Yale University Art Gallery

One of the oldest college art museums in the world, the gallery was founded in 1832 when patriot-artist John Trumbull gave over 100 of his paintings to Yale College. Trumbull’s original paintings of the American Revolution are now joined by an encyclopedic collection of objects that range from ancient times to the present day and represent civilizations from around the globe. 

Special events include a weekly series for teens; storytelling for children; in-depth lecture series on artists and art; thematic, guided tours; and groundbreaking discussion programs.

Weir Farm National Historical Park

The only National Park dedicated to American Impressionism was home to three generations of artists including Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in 19th century art and America’s most beloved Impressionist. Weir described his home as the “Great Good Place.” Weir’s farm is a national legacy to American Impressionism, the creative spirit, and historic preservation.

Today the 68-acre park, which includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond, welcomes everyone to experience the power of creating art in nature. Seasonal offerings include yoga in the garden, painting, pond hikes, wellness walks and more.

Slater Memorial Museum

Located on the historic campus of Norwich Free Academy, Slater Memorial Museum features a global collection of artwork and objects and several permanent galleries focusing on the art history of civilizations spanning thousands of years. 

The museum also features a gift shop and select juried exhibitions and special exhibits in designated mediums throughout the year.

Highlights include a unique, world-renowned and breathtaking plaster cast collection; a gallery dedicated to African art; and works by notable Norwich and Connecticut artists throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum

Located just off I-95, Exit 83, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum has enjoyed celebrating the arts with visitors for almost a century. Featuring particularly strong collections of American paintings and decorative arts, the museum also presents a wide range of changing exhibitions and programs throughout the year. 

The historic grounds include a sculpture trail which is surrounded by 12 rolling acres of gardens and lawns. The grounds are open to the public for walking and picnicking. The museum’s free first Saturdays are popular with families, and include hands-on arts and science activities. On the first Thursday of every month, adult visitors can enjoy an upscale creative session, with drinks and light bites. 

Hill-Stead Museum

Hill-Stead Museum is noted for its 1901 33,000-square-foot house filled with art and antiques. Pioneering female architect Theodate Pope Riddle designed the Colonial Revival-style house, set on 150 hilltop acres, to showcase the Impressionist masterpieces amassed by her father, Cleveland iron industrialist Alfred A. Pope. 

Collections in 19 intact rooms include original furnishings, paintings, and numerous art works. The c. 1920 sunken garden is the centerpiece of the grounds; while three miles of walking trails treat visitors to beautiful habitats and a variety of native pollinators, birds, ponds, meadows, forest, and foliage. Special events include gala dinners, a May Market, Sunken Poetry Festival, and multicultural music, dance and theater performances.

Greenwich Historical Society / Bush-Holley House Museum 

The circa 1730 National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House survived the American Revolution and became the site of CT’s first American Impressionist art colony from 1890 to 1920, where influential artists including Childe Hassam and John Henry Twachtman lived and worked. 

This exciting reimagined campus includes beautiful museum galleries, library and archives, museum store, and landscape and gardens restored to the period of the Cos Cob Art Colony. Greenwich Historical Society preserves and interprets the history of this vibrant, globally influential community through exhibitions and engaging lectures, programs, and events.  

Florence Griswold Museum

The recipient of a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, the Florence Griswold Museum has been called “Giverny in Connecticut” by the Wall Street Journal, and a “must-see” by the Boston Globe. 

In addition to the historic Florence Griswold House, the Museum features a gallery for changing art exhibitions, education and landscape centers, an artist’s studio, twelve acres along the Lieutenant River featuring the Robert F. Schumann Artists’ Trail, and historic gardens. Special offerings include a seasonal cafe with scenic outdoor seating, curated gift shop, art camps for kids, Art Bar for adults, holiday programs and festivals.

Fairfield University Art Museum

One museum, two spaces: In the Bellarmine Hall Galleries, the Fairfield University Art Museum displays its permanent collection alongside rotating special exhibitions. The permanent collection features European and American paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, and historic plaster casts as well as artwork from Asia, Africa and South America. Also on view are works of art on long-term loan from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Yale University Art Gallery, the Worcester Art Museum, and the American Numismatic Society. 

In the Walsh Gallery, located in the Quick Center for the Arts, the museum presents larger special exhibitions. Special events include designated family days, mindfulness sessions and unique workshops.  

Center For Contemporary Printmaking

A multimedia studio and gallery located in central Norwalk near South Norwalk, the center is dedicated to the art of the print; including traditional and innovative printmaking, papermaking, book arts, digital processes and related disciplines. 

The Center for Contemporary Printmaking is the only printmaking facility of its kind between NYC and Boston. It is housed in an historic landmark nineteenth-century carriage house in Mathews Park, near the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion and the Stepping Stones Museum for Children. It hosts a diverse series of workshops, webinars, and competitions throughout the year.