The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, located in Amherst, Massachusetts, stands as a unique institution devoted to celebrating the art of the picture book. Founded in 2002 by Eric and Barbara Carle, the museum was envisioned as a space where illustration, storytelling, and visual imagination could be appreciated as serious art forms. Its mission—to collect, preserve, and exhibit original picture-book art—reflects a deep commitment to nurturing both creative expression and the appreciation of visual literacy across generations.

While best known for its extensive collection of original works by Eric Carle, creator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar and more than seventy other beloved titles, the museum also presents a dynamic program that extends beyond illustration. The Carle explores the connections between image-making, photography, and narrative form, encouraging visitors to see picture-book art as part of a broader visual culture. Photography, with its ability to tell stories through light, composition, and emotion, is often featured in exhibitions that highlight the relationship between illustrated art and the photographic image.

The museum’s galleries regularly host exhibitions that explore the creative process—from preliminary sketches and photographic references to the finished works that capture the imagination of readers worldwide. By incorporating photography and other visual media, The Carle invites visitors to reflect on how artists use different tools and techniques to communicate ideas, evoke emotion, and construct meaning. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that picture-book art is seen not as a static form, but as a living dialogue between mediums.

Beyond its exhibitions, The Carle offers workshops, lectures, and family programs that encourage hands-on exploration of image-making, including photographic storytelling. Through these initiatives, the museum continues to champion visual expression in all its forms, celebrating the profound power of pictures—whether drawn, painted, or captured through a lens—to inspire wonder and understanding.