Whistler House Museum of Art | Lowell

The Whistler House Museum of Art, located at 243 Worthen Street in Lowell, Massachusetts, is a historic museum that serves as the birthplace of renowned painter and etcher James McNeill Whistler. Established in 1908 by the Lowell Art Association, Inc., the museum is one of the oldest incorporated art associations in the United States and operates as both a museum and an educational space .(whistlerhouse.org)

Architecture and Historic Significance

Built around 1823, the Whistler House is a beautifully restored Federal and Greek Revival home. The house has been home to several notable figures in American history, including George Washington Whistler, a prominent engineer and father of James McNeill Whistler. The museum's architecture reflects the rich history of Lowell and its significance in the American Industrial Revolution .

Permanent Collection

The museum's permanent collection focuses on late 19th- and early 20th-century American representational art, with special emphasis on artists from New England. Notable artists represented in the collection include Frank W. Benson, William Morris Hunt, William McGregor Paxton, Aldro T. Hibbard, and Arshile Gorky. A dedicated room showcases James McNeill Whistler's etchings, prints, and artifacts .

Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

Artists in Residence 1900–2025

This exhibition, running from February 21 to May 30, 2025, highlights the contributions of artists who have participated in the museum's Artist-in-Residence program over the past 125 years. Featured artists include Mary Earl Wood, DeMerritt Allen Hiscoe, Lucinda Britton, Will Cunha, Dennis Lucas, Meredith Fife Day, David Drinon, Magdalene Stathas Carellas, and Whistler House Studio Artists Lisa Kovvuri and Mary Rose O'Connell .

Annual Juried Members Exhibition 2024

Scheduled from November 16, 2024, to January 25, 2025, this exhibition showcases works by members of the Lowell Art Association. The exhibition features a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, fiber art, printmaking, and photography. The juror for this year's exhibition is Stephen Mishol, Chair of the Department of Art & Design at the University of Massachusetts Lowell .

Visiting Information

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Admission:

Adults: $15 (Docent-led tour), $12 (Self-tour)

Students & Seniors: $12 (Docent-led tour), $10 (Self-tour)

Educators & Veterans: $12 (Docent-led tour), $10 (Self-tour)

Children under 12: Free

Museum Members: Free

Location: 243 Worthen Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Contact: Phone: 978-452-7641

The Whistler House Museum of Art offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich artistic heritage of Lowell and the legacy of James McNeill Whistler. Through its diverse exhibitions and educational programs, the museum continues to serve as a vibrant cultural hub in the region.