Information
Landmark: Kansas City MuseumCity: Kansas City
Country: USA Missouri
Continent: North America
Kansas City Museum, Kansas City, USA Missouri, North America
The Cape Ann Museum is an art and history museum located in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It preserves and exhibits the cultural heritage of Cape Ann.
Visual Characteristics
The museum complex comprises several buildings. The main building, a former bank, is constructed of granite and features a classical facade. Adjacent to this is a historic house museum, the Babson-Alling House, built in the Federal style with clapboard siding painted white. The museum grounds also include a modern gallery space with a glass facade.
Location & Access Logistics
The Cape Ann Museum is situated at 27 Pleasant Street in downtown Gloucester, MA. It is approximately 0.5km from the Gloucester waterfront. Parking is available in a dedicated lot behind the museum. The MBTA Commuter Rail serves Gloucester Station, located 1.2km from the museum, with bus connections available from the station to the downtown area.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The main museum building was originally the Gloucester First National Bank, constructed in 1909. The Babson-Alling House dates to 1805 and was moved to its current location to preserve it. The museum's collection focuses on the history and art of Cape Ann, a region historically significant for its fishing industry and artistic community.
Key Highlights & Activities
Exhibitions include permanent collections of maritime art, landscape paintings, and decorative arts. Visitors can explore the historic Babson-Alling House. Special temporary exhibitions are presented throughout the year. Educational programs and lectures are also offered.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available within the museum. Limited seating is provided in exhibition areas. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good within the museum. No on-site food vendors are present, but numerous restaurants and cafes are located within a 0.2km radius in the downtown area.
Best Time to Visit
The museum is open year-round. Weekday mornings generally offer fewer crowds. The best lighting for photography of the exterior architecture is typically in the late afternoon. No specific tide requirements are relevant for visiting the museum.
Facts & Legends
The museum holds the largest collection of works by Fitz Henry Lane, a prominent 19th-century maritime painter who lived and worked in Gloucester. A unique aspect of the Babson-Alling House is its original kitchen hearth, which remains intact.
Nearby Landmarks
- Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial - 0.4km South
- Rocky Neck State Park - 3.5km East
- Hammond Castle Museum - 4.2km North
- Beauport, The Sleeper-McCann House - 4.0km North