Berkshire Beauty and Culture » Berkshires

Photos of Great Barrington, Mass

admin — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:19:14 +0000

Berkshire Theatre Festival

admin — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 05:22:08 +0000

At 78 years old, the Berkshire Theatre Festival has the unique distinction of being the longest-running professional performing arts organization in Berkshire County andone of the first established regional theatres in the United States. Guided by Executive Director Kate Maguire, the theatre’s access to its past translates into a vivid sense of what it means to be a participant in today’s diverse and complex world. The vast artistic spectrum of artists who have written, performed, directed and designed here through the decades has given the BTF a unique perspective from which to view the future. Consistently high quality productions on both the Main Stage and in the Unicorn Theatre, attest to the profound impact history has on our expansive contemporary culture. At the BTF, 78 years of theatrical life, much of it triumphant, provides the experience essential to making transcendent theatre.

With 65 non-profit cultural institutions including Tanglewood, Jacob’s Pillow, MASS MoCA, Williamstown Theatre Festival, the Francine & Sterling Clarke Art Institute and Shakespeare & Company, the Berkshires have earned the privilege of calling themselves America’s Premiere Cultural Resort. Most of the major cultural and performing arts venues extend complimentary admission and tickets to each other’s apprentices and interns, insuring a highly accessible and richly rewarding arts environment throughout the summer season.

The Berkshire Museum

admin — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 04:59:10 +0000

The Berkshire Museum was founded in 1903 by Zenas Crane, the grandson of the founder of Crane & Company. When he built the museum, his vision was to create an inviting environment for everyone, not just the elite. He sought to use the museum’s varied collection to enrich, educate and delight the county’s citizens of all ages. This vision guides the museum to this day. At the heart of the museum’s mission is a commitment to playing an active cultural and educational role in the community.

“Wally,” our life-size front lawn-dwelling stegosaurus, was constructed for the Sinclair Dinoland Pavilion at the 1964-65 World’s Fair by the renowned wildlife sculptor Louis Paul Jonas. He welcomes visitors to the only art, natural science and history museum in Western Massachusetts. Fourteen galleries, an aquarium, a 291 seat fully equipped, air conditioned theater, classrooms and a museum store make up the Berkshire Museum. At the Berkshire Museum, you will find:

* Thirteen galleries
* Aquarium featuring a touch tank
* 291 seat air conditioned theater
* Classrooms
* The Museum Store features unique, affordable items for the whole family, including a large selection of educational games and toys for kids.

MISSION

The mission of the Berkshire Museum is to enrich, inspire and educate through interactions with the arts, history and the natural world.

BERKSHIRE CONCIERGE

admin — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:30:46 +0000

This is the first of what we hope will be a continuing feature here at our new Jericho Valley website guide to enjoying the Berkshires.

We have been fortunate to have spent more than twenty years in the Berkshire Hospitality business. Our experience has benefited thousands of guests who visit year round.