The original shack was replaced in 1978 after the Blizzard of '78 caused it to collapse into the harbor.
It is officially designated as a commemorative monument to the local fishermen and soldiers who lost their lives in service.
The structure is so frequently painted by art students that it earned its name, 'Motif Number One,' from local artist Lester Hornby.
It was one of the first structures in Rockport to be subject to strict architectural preservation laws to maintain its aesthetic integrity.
The building is purposefully kept in its weathered, traditional barn-red color to reflect its 19th-century maritime roots.
Motif #1 is a quintessential red fishing shack located on Bradley Wharf in Rockport, Massachusetts, widely considered the most painted building in America. Built in 1840, the structure was originally designed as a workspace for local fishermen to store gear and mend nets. In the 1930s, the building was purchased by the Town of Rockport to preserve its status as a historic icon for artists and residents. The current structure is a 1945 reconstruction after the original was destroyed by the Blizzard of 1978. It serves as an active studio and a cultural symbol of the town’s maritime heritage. The structure features a distinctive barn-red exterior and remains a primary subject for painters, photographers, and students of art history. The shack sits directly at the water's edge of the inner harbor, exposed to Atlantic weather patterns. It is owned and maintained by the Town of Rockport.
The elevated sidewalk vantage point on the wharf provides a clear, unobstructed frame of the building against the water.
Visit during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn to avoid heavy summer foot traffic on the narrow wharf.
Explore the surrounding side streets of the Bearskin Neck peninsula for additional artisan galleries.
Check the tide charts; the visual appeal of the shack changes significantly between high and low tide.
Do not attempt to climb onto the private fishing equipment or private docks surrounding the structure.
