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Home » News » Explore the Arts and Culture of Plymouth and Bristol County
Things To Do in Spring
April 6, 2023
Both Plymouth and Bristol County are full of arts and culture. Whether it’s whaling, contemporary crafts, or live theater, you’re in for a treat. When visiting the South Shore this spring, you’re in for more than a vacation. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the creative and cultural side of the area and come away with lasting memories.
Both Plymouth and Bristol County are full of arts and culture. Whether it’s whaling, contemporary crafts, or live theater, you’re in for a treat. When visiting the South Shore this spring, you’re in for more than a vacation. You’ll have the opportunity to experience the creative and cultural side of the area and come away with lasting memories.
For centuries the whaling industry supplied food, raw materials for cosmetics, fuel, and more. By the early 19th century, New Bedford’s whaling fleet was so successful that it earned the port the slogan “The City that Lit the World.” Head over to the New Bedford Whaling Museum for an in-depth look at Bristol County’s whaling history.
The museum is open daily from 9 am – 5 pm. Exhibits highlight the lives of whalers, whaling’s regional economic impact, and the key contributions of immigrants from Cape Verde, the Azores, and Portugal. Showcases the whaling industry with a vast collection of whaling implements and historical items. The crown jewel of the collection is the world’s largest half-scale whaling ship replica.
Gain new insights on contemporary art at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton, MA. See a rotating schedule of exhibitions and galleries showcasing local and globally-renowned artists. You’ll get to see incredible art in different mediums, from sculpture to jewelry to oil paintings and more. All of it is designed to inspire
Open Tuesday through Sunday year-round, admission to the museum is free, though donations are encouraged. True art connoisseurs can schedule a private tour with one of the Fuller Craft Museum’s skilled Museum Educators. These hour-long tours must be booked in advance but are an incredible exploration of both the permanent and special exhibitions.
Music touches and inspires us, and few places in Plymouth, MA can compare to the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra. The orchestra is comprised of professionally-trained musicians who come from diverse academic backgrounds and a variety of countries. Together, they bring a world-class level of precision, skill, and dedication, making “the Phil” a major cultural force in southeastern New England.
This professional orchestral ensemble presents a wide range of live musical programs and performances accessible to everyone. Throughout the year they put on various shows, including tributes to great performers, collaborations, and covers of classical scores.
Few things can compare to live theater. As you sit in one of the theater’s 90 seats, the emotions of the characters tugging at your heart, you’ll know that no performance is exactly like the others. The Little Theatre of Fall River has spent more than 75 years bringing unforgettable performances to Bristol County. It’s one of the oldest theater companies in the nation and a multiple Moss Hart Award recipient.
The Theatre’s show schedule changes every year, but generally they have a spring show in March and/or May. Actors spend weeks or even months rehearsing and practicing to put on a production that will move audiences and inspire the next generation. The arts come to life at the theater, and you’re formally invited to experience their next show.
For art and culture in Plymouth County, you’ll want to visit the Art Complex Museum in Duxbury. They have an extensive permanent collection of art pieces that range from American and European prints, paintings, Shaker furniture, Asian art, ceramics, and more. In fact, this diverse collection has over eight thousand items that rotate between permanent and special exhibitions, meaning you’re sure to see something new every time you visit.
Museum admission is free year-round and you can visit Wednesday through Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm. On top of the impressive collection of artworks, the museum also regularly offers concerts, lectures, Japanese tea ceremonies, and other special programs for guests to enjoy.
Spring is a fantastic time to visit the South Shore and experience the arts and culture of Plymouth and Bristol County. Check out our calendar to see what other inspiring and cultural events are happening this spring.