Building a New Center for Art at Mass Audubon

From the very first Audubon watercolor calendar in 1898, Mass Audubon has harnessed the power of art to inspire action to protect nature and wildlife. Art as a catalyst for change is present throughout our history—and over time grew into a meaningful collection of more than 3,000 works of art and the establishment of a small visual arts space in 1990 to share these works with the public.

With a generous gift of land that led to the opening of Brewster’s Woods Wildlife Sanctuary in Concord, MA, the opportunity to envision a new home for the Museum of American Bird Art (MABA) presented itself.  

Art as a Gateway to Nature

In a world where the role of museums is changing, MABA is transforming and reimagining what an art museum with a modest footprint, but large impact, can be. MABA will offer dynamic programs and exhibitions that address critical topics, encouraging visitors to connect not only with the beauty and wonder of the natural world but also to reflect on the threats posed by the climate crisis.

By drawing on both our historical collections as well as amplifying contemporary voices, MABA will create a space that engages artists and explores new media, from dance and performance to soundscapes and environmental art.

The museum’s focus is on art that not only connects people to nature but also to each other. MABA will be a vibrant hub for ideas, dialogue, inspiration, and action—where art historians to artists, scientists to creators, and students to experts will come together and explore the powerful intersection of the arts and nature. The museum will be a place to work collaboratively to find innovative solutions to address the threats facing our planet.

Through its exceptional exhibitions and programs, MABA educates many audiences not just about birds, but also about the importance of birds in art through time and across cultures. There is no other museum like MABA.—David Sibley

Design with a Purpose

The new MABA is thoughtfully designed with both flexibility and net-zero energy consumption in mind—creating an intimate and world-class art museum. The building will feature adaptable gallery spaces, including moveable walls and mobile display cases, that allow for dynamic exhibitions and programming. 

State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment will support a range of multimedia presentations, along with controlled lighting and shades to protect light-sensitive works of art. A welcoming visitor services area, fully accessible design, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow with a large back deck and lawn, will enhance the visitor experience, and offer the perfect setting for outdoor events and gatherings.

Join Us

Together, we can bring the Museum of American Bird Art to life. By harnessing the power of art and nature, MABA will celebrate the wonder of birds, as well as educate, inspire, and communicate complex issues surrounding climate change, biodiversity, and habitat loss—motivating visitors to consider these challenges deeply, take action, and build greater connections to our natural world.

Mass Audubon is working to raise the funds for this project—and we need partners like you to help make it possible.

Project budget

Phase 1 $1,500,000 (complete): Initial Site & Design Plans, Build All Persons Trail with Parking, Kayak Landing & Ecological Management

Phase 2 $10,300,000: Building Design, Permitting, Construction, Parking, Ecological Management and Seed Funding for three years of Operating, Exhibition, & Programming.

This is great. Couple of adjustments - the design image is using the old designs and not the new ones - so would want that to be updated. Also we probably need a gift form that goes to the capital project. Hillary you have seen the direction we are hopefully heading with forms writ large - so if you want to hold off on creating a one off form then a potential work around could be adding something like this.  

To make a gift to support the new building please contact Laurie Marden, Deputy Director of Development and Campaigns.