Today's hours:
10 am–5 pm
Monday
10 am–5 pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10 am–5 pm
Friday
10 am–5 pm
Saturday
10 am–5 pm
Sunday
10 am–5 pm
Monday
10 am–5 pm
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday
10 am–5 pm
Friday
10 am–5 pm
Saturday
10 am–5 pm
Sunday
10 am–5 pm
Come experience our living world anew in The Pod!
The Pod is part of PEM's Dotty Brown Art & Nature Center, which investigates our place in nature through contemporary art, memorable objects and interactive experiences. Designed for visitors of all ages, the family-friendly center features installations, changing exhibitions, hands-on displays and art-making spaces.
Grow your awareness of nature, try on new ways of being, and tap into your own creativity. Discover a life-size wire tree by sculptor Elizabeth Keithline modeled on a live tree from PEM’s campus. Watch dancer Laura Kathrein move as different animals and embody local habitats. And create your own imaginary creature inspired by real animals and fantastical beasts from around the globe. What creative sense will be sparked in you on your visit to The Pod?
What comes to mind when you think of a pod? A pea pod, an iPod or maybe a futuristic orb? Jane Winchell, the Sarah Fraser Robbins Director of the Art & Nature Center and curator of The Pod, describes her idea of a pod and what you’ll encounter when you visit our new multisensory exhibition space. There is something for everyone here, ranging from fabulous, nature-inspired contemporary and historic artworks to stations where you can explore nature up close or make your own art. Families with young children will discover the Wonder Zone which includes activity bins, a light table and picture books just for them.
Curator Interview
Learn more about The Pod with PEM curator Jane Winchell, who takes you through the space.
Virtual Tour
Click the image to embark on a 360° tour of The Pod. Just click on the rings to move throughout the space and use your mouse or keyboard to zoom in/out and to look all around.
Shadow Tree
See how sculptor Elizabeth Keithline spent a week making a wire weaving of a 30-year-old Japanese zelkova on PEM’s campus.
iEmbody Project
Learn about the site-specific movement works at 12 different natural and cultural locales across the North Shore with dancer and environmental artist, Laura Kathrein.
The Birdcase
Investigate 86 local and migratory birds in this interactive digital console that features video clips, songs, calls and “fast facts” for over 30 of the birds.