Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Original illustration, changing exhibitions, a hands-on art studio, library, and auditorium reveal how books are designed, revised, printed, and read.
Artwork inspired by Eric Carle collage tradition
Original illustration, changing exhibitions, a hands-on art studio, library, and auditorium reveal how books are designed, revised, printed, and read. The Carle treats picture books as both art objects and social experiences. Exhibitions rotate across illustrators and techniques, while the library and studio let visitors compare original media, printed page, narrative sequence, and their own making.
Check current illustrators before traveling because the galleries change completely. Families should leave unstructured studio time rather than treating it as a craft afterthought, and adults without children will find substantial design and process material. Food options are limited nearby.
- Opened
- 2002
- Focus
- Picture-book illustration
- Founders
- Eric and Barbara Carle
Quick guide
- Check the illustrators
- Rotating shows define each visit.
- Compare original and page
- Printing changes color, scale, and texture.
Know before you go
- Check the illustrators
- Rotating shows define each visit.
- Compare original and page
- Printing changes color, scale, and texture.
- Use the library
- Read after seeing how images were made.
- Protect studio time
- Making completes the museum’s argument.
Good to know
Visitors expecting permanent rooms of one famous book may be surprised by the rotating program. School groups and studio sessions can make the compact museum feel busy.
Notice these
- Changing illustration galleries
- Art Studio
- Reading Library