Does it look like rain? From mythology to meteorology, journey through the dramatic scientific and social shift in Europe and America’s collective understanding of weather from the 16th to early 19th century. Bringing together more than forty works on paper, early weather forecasting devices, and more, A Weather Eye charts more than three hundred years of humanity’s evolving relationship with the natural world. Explore the mythology of weather and the classical theory of the four elements (earth, air, water, and fire). Delve into stories of witchcraft and sorcery, and the ways weather was divined through folk knowledge, astrology, and “weather wising.” Learn about the idolized innovators of the scientific revolution, and make light of the storm with satirical prints of cats, dogs, and more raining from the sky. This exhibition is curated by Olivia Stone, Assistant Curator of Prints, Drawings, and Photography.
Continue the journey: A Weather Eye is one of two exhibitions at the Worcester Art Museum that explore how our relationships with weather and climate have changed over time. Delve into the impacts of climate change on our lives today in Fever Dreams of a Cool-Breathed Earth, on view April 11, 2026.
This exhibition is generously supported by the Fletcher Foundation. It is also funded in part by the Ruth and John Adam, Jr. Exhibition Fund. Related exhibition programming is supported by the Spear Fund for Public Programs.
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