Berkshire Museum

Berkshire Museum Review

Opened in 1903, this "universal" museum has a little bit of everything: fine art including paintings from the Hudson River School; Alexander Calder's mobiles and toys; natural history, including animals and minerals; and local history. The latter is exemplified by the Hall of Innovation, which showcases Berkshire innovators whose creations range from special effects for Star Wars to the paper used for U.S. currency. The 10-foot-high stegosaurus outside the museum advertises the dinosaur gallery where families can sift through the dig pit for bones, but don't miss the ancient gallery featuring an Egyptian mummy, or the aquarium with a touch tank in the basement. Add to this rotating exhibits, such as Audobon's Birds, and the in-house cinema, and the Berkshire Museum has something for everyone.