Lowell's NE Quilt Museum Showcases Blue-Themed Exhibits

Three winter exhibits at the museum explore the history and artistry of blue quilts.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Lowell's New England Quilt Museum is hosting three exhibits that celebrate the color blue in quilting. The exhibits, which run through April 11, 2026, feature quilts spanning 200 years, from antique to contemporary works, showcasing a diverse range of blue textiles and techniques. The museum is also displaying quilts created as part of a challenge by the American Quilt Study Group, as well as selections from the museum's permanent collection of blue quilts.

Why it matters

The exhibits at the New England Quilt Museum highlight the rich history and enduring appeal of blue as a color in quilting. Blue has long been a popular and versatile color in textile arts, and these exhibits explore the evolution of blue quilting over the centuries, from traditional indigo dyes to modern interpretations. The museum's focus on blue quilts also reflects the broader cultural significance of the color, which has been associated with themes of tranquility, stability, and innovation.

The details

The main exhibit, 'Blue on Blue: Quilts from 1825 to 2025,' features a curated selection of exceptional antique and contemporary quilts that showcase a wide range of blue textiles and techniques. The second exhibit, '19th Century Blues: The AQSG Quilt Challenge,' presents quilts created by members of the American Quilt Study Group, who were tasked with reinterpreting 19th-century blue quilts in their own unique styles. The third exhibit, 'Blue Quilts from the Permanent Collection,' showcases blue quilts from the museum's own holdings.

  • The three exhibits opened in January 2026 and will be on view through April 11, 2026.

The players

Pamela Weeks

Curator of the New England Quilt Museum and the person who selected the quilts for the 'Blue on Blue' exhibit.

American Quilt Study Group (AQSG)

A membership organization that provides opportunities for quiltmakers, enthusiasts, collectors, and academics to study, research, and publish findings on quilts and related subjects. They organized the '19th Century Blues' quilt challenge exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“Blue on Blue: Quilts from 1825 to 2025' features quilts spanning 200 years and selected by NEQM curator Pamela Weeks. They range from exceptional antique quilts to cutting-edge contemporary works. They illustrate a diverse range of techniques and styles and display an extravagant variety of blue textiles–deep indigo, Prussian blue, turquoise, cobalt and cornflower, to name just a few.”

— Pamela Weeks, Curator, New England Quilt Museum (lowellsun.com)

What’s next

The three exhibits at the New England Quilt Museum will be on display through April 11, 2026, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the rich history and artistry of blue quilts.

The takeaway

The New England Quilt Museum's focus on blue quilts highlights the enduring appeal and cultural significance of this versatile color in the textile arts. The exhibits showcase the evolution of blue quilting, from traditional indigo dyes to modern interpretations, and celebrate the creativity and craftsmanship of both historical and contemporary quiltmakers.