The Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont

Rutland, Vermont

The Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont was established to commemorate the time Rockwell lived in Vermont, the influences Vermont exerted on his artwork and his stellar career as America's best loved illustrator.

In 1939, Rockwell and his family, wife Mary and three sons, moved to Arlington, Vermont. Rockwell enjoyed the company of his rural neighbors. Many of his neighbors became models for paintings. Most become his honest fans and critics.

He made his home in Arlington for 14 years, until his wife's illness prompted a move to Stockbridge, Massachusetts in 1953.

Everything You Could Want in a Museum...

The Museum features a collection with copies of both rare and well known published works. The collection includes magazine covers, magazine illustrations, advertisements, calendar artwork and book illustrations from all periods of Rockwell's career.

More than 2500 pieces of Rockwell's published works are displayed in chronological order. The viewer can literally follow Rockwell's progression from beginner artist to America's favorite illustrator.

In addition to paying tribute to Rockwell's career, the Museum also shows his connection and sensitivity to the political, economic, and cultural history of the United States.

The Museum doesn't just present the well-known Saturday Evening Post covers that made Norman Rockwell a household name. Also displayed are covers from "minor" magazines such as Leslie's, Collier's, Judge, The Literary Digest, The Country Gentleman and many others.

The Norman Rockwell Museum Located in Rural Vermont

In 1976, the Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont opened in West Arlington at the West Mountain Inn. The West Mountain Inn is a delightfully secluded location, well off the beaten path.

In 1978, the museum moved to a more accessible location. The new location is on Route 4 in Rutland, Vermont. It is located at the "crossroads" of Vermont on Route 4 just two miles East of Route 7.

Admission is very reasonable at just $5.50 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and $2.50 for children.

If you decide to visit the Museum, consider staying at The Inn at Rutland. The Inn is a Victorian mansion centrally located and perfect for leisure travel. All eight guest rooms are unique and equipped with phones and data ports, TVs, A/C, and private baths. You will love the cozy parlor, library, porch with mountain views, and gourmet breakfasts. The Inn has been voted 'Best Bed & Breakfast in Greater Rutland Area' every year since 2000. And it is a very short drive to the Norman Rockwell Museum. 70 North Main St., Rutland, VT 05701 Phone: 800-808-0575 or 802-773-0575

Conveniently on the Web

The Norman Rockwell Museum of Vermont maintains a very user-friendly website. The museum boasts the most complete selection of Rockwell merchandise, prints and memorabilia, on the web.

A new group of items just added, Giclées of many Rockwell artworks, rounds out a fine selection that already included figurines, prints, plates and even a wide assortment of Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post covers.

One of my favorites is the Tender Tributes framed prints. This museum is the only place I know of that carries these items. The print is surrounded by a hand cut, beveled mat in an elegant neutral straw parchment color with a calligraphy verse that has been designed for each Rockwell print. Then each print is framed in solid oak.

All the prices seem reasonable to me.

Click here to visit the Museum website. (Opens new window)