Architecture Trail

Cape Ann Historical Association: Davis House, Gund Galleries
Founded in 1873 as the Cape Ann Scientific and Literary Association and encompassing the programs and collections of the Gloucester Lyceum and Gloucester Historical Society, the Association acquired its first property in the early 1920s—the 1804 home of successful merchant Captain Elias Davis. Designed and constructed by housewright Jacob Smith, the handsome Federal period mansion is furnished with many of Capt. Davis’s possessions to illustrate domestic life in the early 19th century.

In the 1930s, the Association built new galleries and an auditorium adjacent to the Davis House to furnish their rapidly growing collection of decorative art, fine art, maritime, fishery, and quarry exhibits. The 1960s and 1980s saw more expansion, and in the 1990s the association hired architect Graham Gund to develop a plan that would link the association’s buildings with new or renovated spaces as well as construct new galleries that doubled the size of the museum. Gund’s work is dramatic and airy, with a ceiling that rises to 24 feet at its center.

Owned by: Cape Ann Historical Association
Address: 27 Pleasant Street, Gloucester
Phone: 978-283-0455
Website: www.capeannhistoricalmuseum.org
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10 am–5 pm; Sunday 1–4 pm; closed Mondays and the month of February
Admission: Adult $6.50, senior $6, students $4.50, members free