Over the past 150 years, Bermuda has welcomed many fine artists from all over the globe.  What they found inspired them to put art to work.  When they left, they took their work with them.  The Masterworks Foundation, since its formation in 1987, began it’s collection with just twelve paintings depicting Bermuda and since has repatriated and collected over 1,600 pieces of art including paintings, photography, sculpture, and more, all drawing inspiration from the beauty of Bermuda. Just as these artists were inspired by Bermuda, we too draw inspiration by their vision to see Bermuda with a fresh eye.

Since its inception in 1987, the mission of the Masterworks Foundation has been to house and exhibit the growing Bermudiana Collection for the enjoyment and education of all – our residents, our visitors, and importantly our children. In 2008 that goal was achieved and the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art is now a 16,000 square foot purpose-built museum – the only one of its kind in Bermuda – providing irreplaceable cultural and historical treasures a permanent showcase and home.

The scope of the collection covers work from the 1700’s up until present day and the artists represented come from around the world, most notably, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France and Sweden. Internationally acclaimed artists such as Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley and Charles Demuth have a high profile presence in the Masterworks Collection, but still leave room for the talents of lesser-known local and foreign artists to shine brightly.

The notion of this collection sprung from the vision of its founder, Tom Butterfield, who believed that through art inspired by Bermuda, one could be better informed about the history, culture and heritage of the island. Additionally, he felt that the influx of artists to Bermuda was not mere happenstance, rather the muse of the islands’ unique light and landscape beckoned them.