Enjoy the Arts Along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway this Winter
January 19, 2026
The winter months are the perfect time to visit the many wonderful art museums and galleries on the North Shore. It is no secret that a number of very famous artists were inspired by (and in some cases, even lived!) in the coastal cities and towns along the Essex Coastal Scenic Byway. From traditional maritime to more contemporary themes, we’ve pulled together a list of just some of the best destinations for art-lovers along the Scenic Byway. Enjoy!
Cape Ann Museum Green
Address: 13 Poplar Street, Gloucester
As you wait for the Downtown Campus of the Cape Ann Museum to reopen from its renovation, there is no better time to familiarize yourself with Cape Ann Green! Completed in 2020, this campus features historic houses, contemporary art, and four acres of land. Looking to themes of industry, craft, and heritage, CAM Green’s ample space brings Cape Ann’s culture to new audiences through educational programming, community events, and a variety of exhibits.
Learn about its current exhibitions and related programs and events.
Rocky Neck Art Colony
Address: 6 Wonson Street, Gloucester
While many galleries on Rocky Neck are closed during the winter season, the Rocky Neck Art Colony (one of the oldest continuously operating art colonies in the United States) still organizes art and culture events all year round which showcase the work of their members. They also host a wide variety of workshops and classes using different mediums such as weaving, portrait drawing, and more. Take a look at their calendar of events to see where their next “pop-up” show is!
Lynn Museum/LynnArts & Galleries At LynnArts (GALA)
Lynn Museum Address: 590 Washington Street, Lynn
GALA Address: 25 Exchange Street, Lynn
Located in the heart of Lynn, the Lynn Museum/LynnArts is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and culture of the city. For over 125 years, the Lynn Museum & Historical Society has been the repository and custodian of Lynn’s history. With nearly 10,000 objects, an extensive archive, and a priceless photography collection, the Museum showcases Lynn’s rise from an early American settlement to an industrial powerhouse. They also host community events, workshops, and performances, making it a vibrant cultural hub.
You can also visit the Galleries At LynnArts (GALA) which is an arts based collaborative that is in the heart of the Lynn Cultural District. GALA currently leases the galleries within the LynnArts building and includes two galleries and a gallery shop filled with unique pieces that make special gifts produced by local artists and makers.
Marblehead Arts Association
Address: 8 Hooper Street, Marblehead
The Marblehead Arts Association (MAA) is located in the historic King Hooper Mansion which was originally built in 1728 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The MAA currently serves 500+ artistically diverse artists and their space boasts six galleries of exhibits by association members and guest artists which rotate approximately every six weeks, displaying over 1,200 original works of art annually. Be sure to check out their current exhibits!
Peabody Essex Museum
Address: 161 Essex Street, Salem
The world-renowned Peabody Essex Museum in Salem is known for its robust maritime collection as well as for their focus on the arts, humanities, and sciences. With over 1.8 million artworks, it boasts an impressive range of American, Asian, African, Oceanic, and Indian art. Their exhibitions, programs, publications, media, and related activities create experiences that transform people’s lives by broadening their perspectives, attitudes, and knowledge of themselves and the wider world!
Their campus includes multiple historic homes and gardens and the Phillips Library, a state of the art archival facility in Rowley. Don’t miss out on all that the PEM has to offer and don’t forget to check out their line-up of “drop-in” art activities this winter.
Punto Urban Art Museum
Address: 91 Peabody Street, Salem
The Punto Urban Art Museum is an open air museum in the El Punto neighborhood of Salem. Inspired by a desire to breath new life and pride to this working class neighborhood, the Punto Urban Art Museum was created in 2017 by the North Shore Community Development Coalition. Spanning three blocks, you can find 75 larger-than-life murals by world famous and local artists painted on the sides of residential buildings. Bring some color into your day by doing a self-guided tour of the neighborhood, or get a tour guide to deepen your experience!
Art Galleries at Bearskin Neck
Address: Bearskin Neck, Rockport
Every summer, tourists and locals alike come to the Bearskin Neck for leisurely summer strolls, expansive ocean views, and Motif #1, “the most painted building in America.” But did you know some art galleries keep their doors open in the off-season? Rockport Art Association & Museum is also open every Wednesday and even offers events throughout the winter. Next time there’s a sunny day, head to this artist colony to see what you can find!
Newburyport Art Association
Main Gallery Address: 65 Water Street, Newburyport
Sister Gallery Address: Firehouse Center for the Arts, 1 Market Square, Newburyport
The Newburyport Art Association (NAA) is a cornerstone of this beautiful city’s vibrant arts scene. In addition to its two gallery spaces which house rotating exhibits featuring the work of distinguished members as well as other artists, it also has an outdoor sculpture garden exhibition. The NAA is dedicated to providing art educational opportunities, check out their community programs and available classes and workshops.
DIY Arts & Craft Experiences
Interested in making some art of your own? Here are a few fantastic arts & craft making options to consider for a fun-filled creative experience. From pottery to painting to woodworking, there are so many options to try your hand at.
Address: 13 Hawkes Street, Marblehead
Address: 186 Cabot Street, Beverly
Address: 296A Cabot Street, Beverly
Address: 3 Graf Road, Newburyport
Why not pair your day of enjoying the arts with a quick stop to a great local book shop? Want to find your new favorite place? Check out our blog post which lists some of the best book shops on the Scenic Byway!