The Eric Pape Exhibition opened on April 5th, 2025 with an unforgettable evening at Hammond Castle Museum. Friends of the arts, local history lovers, and familiar faces from Gloucester gathered to celebrate the life and work of Eric Pape (1870–1938), a former Cape Ann resident and one of the most fascinating artists of his time.

Guests get a look at a rare selection of Pape’s 300 illustrations for The Fair God (1898)—many not seen since his death in 1938 – many pieces were curated from the private collection of Dr. Gregory Conn, the leading collector and biographer of Pape. And many thanks to Mollie Byrnes, whose generous support helped bring this incredible exhibit to life. One piece you definitely won’t want to miss is The Wireless Naval Battle of Gloucester Bay, Pape’s only surviving mural, originally created as a gift to his friend John Hays Hammond Jr., the Museum’s founder.

Opening night welcomed a range of special guests—from local leaders to well-known art collectors. Among them were Mayor Greg Verga, Former Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, Eric Pape collector and author Dr. Gregory Conn, former NBA player and art enthusiast Lance Allred, and Thomas Meeks, Assistant Director of the General Lew Wallace Study and Museum. Guests enjoyed small bites, desserts, and a variety of beverages throughout the night, creating a warm and relaxed atmosphere as they took in the artwork and shared conversations.

The exhibit is open daily from April 5th through April 27th, 9 AM to 3 PM. It also lines up with the release of Eric Pape: The Fair God, a new hardcover catalog by Dr. Conn. Signed copies are available in limited quantities at the Museum Shop—so if you’re a fan, you’ll want to grab one while they last.

Tickets and admittance are available until 2:45 on April 27th, don’t forget to check out this exhibit!