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Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT

Photo: Daderot, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

MuseumsHistory BuffRainy-Day Pick

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

600 Main St · Hartford, CT

Why you should go…

Founded in 1842, the Wadsworth is the oldest continually operating public art museum in the United States. Its castle-like original building, designed in the Gothic Revival style, connects to four later wings. Inside you find European Baroque paintings, Hudson River School landscapes, Impressionist works, ancient bronzes and contemporary pieces. It was the first American museum to acquire works by Caravaggio, Dali and Mondrian.

  • #art museum
  • #european paintings
  • #hudson river school
  • #gothic revival
  • #contemporary art

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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