Historic Bass River Cultural Center
Discover the Bass River Arts Campus at the Cultural Center of Cape Cod—a vibrant, welcoming community gem tucked away in South Yarmouth. It’s a place buzzing with creativity, where inspiration meets fun in every corner. Stroll through five stunning galleries, peek into lively artist studios, and witness artists bringing their visions to life. Roll up your sleeves in one of over 700 engaging classes in painting, ceramics, cooking, or crafting at the dynamic makerspace, or tune in to live music echoing through the Great Hall. Foodies can explore culinary delights in the state-of-the-art culinary arts center, while musicians strike a chord in the professional recording studio. No matter your passion—art, music, food, or simply soaking in culture—there's something exciting waiting for you, year-round.
Exhibition Galleries
Admission
FREE, donations encouraged
Hours
Tuesday-Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 3 pm
Galleries closed Sunday and Monday, but open for events based on schedule
Education Wing
Open daily based on class and studio schedules. Please enter through the main parking lot accessible entrance.
Curated Gift Shop
Tuesday-Friday 10 am – 5 pm
Saturday 10 am – 3 pm
Contact Us
Team Directory
508-394-7100
Respect the Art
Don’t touch, climb or sit on, kick, hit, or lick the art (unless otherwise directed by the artist or team.) We love art and know that you do, too. So, please help us protect the work. Artwork can be very fragile and easily damaged by just the oils in your fingers and hands. We recommend keeping an arm’s length distance from the work.
The Cultural Center of Cape Cod’s top priority is the safety of our community, visitors, artists, and team members. All public spaces, including the Shop, and Grounds are open to all and we welcome you for your next visit.
Downtown Hyannis Campus
The Art Barn - A Children's Art Musuem where Every Masterpiece Starts with a Mess!
A joyful, hands-on creative environment designed for kids ages 4–10, the museum’s screen-free, ever-changing studios alive with color, texture, movement, and sound center on messy, tactile exploration: paint, paper, sculpture, texture, motion, and sound. “This is more than a museum—it’s a movement,” says Molly Demeulenaere, Executive Director of the Cultural Center of Cape Cod. “At the Art Barn, children are not told what art should be. They’re invited to create freely, communicate visually, and explore their imaginations without limits.”
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Each month at The Art Barn: Where Every Masterpiece Starts with a Mess, young visitors and their families are invited to explore a fresh new theme that transforms the entire space into a vibrant, immersive world. These monthly themes—such as Woodland Wonders, Under the Sea, and Barnyard Animals—are carefully chosen to keep the experience exciting for repeat visitors and to stimulate imaginative, hands-on play. Every theme is paired with an artistic muse, introducing children to the styles and techniques of celebrated artists across history. Families can explore painting, sculpture, and mixed media, drawing inspiration from masters while creating their own take-home works in both 2D and 3D formats. This rotating approach ensures The Art Barn remains an ever-changing creative playground where little hands are constantly discovering, learning, and expressing themselves through art.
The Art Barn
Admission
$10 per person for everyone 12 months and over
Year-round Membership $100 for up to four children in the same household and their caregivers.
Hours (Starting June 19, 2025)
Thursday – Monday 10 am – 3 pm
All children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
Access For ALL
The Center is a Museums for All organization. This national, branded access program encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. Through Museums for All, those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits) can gain FREE access to The Art Barn and free admission to concerts year-round simply by presenting their EBT card. Call our team to make your reservation for up to four guests - 508.394.7100. Or up to four guests are welcome to walk-in to concerts that are not marked sold out.
We are proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council's Card to Culture program in collaboration with the Department of Transitional Assistance, the Department of Public Health's WIC Nutrition Program, the Massachusetts Health Connector, and hundreds of organizations by making cultural programming accessible to those for whom cost is a participation barrier.
EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders can gain discounted access to the Art Barn and free admission to concerts year-round simply by presenting their EBT card. Call our team at 508.394.7100 to make your reservation for up to four guests. Walk-ins are welcome to concerts that are not marked sold out.
Downtown Hyannis Campus The Cultural Center's downtown Hyannis campus—a vibrant village of creativity and fun right in the heart of Hyannis! Discover the Art Barn, an experiential art museum bursting with color and imagination for kids aged 4-10. Heat things up at Flameworks, our sizzling hot glass teaching studio where creativity meets fire. Get inspired at the Sketchpad, our cozy live/work residency buzzing with artists at work. Connect and celebrate at the Birdhouse, a lively community nest hosting classes, events, and captivating exhibits. Step outside into the Quad, our lush green space designed for fresh-air learning and playful gatherings. And don't miss the Patch, a playful mash-up of asphalt and astroturf ready for games, giggles, and good times. Come join the fuN!
Accessibility
The Cultural Center is committed to providing inclusive experiences for all audiences. Both campuses are accessible for visitors with limited mobility via the elevator and ramps. Wheelchairs are available for visitors with limited mobility on a first come, first served basis.
Holidays
Both campuses will be closed on July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving Day, and December 22-January 4.
Stay in Bass River
Built in 1845 by a wealthy sea captain, the historic Captain Farris House has been restored to incorporate luxurious, modern amenities while preserving its distinctive Greek Revival style architecture. The result is a picturesque B&B featuring ten inviting rooms, an elegant dining room, a lovely parlor, and stunning gardens.
Get 10% off by mentioning the Cultural Center!