Entering a World of Fantasy at NRM

While Norman Rockwell was known for his representational paintings of American life, his work also encapsulates an enchanting and fantastical picture of life as well. 

This summer, the Stockbridge, Mass., Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM), which is dedicated to the art of illustration, will host several events inspired by fantasy and enchantment.  

Founded in 1969, the 36-acre property is home to the world’s most extensive collection of Rockwell art. The artist’s  studio is also on the museum campus.

Each summer, the museum does special explorations of different kinds of illustration. This year’s theme is “Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration,” which features more than 100 pieces by more than 50 artists. The show is spread throughout several galleries of the museum, with art dating from as far back as the Middle Ages to the present day. 

In addition to Enchanted, NRM has another exhibition this summer, “Real and Imagined: Fantastical Rockwell,” which features the artist’s less familiar fantasy art from the mid 20th century. Rockwell’s full-size works depicting fairytale and fantastical subjects provide a different view of the artist’s body of work.

The museum will also be launching a Tuesday evening series that will be available online and in-person, including several in-person art workshops with selected artists featured in “Enchanted.”

These exhibitions are now open Thursdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Tuesdays from noon to 7 p.m. (starting this month).

The outdoor installation will be on display from July 10 through Oct. 31. Both indoor exhibitions opened on June 12 and will close on Oct. 31.

All visitors are required to wear masks while inside the museum.

The exhibitions are included with general admission; to purchase tickets go to www.NRM.org or the front desk.