The Vermont Granite Museum is a museum in the city of Barre, Vermont, devoted to the city's historically important granite quarrying and processing industry.
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AI.
So much could be said about a visit experience at a well kept secret. In comparison to other venerable sites that present and celebrate aspects of Vermont's industrial heritage, this place announces how special it is upon one's arrival. The exterior structure of the Granite Museum is not just intact. It is in exemplary condition.
Inside is an endless and well documented presentation of countless photos, artifacts, sculptures, craft and the artistry, culture, history and people at the heart of the granite industry in Vermont. Accounted for in addition to the industrial barons who initiated and directed the enterprise are the skilled immigrant stone cutters, masons, sculptors and workers who pit themselves against the challenges to be surmounted in transforming the stone from its natural state to the near endless forms it takes in service to civiization.
Most fortunate we were to enter the sculpting studio where we met and spoke at length to Chris Miller, the veritable dean of Vermont sculptors. Mr. Miller permitted us to witness his technique in moving a huge granite slab onto three pillars that were major features of a commission on which he was progressing. Now that's...
Read more
Interesting collection. I’d rate it a 3.5.
NOTE - this is NOT a quarry. We did the Rock of Ages Quarry tour first, then drove 20 mins. to Museum
The museum rents itself out for events - we visited a day before an event and they were setting up. The displays (especially photo boards) had been rolled to sides set up even, so much was not viewable. . Docent let us know and kindly offered us a break on admission (I made a donation) The :earned a lot - enjoyed it, There is a section that is actually a Stone Arts school. The iconic statue that sits atop the Vermont State House Dome in Montpelier was replaced recently. The current statue (made of mahogany) was carved here and the 2nd version, replaced because the wood was rotting, is on display.
The docent was knowledgeable and helpful - although a bit hard to disengage from when he got started and wandered into non relevant...
Read more
What a very amazing and pleasant surprise! A few of my friends were going and asked me if I wanted to go. "Yeahhh, I guess." What I was thinking was Honestly, How much can you learn about GRANITE? Well, actually, a huge amount, as it turns out! Of course, our tour guide helped tremendously. As if narrating a story, he helped carry us through a history in which little Barre played a colossal part! Some of the most innovative and well-known inventions began right in Barre. I don't want to let out any spoilers, but I very highly recommend this Museum! I am unsure whether he is their only tour guide, but if he is available, I highly recommend Scott! Thanks again,...
Read more
