If you love the visual arts you will find things in this museum that match the best paintings in beauty, creativity and emotional power. The museum is very well organized and easy to get around to view individual pieces. I could easily have spent a lot more time there.
I visited with my parents this past Saturday. The staff was incredibly warm and engaging. The quilts on display were so incredibly lovely - very well curated. The docent we encountered was knowledgable and pleasant. And of course the gift shop is well stocked with great finds! We're all going to try our hand at Sashiko now. :)
This is a very small Museum, perfect for quilt lovers, but not enough on its own to make a full day in Lowell. pair it with the Textile Museum or the Trolley Museum for a full day of activities. We saw the Fenway Park exhibit, which had really extraordinary pieces.
The NE Quilt Museum is a nice, quaint museum. It's off of this cute cobblestone street, and you get a true sense that this museum is in the right place historically. When you walk in, there's a nice quilting store that sells all sorts of quilting materials and quilting stuff like mugs, postcards, and actual quilts. The museum is upstairs, above the store. It has rotating exhibits that take full advantage of the space. They show quilts hanging on the walls and on beds, or even folded in a drawer. Occasionally there will be white gloved ladies around to show you the detail or the backs of the quilts (you can't touch with your hands). You could spend as little as half an hour here or if you're an avid quilter like me, you could spend over an hour just in the museum section. Anually, in the beginning of August, they host the Lowell Quilt Festival. It used to be bi-anually, but it was so popular that it is now anually. It is typically held in the Tsangus Arena with over a hundred quilting vendors selling unique quilting supplies and materials. In addition, they also have a quilting competition called Images. Some of the quilts displayed during this competition are just stunning. The craftsmanship is amaizing. It usually takes me at least an hour or two to look at all the quilts. I can't say enough how stunning the are. Bring your camera and lots of batteries and room on the memory card because the works of art here are just wonderful.
The most beautiful collection of antique hand made quilts you can find anywhere. If you are a collector, a must see.
This was a lovely museum with lots of different historic quilts as well as books, kits, supplies and even quilts for sale. I look forward to going back as the displays change regularly. I was surprised to find a library with quilting books and magazines too! If you like quilts or quilting check it out!
Small, but very nice displays - helpful people. If you are into quilting it is well-worth the visit.
A lovely little gem of a museum. Even my husband enjoyed it! There is a small selection of quilts on show but they are so beautiful & inspiring. Made me determined to pick up my needles again! The museum shop was delightful with lots of items made by local artisans.The lady on reception was very pleasant & so helpful even providing the details of a local quilt shop for me
Visited to see the 2012 show; CAMPAIGNS & COMMEMORATIVES: Quilts for Presidents. I liked the layout of the show, not too big or small, the museum is housed in an old mill and the space is perfect.
Small Museum with many different quilts from different centuries. Gift shop had many quilts and quilting books and items for sale also.