A GUIDE TO CONNECTICUT’S MUSEUMS

Connecticut has a rich history and a true appreciation for arts and culture, so it is no surprise that there is an abundance of museums for all interests across the state. Whether you are a lover of the arts, history, science, or technology – there’s something for everyone! We invite you to visit a museum that sparks your interest this year and explore all of the special exhibits, interactive displays, and in-person experiences that the museums of Connecticut have to offer.

Art Museums:

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

600 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103
The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art opened its doors to the public in 1844 and is the oldest continuously-operating public art museum in the United States. Its impressive collection includes nearly 50,000 works of art, ranging from historic European art to contemporary art of today. The museum’s latest exhibit includes Nevine Mahmoud’s MATRIX 188, on view through May 4, 2022.
Hours: Thursday through Sunday from 12pm – 5pm
Admission: Free admission from 4pm – 5pm Thursday through Sunday. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, and $5 for students
Learn more

Yale University Art Gallery

1111 Chapel St, New Haven, CT 06510
Collecting, preserving, and presenting art in all mediums from around the world, the Yale University Art Gallery is the oldest university art museum in America. Its exceptional collection includes nearly 300,000 objects. The latest exhibits include Gold in America: Artistry, Memory, Power, and Midcentury Abstraction: A Closer Look, among others.
Hours: Tuesdays through Sunday from 10am – 5pm, Thursdays from 10am – 8pm
Admission: Free
Learn more

New Britain Museum of American Art

56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT 06052
The New Britain Museum of American Art was founded in 1903 and hosts a wonderful permanent collection. It showcases not only American art, but artist achievements as well as a significant number of borrowed pieces from emerging artists in the USA. Current exhibits include Walter Wick: Storybook & Out Of This World on view through April 24th, 2022, and The Poetry of Nature on view through May 22nd, 2022.
Hours: Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am – 5pm, Thursdays from 10am – 8pm
Admission: Adults: $15, Seniors: $12, free for children under 18
Learn more

History Museums:

Museum of Connecticut History

231 Capitol Ave, Hartford, CT 06106
Find exhibits that trace the history of Connecticut and its role in the development of the nation, focusing on government, industrial and military history. Current exhibits include Portraits of Connecticut Governors, The Freedom Trail Quilt Project, and the Mitchelson Coin Collection.
Hours: Monday through Friday from 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Learn more

American Clock and Watch Museum

100 Maple Street, Bristol, Connecticut 06010
The American Clock & Watch Museum is all about the innovation and artistry of the clock and watch industries. Here you can view unique collections of over 1,500 clocks and watches, participate in special programming, and learn more about a particular watch or clock using the museum’s library. Current events include Old Cranks, where you can see the museum clocks be set on the first or third Friday of the month at 10:00am!
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 10am – 5pm
Admission: Adults: $8, Seniors: $7, Family Rate: $20.00
Learn more

Connecticut River Museum

67 Main Street, Essex, CT 06426
Established in 1974, this museum tells the history and stories of the Connecticut River. Its mission is to lead in the study, preservation and celebration of the cultural and natural heritage of the Connecticut River and its valley. The museum offers boat cruises, group tours, public programming, and permanent exhibits. Their upcoming events include the Winter Wildlife Eagle Cruises and an ongoing set of virtual lecture series featuring Dick Shriver, Richard Friswell, Amy Trout, and others.
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 10am – 5pm
Admission: Adults: $12, Seniors: $10
Learn more

Science and Technology Museums:

Connecticut Science Center

250 Columbus Blvd, Hartford, CT 06103
The Connecticut Science Center offers exploration of science and technology for visitors of all ages! It is home to 165 interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art 3D digital theater, educational labs, and daily events focusing on STEM learning opportunities and demonstrations.
Hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 10am – 4pm
Admission: Adults: $25, Seniors: $23, Children: $17
Learn more

Connecticut Air and Space Museum

225 B Main St, Stratford, CT 06615
The Connecticut Air and Space Museum displays vintage aircraft, memorabilia, and artifacts pertaining to Connecticut. This museum is is an absolute must if you want to explore Connecticut’s aviation legacy and view real aircraft, helicopters, and vehicles used in the airfield.
Hours: Saturdays and Sundays from 10am – 4pm
Admission: Adults; $10, Veterans: $7
Learn more

Danbury Railway Museum

120 White Street, Danbury, CT 06810
The Danbury Railway Museum features a fully restored train station, originally built in 1903, along with over 60 pieces of equipment on the property and a collection of historically significant artifacts including blueprints, photographs, railroad timetables, and more. From April through November, you can hop on board at the station and take a tour of the railyard from the comfort of a seat in one of the vintage coaches, historic cabooses, or even the cab of the locomotive!
Hours: Saturday and Sunday from 10am – 4pm
Admission: Adults and Children: $7
Learn more