Scott Erb
Explore a bygone Transcendentalist community, whose pastoral landscape houses wide-ranging collections of art and artifacts.
Fruitlands Museum has a diverse collection of art and material culture on 210 acres of land, stunning views, and miles of walking trails.
In 1843, Amos Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane turned a swath of Harvard farmland into a Transcendentalist experiment in subsistence farming and Emersonian self-reliance, named Fruitlands, which ultimately disbanded after only seven months. In 1914, Clara Endicott Sears opened the grounds to the public, establishing a museum in the property’s 1820s farmhouse. Now, the 210-acre landscape encompasses five collections first established by Sears: the original Fruitlands Farmhouse; the Shaker Museum, the first such museum in the country; the Native American Museum, celebrating the history of indigenous peoples; the Wayside Visitor Center, a classroom, education, and exhibition space; and the Art Museum.
The Native American Gallery is closed this season as we embark on the process of re-interpreting and re-organizing the collection and gallery spaces. The new space is expected to open in late spring 2024. During the hiatus, we are hosting monthly spotlight talks with Tess Lukey, our Associate Curator of Native American Art. These spotlight talks highlight her ongoing research, are free with admission. Learn more and pre-register here.
The Hyve at Fruilands Cafe is open from 11:30-2:30 Wednesday through Monday!
Enjoy the exhibits, hike the grounds, or attend events like the summer concert series or the annual craft festival in fall.
The Hyve Fruitlands Café is open 11:00am-2:30pm during our Main Season.
We recommend you reserve passes in advance to secure your spot.
MAIN SEASON ADMISSION
Main Season
April 15-November 5
Monday, Wednesday-Friday | 10am-4pm
Saturday and Sunday | 10am-5pm
Closed Tuesdays
The Fruitlands Farmhouse and Shaker Gallery are open each day for self-guided access throughout our open hours. Looking to dig deeper into the stories of these two utopian communities? Guided tours are also available at 10:30am and 3pm with a $5 tour fee in addition to general admission. Visit here to learn more and book your tour spot.
The Native American Gallery is closed this season as we embark on the process of re-interpreting and re-organizing the collection and gallery spaces. The new space is expected to open in late spring 2024. During the hiatus, we are hosting monthly spotlight talks with Tess Lukey, our Associate Curator of Native American Art. These spotlight talks highlight her ongoing research, are free with admission. Learn more and pre-register here
Grounds Only Admission
Guests are welcome to remain on the grounds for as long as desired during open hours from 10am – 4pm (5pm weekends). We recommend arriving by 3pm to allow at least an hour for your visit.
We welcome school and youth groups for experiential educational programs. Please visit our Education Page for details. To initiate a visit, please email fruitlandseducation@thetrustees.org.
Fruitlands Museum
102 Prospect Hill Road
Harvard, Massachusetts 01451
Phone: 978.456.3924
Get directions on Google Maps.
Fruitlands Museum is located in eastern Massachusetts about 45 minutes west of Boston off of Route 2. The Museum has a spectacular view to the west of Mount Wachusett and, on a clear day, to Mount Monadnock in New Hampshire. The view west overlooks the Oxbow Wildlife Refuge and the Nashua River Valley.
Explore our museum collections and historic buildings as well as 210 acres of woodlands and meadows. Our site offers a great location for weddings, corporate events and family outings.
FROM THE EAST
Take Route 2 west to exit 109A. Head south on Route 110 and take your first right onto Old Shirley Road. The Museum is about two miles ahead on the right.
FROM THE WEST
Take Route 2 east to exit 109A. Head south on Route 110 and take your first right onto Old Shirley Road. The Museum is about two miles ahead on the right.
FROM THE NORTH
Take 495 South to Route 2 west to exit 109A. Head south on Route 110 and take your first right onto Old Shirley Road. The Museum is about two miles ahead on the right.
FROM THE SOUTH
Take 495 north to Route 2 west to exit 109A. Head south on Route 110 and take your first right onto Old Shirley Road. The Museum is about two miles on the right.
At Fruitlands Museum, explore art, history, and nature in current exhibitions, historic house tours, and expansive grounds.
The Fruitlands Farmhouse and Shaker Gallery are open each day for self-guided access throughout our open hours. Looking to dig deeper into the stories of these two utopian communities? Guided tours are also available at 10:30am and 3pm with a $5 tour fee in addition to general admission. Visit here to learn more and book your tour spot.
Accessible Features
Accessible parking is located at the upper lot by the Museum Shop, and the lower lot by the Wayside and Art Galleries.
Rides are available in a 4-seat gator to facilitate access around the hilly terrain at the center museum campus. Please call ahead to check availability.
Accessible bathrooms are available at the Prospect House Café/Gift Shop and at the Wayside Gallery.
The Art Gallery, Native American Gallery, and Wayside Gallery, as well as the Fruitlands Museum Cafe and Shop are all wheelchair accessible. The Shaker Gallery and Fruitlands Farmhouse are not currently wheelchair accessible.
For more information about hosting your wedding or private event at Fruitlands Museum, please visit our website.
Free trail map distributed from bulletin board in the parking area. Please understand that supplies periodically run out. We recommend that you take a photo of the map on your phone so you can refer to it during your visit, or download a trail map before you head out.
on this page
In 1843, Amos Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane turned a swath of Harvard farmland into a Transcendentalist experiment in subsistence farming and Emersonian self-reliance, named “Fruitlands,” which ultimately disbanded after only seven months. In 1914, Clara Endicott Sears opened the grounds to the public, establishing a museum in the property’s 1820s farmhouse.
This place is a hidden gem, between the views and the food!
– James, Facebook
