Curating Art, History and Fun at Connecticut’s Museums

An appreciation for art is part of the fabric of Connecticut. From the Connecticut River School of American Impressionism and the Lyme Art Colony, to the British masters preserved at Yale, to modernist sculptures, contemporary art and even pop culture, you will find collections here that rival those of big cities around the world. Here is an alphabetical list of where you can find just a few of them.

We may be known for being home to some of the most famous sites in the American Revolution, but Connecticut also has museums that honor and celebrate Native American and African American history, as well as our maritime background, women’s heritage and our passion for invention. We’ve included a short list, but you can uncover more of our historic sites for yourself, here. 

From archaeological digs to a nuclear submarine, innovations in flight and space technology to historical trains and trolleys, you’ll find museums for natural sciences, transportation and technology all over Connecticut. Many of these are more than museums though, and in some cases, you can be a part of the action yourself—get hands on, climb inside or ride along! 

One kind of museum there is no shortage of in Connecticut—the kind that lets kids be kids! From toddlers to teens, the state has quite a few hands-on, interactive spaces that encourage children to learn as they play. There are museums that cater to younger children, kids that love dinosaurs, outer space, animals and even history. 

Of course, there are always some museums that don’t fit into a specific category, and even some that defy explanation. But Connecticut is home to some of the most unusual, unpredictable and unforgettable museum experiences in the country. Did you know that PEZ candy has a museum here? Or that you can visit an old prison and copper mine, and ride a historic carousel in the same day? Check out a list of a few of Connecticut's more colorful museums here.