, metalwork, candles, and lots of food. 

You can learn more about Rockport’s art history and the artists currently working in the area at the Rockport Art Association & Museum. 

Within Bearskin Neck sits Motif #1, thought to be the most-often painted structure in the United States. The lighting and feeling of the iconic fishing shack has inspired artists to capture and interpret it since the original was built in 1884. 

Performing Arts

Shalin Liu Performance Center, Rockport

For those wanting to catch a concert, the Shalin Liu Performance Center is an absolute must-see. Since its opening in 2010, the concert hall has welcomed a diverse and accomplished array of performers to its stage, who perform in front of perhaps the best backdrop in the world – floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Rockport’s Back Harbor. Designed to showcase chamber music, the Shalin Liu Performance Center hosts the annual Rockport Chamber Music Festival each summer, which typically welcomes dozens of performers from all over the world. The venue is a short walk away from Bearskin Neck.

Also in Rockport, the Windhover Center for the Performing Arts offers performance space and dance, theater, and music classes.

In Gloucester, The Cut is a recently opened concert venue with a restaurant and bar. They’ll open for the season in April. Finally, Gloucester Stage is one of the area’s best options for live theater, local concerts, and other events.

Find more information about Cape Ann with our partners at North of Boston. Find more arts-centered events and activities on VisitMA.com.

TOPICS: Cape Ann, Essex, Gloucester, Rockport, Shalin Liu Performance Center