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Cahoon Museum of American Art

4676 Falmouth Road (Route 28) · Cotuit, MA

Why you should go…

Housed in an authentic 1782 building with a modern gallery addition, the museum grew out of the home and studio of Cape Cod folk painters Ralph and Martha Cahoon, who lived and worked there for 40 years. Rotating exhibitions cover American fine art and folk art from the 1800s to today, alongside a gift shop and family programs. It's open from mid-March through mid-December.

  • #art museum
  • #folk art
  • #cape cod
  • #historic house
  • #cotuit

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Cahoon Museum of American Art, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Sightseeing
    Iconic

    Cape Cod

    Free

    The classic New England peninsula of beach towns, lighthouses, and salt-marsh villages.

    4.5 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Theatre & Events
    Iconic

    Cape Cod Melody Tent

    $25–$50

    A 1950 tented theater-in-the-round in Hyannis hosting summer concerts on a rotating stage.

    7.9 mi awaySwitch it up: Theatre & Events

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Heritage Museums & Gardens

    $25–$50

    100 acres of famed rhododendron gardens, a vintage carousel, and a stunning classic car collection.

    8.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    History Buff

    John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum

    Under $25

    Photographs and films capture JFK's Cape Cod summers, steps from the Kennedy compound's hometown.

    8.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Sandwich Glass Museum

    Under $25

    Hourly glassblowing demos and glittering galleries in the Cape's oldest town, where Boston & Sandwich Glass ruled the 1800s.

    8.7 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    Coast Guard Heritage Museum

    Under $25

    Coast Guard history housed in an 1855 Customs House in Barnstable Village, with a blacksmith shop and old jail.

    8.9 mi awayMore like this