Caribbean Indigenous Resistance / Resistencia indígena del Caribe ¡Taíno Vive!
Baker Gallery
July 11, 2026 – October 4, 2026
This exhibition, organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, presents the history and contemporary life of the Taínos, the Indigenous peoples of the northern Caribbean islands. In 1492, the Taíno discovered Christopher Columbus. The encounter set in motion an invasion by Spanish soldiers, priests, and colonists that devastated the Taíno civilization and decimated its population. By the 1550s, colonial officials deemed the Taíno extinct. In reality, the Taíno and their culture resisted, survived, and continue to make an impact around the world today. This exhibition—presented in both English and Spanish, with some texts translated to Hiwatahia, the reconstructed Taíno language—explores the history and contemporary life of the Taíno and reaffirms their culture and identity today. It features stories, contemporary crafts, musical instruments, and utilitarian objects to explore the rich and enduring cultural legacies of the region and the impact of Caribbean Indigenous knowledge throughout the world. It investigates complicated questions around heritage, ancestry, and race that emerge from Taíno identities today.
Caribbean Indigenous Resistance / Resistencia indígena del Caribe ¡Taíno Vive! is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the National Museum of the American Indian and the National Museum of the American Latino.
This exhibition received federal support from the Latino Initiatives Pool, administered by the National Museum of the American Latino.
The exhibition is co-presented by the Mattatuck Museum and the Afro Caribbean Cultural Center. The Mattatuck thanks the Yale Peabody Museum and cultural consultants Stephanie Bailey (Indigenous Caribbean descent from Boriken) and Sanakori (Taíno from Boriken) for lending additional expertise and objects to our presentation.
Admission
$20 Adults
$16 Seniors
$13 College Students (with ID)
$11 Children 6-18
FREE Members (Join now!), Military & Children Under 5
Access for All @ The MATT
The Mattatuck Museum is proud to participate in Museums for All, offering $3 admission for up to four (4) individuals of the same group presenting a valid EBT card. Access for All @ The MATT is in effect during regular business hours and does not apply to special programs.
Free admission and programming for all on the Second Saturday of each month. Support provided by the Art Bridges Foundation
Bank of America Museums on Us (1st full weekend of the month)
Bank of America offers their cardholders free general admission – during the first full weekend of every month – to the Mattatuck Museum and other cultural institutions across the United States. Free admission for Bank of America, Merrill, & Bank of America Private Bank cardholders.
Art Pharmacy
We are proud to be an Art Pharmacy partner, supporting community health through creative engagement. This partnership allows us to offer arts-based experiences that promote well-being, connection, and access to care beyond traditional settings.
Blue Star Museum (year round)
Free admission for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card. More information about the Blue Star Museum program.
Waterbury Students Free (through December 31, 2026)
Free admission for Waterbury Public Schools students through the generosity of Hubbard-Hall and the Kellogg Family.
NOTE: Waterbury Student discount is for galleries only. Program fees and special events are not included. Please call the Museum at (203) 753-0381 x130 to reserve your tickets through any of our free admission programs.
LIBRARY MEMBERSHIPS
Ask your local librarian if yours is a Library Member @ The MATT. Check-out the pass and receive free admission. Learn more about becoming a member.
RECIPROCAL MUSEUM ADMISSION
Members of the following museums receive FREE Admission to The MATT.
Art Complex Museum, Duxbury, MA
Bennington Museum, Bennington, VT
Danforth Museum of Art, Framingham, MA
Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland, ME
Fitchburg Art Museum, Fitchburg, MA
Lyman Allyn Art Museum, New London, CT
New Britain Museum of American Art, New Britain, CT
Provincetown Art Association & Museum, Provincetown, MA
Tuesday: 11 am – 5 pm
Wednesday: 11 am – 5 pm
Thursday: 11 am – 5 pm
Friday: 11 am – 5 pm**
Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
