Berkshire Directory

OnSeptember 28, 2010 I headed off to the town of North Adams to explore another award-winning historic structure: the Porches Inn, a collection of Victorian row houses, former mill workers’ homes, that was lovingly rescued and restored by successful local hospitality entrepreneur Nancy Fitzpatrick. Nancy showed me through the entire property which features 47 uniquely appointed rooms that charm the visitor with their “industrial granny chic ambience”. Sabine, the housecat, welcomed me as well, and as a true architecture lover, I was duly impressed by Nancy’s commitment to historical preservation. Across the street from the Porches is MassMOCA, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art, the largest center for contemporary visual art and performing arts in the United States. Housed in huge industrial complex that was formerly the Sprague Electric Company, contemporary art installations have found a perfect home here. Starting with 5 upside-down trees in the courtyard, this museum offers a provocative art experience. Under the title of “Material World: Sculpture to Environment”, I found large-scale art installations that were composed of fishing lines, twisted paper and crocheted rope that dominate the expansive spaces of this former factory. Under the title “Gravity is a Force to be Reckoned With”, the “upside-down house” leaves the visitors with more questions than answers. And Sol LeWitt’s collection of 105 colourful oversized geometric wall drawings provides a visual …
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