The Chaffee Art Center is a great place to spend some time looking at art pieces you might not find anywhere else.
Located in Western Vermont, about half a mile from the Rutland Station, the museum is easy to get to and contains unique art, mostly made by local artists.
The Chaffee Art Center opened in 1961. The building was built by George Chaffee, an influential businessman who resided in Rutland in the 1930s, and who also built what is now the Paramount Theatre. The building was abandoned for quite some time until the owners of the Chaffee Art Center were able to revive the magnificent building.
The architecture of the mansion is impressive, featuring turret-looking towers and beautiful stonework. It is a building that you cannot miss! The inside is even better.
The artists featured in the museum have the opportunity to share as many pieces as they would like, so long as the work gets approved. They do this on a system of juried members. Once an artist gets accepted into the program, their work can be showcased in the museum. Most artists are returning artists, meaning that they continuously have their work shown in the halls of the former mansion.
The Chaffee Art Center is open from Wednesday to Friday from 12-4 p.m., and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Classes and Events
In addition to displaying artwork from the community, The Chaffee Art Center offers various classes for both adults and children, including art classes, yoga, and music lessons for instruments such as the banjo, guitar, mandolin and more.
Nov. 17–Jan. 12
Annual Member Holiday Exhibit & Shoppe
Dec. 9–30
Annual Gingerbread Showcase
Theme: Holiday Magic
Gingerbread Open House Sat., Dec 9 (12–2pm)
Entries due 12/6 & 12/7
“Always a very welcoming place and fun to do with some friends while supporting a local historic site.”
—Cindy, TripAdvisor
Take Amtrak to the Chaffee Art Center
Experience this unforgettable attraction via Amtrak to the Rutland Station in Vermont—Don’t forget to use the See New York and Save 15% discount!
