If you’ve seen a postcard of Rockport, you’ve seen Motif #1. Located on Bradley Wharf, this red fishing shack is widely recognized as the “most-painted building in the world.” But why is this simple structure so significant to Rockport’s history?

Originally built in the 1840s during the height of Rockport’s fishing and granite industries, the shack was used to store fishing gear and the daily catch. In the early 20th century, Rockport became a colony for Plein Air painters. They were captivated by the shack’s perfect composition against the harbor and the way the light hit its weathered red siding.

The name was coined by artist Lester Hornby. Legend has it that after seeing so many of his students bring back sketches of the same red shack, he exclaimed, “What—Motif Number One again!” The name stuck, cementing its status as the ultimate subject for any artist visiting Cape Ann.

The “Motif” you see today is actually a replica. The original building was tragically destroyed during the Great Blizzard of 1978. However, the town of Rockport recognized its immense cultural value and rebuilt it immediately using the original plans. Today, it stands as a monument to the town’s maritime heritage and its enduring love for the arts.

Motif #1 is just a short drive from Rockport Inn and Suites. Whether you’re a photographer, an artist, or a history buff, no trip to Cape Ann is complete without a photo in front of this American treasure.