The Carle Receives Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Grant

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art received a Destination Development Capital grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). The Carle will use the grant of $166,000 for exterior upgrades that will improve the aesthetic beauty, accessibility, and visibility of the Museum.

“Architect Earl Pope, who designed the museum with founder Eric Carle, described his vision for the building as ‘dignified, serene and elevating for both children and adults,’” said Jennifer Schantz, director of The Carle. “We greatly appreciate MOTT’s support so we can return the building’s exterior to its original beauty, protect the building envelope’s integrity, and improve access and visibility for visitors.”

Funds will support updates including a new roof water diversion system, resurfacing and repainting the building’s exterior walls, accessibility upgrades to sidewalk curbs, and installation of enticing graphic banners.

MOTT’s Destination Development Capital program grants provide funding for projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions, and aid in destination recovery and resiliency. The aim of the program is to strengthen the Massachusetts economy through destination development projects that enhance tourism resources and infrastructure, especially physical or structural upgrades that have a lifespan of greater than five years.

“The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is a beloved cultural institution that attracts visitors from around the world,” said Kate Fox, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “This project strengthens the museum’s appeal and contributes to our state’s tourism industry, attracting more visitors and boosting local economies.”

The Carle is the largest tourist draw in Hampshire County, attracting more than 50,000 children’s book lovers each year. More than half of its visitors come from outside the region, predominantly New England and the Mid-Atlantic states; the remainder fly in from across the U.S. and around the world, especially Europe and Asia.

About the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT)

The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure travel destination. An essential part of the state’s economy, tourism generates $1.9 billion in state and local taxes and $24.2 billion in tourism-related spending, supporting 131,100 in-state jobs. Learn more at www.visitma.com.

About The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

Founded by Eric and Barbara Carle in 2002, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion of picture book art. Situated on 7.5 acres in Amherst, Massachusetts, The Carle houses a rich and deep collection of art of more than 300 picture book artists, including Eric Carle (author ofThe Very Hungry Caterpillar), and illuminates its collection through exhibitions, education, programming, and art-making—making it a critical resource for picture book artists and authors, and art-loving communities locally, nationally, and abroad. The Carle’s mission is to elevate picture book art and inspire a love of art, art creation, and reading. Since opening its doors more than 20 years ago, The Carle has welcomed more than one million visitors—plus more than four million additional museumgoers who have enjoyed its touring exhibitions around the world.

For further information, please contact: Amanda Domizio, Amanda Domizio Communications, 347-229-2877 / amanda@domiziopr.com