The museums and its gift shop appeal to a wide range of ages and tastes.
Holly Smith-Bove, president of the Springfield Museums, is shown here in the museums' gift shop which earned the 2013 Reader Rave as Best Gift Shop. The museums were also voted Best Museum and Best Rainy Day Family Destination.
The Springfield Museums may be located on the Quadrangle, but they recently hit the trifecta in the Readers Raves poll.
The museums were selected by readers of The Republican and MassLive.com in three categories for the 2013 Reader Raves: Best Museum, Best Gift Shop and Best Rainy Day Place for the Family.
The Springfield Museums include the Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Springfield Science Museum, the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum and the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History.
The Quadrangle is also home to the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, a series of full–scale bronze sculptures of some of the children's author's whimsical creations, honoring the birthplace of Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss. With such a wide array of offerings, it's easy to see why the museums receive Rave reviews.
"We’re thrilled and honored to be recognized, given the many other cultural and family attractions that the Pioneer Valley offers," says Holly Smith-Bové, president of the Springfield Museums. "From science and history to art and architecture, our museums truly have something for everyone, regardless of age or interests. The list of popular attractions could fill a book, but the Indian Motocycle collection, paintings by Monet and Winslow, priceless Chinese ceramics and the Seymour Planetarium are just a few of the favorites here."
Smith-Bové added that the museums also open new exhibits almost every month, such as the current GUITAR exhibit, so there’s always something new to see and do.
Much like the museums, the gift shop has items which appeal to a wide range of ages and tastes.
"Our shoppers enjoy personal attention from our expert staff, and a selection that mixes rare and exquisite jewelry and glass with those that are fun and educational," Smith-Bové said. "For adults, we have hand-blown glass by area artists such as Josh Simpson and Luke Adams, and jewelry from many artists including Michael Vincent Michaud to Michal Golan. Then, there are local interest products like Indian Motocycle shirts and travel mugs, and gifts for teens and younger children, including Magic School Bus science kits and puzzles by Jan Brett and others."
While the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden, where families can stroll among familiar characters like Horton and the Lorax, isn't necessarily conducive to inclement weather, there's still plenty to entertain families on a rainy day at the Quadrangle.
"We also offer a host of hands-on activities in our science museum, which also features live animal demonstrations and planetarium shows," Smith-Bové said. "Other examples include the recently-opened Hasbro Game Land in the Wood Museum of Springfield History, and our art discovery center in the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum. In addition, this summer we opened the Blake House Café which is a popular spot for families to eat during their visit."