The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, a stunning, 40,000 square-foot facility in the heart of the Five College area of Western MA is loved by families, art aficionados and book lovers alike. The Museum houses three Galleries with rotating exhibitions of picture book art from around the world, and a permanent collection which includes works by artists such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni, and Rosemary Wells. A hands-on Art Studio allows visitors to create their own masterpiece any time the Museum is open. The Auditorium hosts regular live performances, daily films, and frequent lectures and guest appearances by renowned authors and illustrators. The comfortable Reading Library is the perfect spot to settle in with a book and a friend, or take in Storytime. The Museum Shop, called by Parent's Choice "the very best bookstore for picture books in the entire world," is stocked with unique gifts and a beautiful array of picture books. The Museum is open Tues – Fri 10-4; Saturday 10-5; Sunday 12-5; now open Mondays during July, August and MA school vacation weeks. The Museum is located at 125 West Bay Rd, Amherst, MA. www.carlemuseum.org.