After nearly two years and $9 million, the Mattatuck Museum is proud to welcome visitors into their beautiful new building. Boasting a new addition and renovated interiors, updated amenities, and ample free parking, your visit to the Museum will not disappoint.
The Mattatuck Museum collects and exhibits American art and cultural history – with a strong core of Naugatuck Valley history and Connecticut artists. The Museum uses its historical collections to tell the stories of the community and often partners with neighborhood associations, ethnic organizations, and manufacturing groups. Featuring more than 25 changing exhibitions each year, the Mattatuck highlights the diversity of the community, addresses issues of contemporary society, presents the work of emerging artists, features blockbuster shows of internationally renowned artists, and emphasizes the strengths of their permanent collection. Changing exhibits of contemporary sculpture is featured throughout the Museum’s outdoor spaces – in the courtyard garden and on the rooftop.
The collection now numbers over 8,000 oils, watercolors, drawings, graphics, photographs, sculptures, historical documents, and ephemeral and decorative art objects, representing works from the late 18th century to the present. The Mattatuck also houses a button collection of 20,000 miniature works of art donated to the Museum by the Waterbury Companies in the 1970s including buttons from all over the world (many 18th and 19th-century examples), as well as those worn by George Washington, displayed at the 1878 Paris Exposition, and some made of Czechoslovakian glass, Japanese enamel, ivory, wood, china, pearls, and jewels.
Families can make their own adventure in The MATT's art and history galleries by borrowing a Family Activity Pack and Gallery Guide (ages 5-15) or spending some time in the Children’s Art Maker Place (CAMPsite) (ages 2-15), there are many ways to enjoy the Museum with the whole family.
Read about the Museum's exhibits and upcoming programs and events including music, film, gallery talks, lunch lectures, MATT by Night, and family-friendly events.
CELEBRATING 145 YEARS: Several prominent Waterbury residents founded The Mattatuck Historical Society in 1877 after the city’s bicentennial anniversary as an organization that would share and preserve the region’s history for future generations. The Mattatuck Historical Society’s name pays homage to Waterbury’s original name from the seventeenth century – Mattatuck. In 1911, the Society purchased and renovated property at 119 West Main Street which had been the home of Mr. Greene Kendrick, mayor of Waterbury in 1882 and 1883. On November 16, 1912, the Society opened the new gallery with its inaugural exhibition, An Exhibition of Paintings by American Artists on loan from New York’s Montrose Gallery.
Other amenities: ADA Compliant, Groups Welcome, Guided Group Tours, Indoor Activity, Meeting/Event Facilities, Special Event Rentals, Museum Shop, Dining Nearby
