Meet a Friend: Animal Ambassador Spotlight
Every week, an ambassador animal is spotlit at the Aquarium by a Museum Educator. Learn, meet –and even pet!– a…
Birthday Parties at Berkshire Museum
Please read our birthday party FAQ for more information.
Any additional questions? Contact Sophia at sholmes@berkshiremuseum.org or (413) 443 – 7171 ext. 384
FAQ
Do I have to be a Berkshire Museum Member to book a birthday party?
Yes – A Berkshire Museum Membership is required to book a birthday party. Members visit for free YEAR-ROUND! Learn more HERE.
When can I schedule my party?
Parties are available September – June, on Saturdays from 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM, or 1 PM – 4 PM.
How much does a party cost?
If already a Berkshire Museum Member, or once a membership is purchased the party is $200.
Can I have more than 25 people attending?
No, due to fire code in the party space, ONLY 25 occupants may be in the room at once (including children and adults). Though adults are free to drop off / pick up their child if they are not part of the headcount.
Does the 3-hour window include set-up and tear-down time?
Yes, each party booked has a total of 3 hours including time to set-up the room.
Can I bring candles or helium balloons?
No, we are unable to accommodate any open flame or helium balloons per museum policy.
How can I pay?
Once you have filled out our ONLINE FORM, you will be contacted by a museum representative with the option to pay online, or payment can be made over the phone, or in person.
PLEASE NOTE: Membership fees must be up-to-date or paid at least two weeks prior to the date of the party. Parties must be paid in full one week prior to the scheduled date.
Can I bring in food?
Yes – food and drink is permitted only in the designated party room and cannot be carried out into the museum. Alcoholic beverages and cannabis products are not permitted on the museum campus.
Are the age limits for the party options negotiable?
We have some flexibility in our party option offerings. Age limits are guidelines suggested by museum educators based on the activities included. If you are unsure, please contact us to discuss.
Aquarium Adventures
(All Ages) Explore the aquarium and meet some of the reptiles who live at the museum. See 2 animals up close!
- Red-footed Tortoise
- Box Turtle
- Ball Python
- Hognose Snake
- Blue-Tongued Skink
- Leopard Gecko
Kitchen Kaboom
(Ages 4+) A sensory-based exploration of science. Whether you are a mad scientist or an engineer, your party will be exploding with possibilities. Pick 2 experiments to try!
- Lava Lamps: guests will make a take-home “lava lamp” using scientific concepts of density and chemical reactions
- Elephant’s Toothpaste: guests will make colorful foam resulting from an exciting chemical reaction
- Slime: guests will make their own slime to take home
- Playdough: guests will measure and mix to make playdough to take home
- Snap Circuits Electrical Experimentation: guests build while exploring how electricity moves completing challenges with plastic snaps!
WeeMuse
(Ages 1-5) In this party option guests will have play items provided for exploration and enjoyment as well as two of the following facilitated activities
- Reptile dance/dice roll dancing
- Floor Tangram puzzles
- Block building
- Sensory play- slime or oobleck (choose one)
- Felt board story time
- Free paint
Fill out this online form to begin booking your party!
120TH Anniversary Part 3: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
The third and final installment of the 120th Anniversary series. This exhibit is sponsored by Suzanne F. Nash.
Painted Pages: Illuminated Manuscripts of the 13th to 18th Centuries
Including more than thirty-five works—some with elaborate gold leaf decoration and intricate ornament— from medieval Bibles, Prayer Books, Psalters, Books…
What people are saying
Thank you for being responsible
“We had a lovely time here! We enjoyed seeing the animals in the aquarium and reptiles section. The art was lovely to observe as well! I especially appreciated the signs acknowledging problematic aspects of museums and history about local native people. Thank you for being responsible.”
– Sarah Leidhold
A great find
“This was a great find! My fiancée and I stopped in here while in Pittsfield and I was intrigued by the fact that the Berkshire Museum is part Natural History Museum, part Art Museum, and part Aquarium. They have a nice geology section and a collection of preserved animals. The aquarium was great and had a lot of turtles (my favorite), and the art section had a nice mix of American Indian and classical art (including a mummy!). Easily worth the admission price.”
– Kevin B.
A gem in Pittsfield
“What a fun and educational place for all! The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and the displays are interesting. Definitely a gem in Pittsfield!”
– Ana West Reyes