SPRINGFIELD – A newly created Western Massachusetts combined ticket promises full immersion in the worlds of three of this nation’s iconic illustrators: Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, and Norman Rockwell. These artists, whose work continues to influence the visual memories of people of all ages, called Western Massachusetts their home – and now visitors can experience their art in a unique context never before offered by following the Iconic Illustrators Trail.

These quintessential American illustration collections all reside in three museums within a one-hour radius of each other. A first-ever collaboration between the three institutions will provide both a discounted admission as well as information – created in cooperation by the museums – about the art of illustration. Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, and The Springfield Museums, home of the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, offer a combined adult ticket for $44, which is a savings of $10 on the combined entrance fees, and a family pack for $99, a savings of $47 off regular admission for 2 adults and 2 children, with a full year to take advantage of the experience.

The family pack is being offered at a special pre-holiday price for $99 and is only available until Dec. 31. After this time, the family pack will cost $120, a savings of $26. The combined ticket will be available Nov.20 and can be purchased at any of the participating museums. The ticket will remain valid for a full year after purchase.

Illustration art depicts stories and/or ideas; also called “narrative art,” the field has gained increasing recognition and popularity. The Rockwell, The Carle, and The Seuss museums have the ability to present wide-ranging educational opportunities, as the art speaks to people of all ages.

Each of the three museums offers changing exhibitions. This fall, The Eric Carle Museum presents an all-star line-up of work from its permanent collection in honor of the Museum’s 15th anniversary, while the Norman Rockwell Museum will debut a first-ever retrospective exhibition of  illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi’s art. Springfield Museums offer the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum as the newest of five museums featuring art, history, and science, as well as the National Memorial Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden.

Visitors to all three venues can engage in guided or free exploration with informational materials at hand for their use. Free parking, beautiful landscaping, and museum stores of the highest quality augment the visits.

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art inspires a love of art and reading through picture books. The Carle collects, preserves, presents, and celebrates picture books and picture book illustrations from around the world. In addition to underscoring the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of picture books and their art form, The Carle offers educational programs that provide a foundation for arts integration and literacy.

Carle and his wife, the late Barbara Carle, co-founded the Museum in November 2002. Carle is the renowned author and illustrator of more than 70 books, including the 1969 classic “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The Carle houses more than 11,000 objects, including 7,300 permanent collection illustrations. The Carle has three art galleries, an art studio, a theater, picture book and scholarly libraries, and educational programs for families, scholars, educators, and schoolchildren. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. Open Mondays in July and August and during MA school vacation weeks. For more information: www.carlemuseum.org.

The Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to education and art appreciation inspired by the legacy of Norman Rockwell. The Museum holds the world’s largest and most significant collection of art and archival materials relating to Rockwell’s life and work, while also preserving, interpreting, and exhibiting a growing collection of art by other American illustrators throughout history.

Located on 36 park-like acres in Stockbridge, Rockwell’s hometown for the last 25 years of his life, the Museum is open seven days a week, year-round; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Museum hours from May through October are: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, open until 7 p.m. on Thursdays during the month of August; from November through April: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Rockwell’s original Stockbridge studio, located on the Museum grounds, is open May through October, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information: www.nrm.org.

The Springfield Museums, Home of the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: The first and only museum dedicated to Springfield native Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss, offers both a children’s museum experience and a personal view of Ted Geisel through the eyes of his stepdaughters and great nephew. The first floor examines the influence Geisel’s hometown had on his visual imagination with larger than life murals, three-dimensional exhibits, and interactive stations that also emphasize Geisel’s dedication to literacy. The second floor offers a recreation of Geisel’s art studio including the red rotary phone used to check in at Random House. The upstairs galleries also display never-before-displayed art and personal notes by Dr. Seuss. The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, which inspired the creation of this museum, is available everyday on the Springfield Museums quadrangle.

Located in the heart of Springfield, the Springfield Museums are open Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The museums are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. For more information: springfieldmuseums.org.