Current Art Exhibition:

Reframe: Sculpture at the Old Schwamb Mill

This fall, the Old Schwamb Mill welcomes ReFrame, a contemporary sculpture exhibition that explores the relationship between art, history, and the idea of the frame itself.

For more than 160 years, the Old Schwamb Mill has been known for crafting some of America’s finest hand-made oval picture frames. ReFrame invites visitors to consider what happens when artists move beyond those traditional boundaries.

Featuring the work of Adria Arch, Olivia Baldwin, Tory Fair, Anna Kristina Göransson, and Kate Holcomb Hale, the exhibition transforms the Mill’s historic upper gallery with sculptures that respond to the building’s history, architecture, and legacy of craftsmanship. Working with materials ranging from leather, clay, and wire to silicone, found objects, and painted surfaces, each artist offers a unique perspective on memory, movement, care, and the spaces we inhabit.

Large-scale installations will be displayed alongside smaller works available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the Old Schwamb Mill and its mission to preserve this National Historic Landmark.

Exhibition Dates: September 12 – November 14, 2026

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 26, 2:00–3:30 PM
Meet the artists and celebrate the opening of the exhibition.

Artist Panel Discussion: Saturday, October 24, 2:30–4:00 PM
Join the exhibiting artists for Site as Argument: When Does a Venue Become a Collaborator?, moderated by curator and arts writer Robin Hauck. The discussion will explore how historic places influence contemporary art and how artists create work that responds to the unique character of a site.

Closing Reception: Saturday, November 14

Admission to the exhibition and all related events is free and open to the public.

Upcoming Events:

Arlington Town Day: Saturday, September 19th

The Old Schwamb Mill is excited to be part of Arlington Town Day on Saturday, September 19, from 10:30 AM–4:30 PM! Stop by our booth along Massachusetts Avenue and say hello to our staff and volunteers.

Town Day is one of Arlington’s biggest annual community celebrations, bringing together local organizations, businesses, artists, nonprofits, and neighbors for a day of food, activities, demonstrations, and entertainment. The event takes place rain or shine along Massachusetts Avenue between Pleasant Street and Jason Street.

At the Old Schwamb Mill booth, we’ll be sharing information about the Mill, answering questions about our historic site and upcoming programs, and giving you a chance to learn more about what’s happening at the museum this fall. Whether you’ve visited us before or have been meaning to stop by, Town Day is a great opportunity to connect with us and discover what the Old Schwamb Mill has to offer.

Save the date and come celebrate the Arlington community with us!

Oktoberfest at the Old Schwamb Mill

Celebrate the season with us at the Old Schwamb Mill on Saturday, October 3, from 12:00-4:00 PM for an afternoon of Oktoberfest festivities! Enjoy music, German-inspired food and drink, family activities, Mill tours, and more while exploring one of Arlington’s historic treasures.

Our Oktoberfest celebrates the German heritage of the Schwamb family and brings the community together for an afternoon of food, fun, and history. Whether you’re joining us for the festivities or visiting the Mill for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For the full event schedule, activities, food and drink information, and other details, visit our dedicated Oktoberfest page.

Celebrate Indigenous People’s Day with the Museums of Arlington

Saturday, October 10, 11-12:30 PM
Arlington Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
Arlington Masonic Temple, 19 Academy St., Arlington, MA 02476

Join us for a townwide celebration of this land’s First Peoples! This free event for all ages will feature a fun and educational performance by the Red Hawk Singers and Dancers. Through song, dance, and teachings, the Red Hawk Singers and Dancers promote traditional Wampanoag values such as humility and respect to create true connections between diverse cultures and communities.

Sponsored by the Cyrus Dallin Art Museum, Arlington Historical Society, Arlington Human Rights Commission, Old Schwamb Mill, Robbins Library, and First Parish Arlington Indigenous Justice Working Group.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Arlington Commission for Arts and Culture, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.