The Icon Museum and Study Center

The Icon Museum and Study Center IM+SC houses the U.S.'s largest collection of icons and Eastern Christian art, displaying Russian, Greek, Veneto-Cretan, and Ethiopian icons.
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Featuring a research library and auditorium, offering programs that blend history, spirituality, and culture. The Icon Museum and Study Center is a one-of-a-kind destination in the heart of Central Massachusetts, described as β€œdrenchingly beautiful” by The Boston Globe. Our unique museum complex comprises a former historic mill, courthouse, and jail, complemented by a modern addition. Come see our featured exhibitions and the three floors of galleries dedicated to our permanent collection.

Thanks, Margaret Smith, for the wonderful article celebrating our 20th anniversary!
09/10/2026

Thanks, Margaret Smith, for the wonderful article celebrating our 20th anniversary!

The Icon Museum and Study Center marks 20 years and began as the dream of business leader Gordon B. Lankton, and his collection of icons from Russia. See link below ⬇️

πŸ“Έ Saylor Caruso/Telegram & Gazette

The Nativity of the Mother of God: A Celebration of Divine PromiseThis icon features a dynamic composition, and symbolic...
09/08/2026

The Nativity of the Mother of God: A Celebration of Divine Promise

This icon features a dynamic composition, and symbolic imagery tells the story of Saints Anna and Joachim and the birth of their daughter, Mary. The scenes are not divided by lines, but instead, they appear to occur simultaneously within the composition.

At the top, Anna and Joachim are depicted as childless, ostracized from society, and separated from each other. An angel appears to them individually to bring the joyous news of their forthcoming daughter. The couple is then shown reuniting in an embrace at the center top, signifying the conception of Mary.

The central images illustrate the birth of Mary, her ritual cleansing, and the family embracing on a throne. This portrayal emphasizes the significance of Mary within the faith. This Great Feast is the first in the Church calendar year, marking an important step in preparing humanity for its promised salvation.

At the bottom of the icon, there are white swans. What do you think these majestic birds represent?

The Birth of the Mother of God, mid-17th century, egg tempera on wood, gold leaf, Russia.

09/07/2026
πŸ–ΌοΈExciting news! We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Cantor Art Gallery College of the Holy Cross, whe...
09/01/2026

πŸ–ΌοΈExciting news! We’re thrilled to announce our collaboration with the Cantor Art Gallery College of the Holy Cross, where we have curated a selection of 18th and 19th century icons for the study room. This morning, we installed a small pop-up exhibit that is all set for contemplative connections. These objects are intended to provide visual parallels to the works in the exhibition 𝑄𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑛𝑠, πΊπ‘œπ‘‘π‘ , π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π·π‘’π‘£π‘œπ‘‘π‘’π‘’π‘ , illustrating how image-making and conceptual themes connect across time and cultures.

08/26/2026

Final preparations on the icons being sent from .re for "Light from the East: Masterpiece from the Ikonen-Museum Recklinghausen."

How exciting!Translation of the post:Things are getting serious: final preparations are underway for the transport of 33...
08/26/2026

How exciting!

Translation of the post:
Things are getting serious: final preparations are underway for the transport of 33 icons. Starting October 15, these piecesβ€”on loan from Recklinghausenβ€”will be featured in the exhibition "Light from the East: Masterpieces from the Ikonen-Museum Recklinghausen" at the Icon Museum and Study Center in Clinton (near Boston, MA).
Final conservation measures for the transport were carried out on Monday and Tuesday; today the icons are being packed, and on Friday they will set off for America!
We have filled the gaps left in our permanent exhibition with items from our storage collection, many of which are being displayed for the very first time. Museum Director Dr. Lutz Rickelt will present these pieces during a public tour on September 19, starting at 3:00 p.m.
For information on the exhibition in Clinton, please visit https://www.iconmuseum.org/

08/25/2026

🌈✨ Dive into a world of inspiration with these striking color swatch palettes! As a heartfelt goodbye to Old Believers and Their World, we've crafted these palettes using the stunning icons from the Oleg Kushnirskiy Russian Icon Collection. We hope these colors inspire you and enhance your creative projects. Feel free to pause the video to save or screenshot your favorites.

Old Believers and Their World closes Sunday, August 30. This is your last week to experience the exhibition before the on-loan icons are returned.

Join Museum Registrar Laura Garrity-Arquitt for a final exploration of the 𝑂𝑙𝑑 π΅π‘’π‘™π‘–π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‡β„Žπ‘’π‘–π‘Ÿ π‘Šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘™π‘‘ exhibition, inc...
08/20/2026

Join Museum Registrar Laura Garrity-Arquitt for a final exploration of the 𝑂𝑙𝑑 π΅π‘’π‘™π‘–π‘’π‘£π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘  π‘Žπ‘›π‘‘ π‘‡β„Žπ‘’π‘–π‘Ÿ π‘Šπ‘œπ‘Ÿπ‘™π‘‘ exhibition, including icons from the Oleg Kushnirskiy Collection. Learn how Old Believer iconographers wove the complexities of their faith and history into the intricate scenes. Discover the interesting histories behind some of the Museum's icons with behind-the-scenes insight about how they got here in our Museum in Central Massachusetts.

Images: Views from the gallery space and Laura giving a tour to Museum visitors.

Address

203 Union Street
Clinton, MA
01510

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+19785985000

Website

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