Located within an authentic turn-of-the-century granite manufacturing plant, the museum's mission is to create stimulating, interactive environments for learning about the geology, technology, history, and art of Vermont's unique granite heritage art, industry, capabilities and cultural heritage.

Barre, Vermont, is called the "Granite Center of the World", internationally recognized for high-quality stone, manufacturing, and artistry. Barre Gray granite, used for products since the late 1700's, was also found to be ideal for monumental work in the 1800's due to its even coloring and texture. This drew hundreds of immigrants to Barre, making it Vermont's own "Ellis Island". The technological advances in cutting stone, the railroad, and the popularity of ornate Victorian-style memorials and family mausoleums created an economic boom for Barre. Today, with $75 million in annual sales, the stone trades are one of Vermont's largest and most enduring industries. A bright future is forecast for Barre for many reasons: it boasts a 4,500-year supply of Barre Gray yet to be quarried, according to geological estimates; it's the largest stone sculpting community in the country; and over 100 varieties of stones are brought here from around the world to be manufactured for a variety of purposes (monumental, architectural, and industrial uses). Our community contains some of the most advanced and world recognized artists in stone cutting, etching and sandblasting.