List of museums in Connecticut facts for kids

Connecticut is a state full of amazing places to explore, and its museums are like treasure chests waiting to be opened! A museum is a special place where people collect, take care of, and show off cool objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. You can find everything from ancient tools to modern art, and even dinosaur footprints! Many museums are run by groups that don't make a profit, or by the government. Some art galleries, especially those at universities, are also included because they share their art with everyone. Get ready to discover some of the fantastic museums Connecticut has to offer!

Explore Connecticut's Cool Museums

Connecticut has many different kinds of museums. You can find places that show off old houses, amazing art, or even giant dinosaurs! Let's look at some of the exciting spots you can visit.

Step Back in Time at Historic Houses

Many museums in Connecticut are actually old houses! These homes let you see what life was like long ago.

• Adam Stanton House: In Clinton, this house from 1791 shows you how the Stanton family lived in the 1800s. You can see their clothes, furniture, and even what their old store looked like.
• Allis-Bushnell House: Located in Madison, this 17th-century house is filled with old furniture, toys, and tools from the past. It's run by the Madison Historical Society.
• Mark Twain House and Museum: In Hartford, you can visit the beautiful Victorian home of famous author Mark Twain. Imagine where he wrote his classic stories!
• Gillette Castle State Park: Head to East Haddam to see a truly unique "castle" built by actor William Gillette, who was famous for playing Sherlock Holmes. It's like stepping into a storybook!
• Henry Whitfield State Museum: This Guilford museum is the oldest house in Connecticut and the oldest stone house in New England! It was built in the 1600s and was once a fortress.

Discover Art and Creativity

If you love art, Connecticut has many galleries and museums dedicated to beautiful creations.

• The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum: In Ridgefield, this museum focuses on modern art, showing new and exciting works by artists today.
• Bruce Museum of Arts and Science: Located in Greenwich, this museum has a mix of fine art, natural history, and geology. They often have art exhibits that get great reviews!
• Florence Griswold Museum: Visit Old Lyme to see a wonderful collection of American Impressionist paintings. This museum also has sculptures, drawings, and historical items.
• Lyman Allyn Art Museum: In New London, this museum has over 10,000 pieces of art, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the 1700s to the 1900s.
• Mattatuck Museum: In Waterbury, you'll find regional history and art from Connecticut. They even have a special collection of about 10,000 buttons from all over the world!
• New Britain Museum of American Art: This New Britain museum is dedicated to American art, showcasing a wide range of styles and artists.
• Wadsworth Atheneum: In Hartford, this is one of the oldest and most respected art museums in the country, with an incredible collection of art from different periods.
• Yale Center for British Art and Yale University Art Gallery: Both in New Haven, these are part of Yale University and offer amazing collections of art from around the world and from Britain.

Science, Nature, and Dinosaurs

For those who love science and the natural world, these museums are a must-see.

• Connecticut Science Center: In Hartford, this center is packed with interactive exhibits that make learning about science fun for everyone.
• Dinosaur State Park and Arboretum: Head to Rocky Hill to see real dinosaur tracks! The museum also has models and displays about these ancient creatures.
• Discovery Museum and Planetarium: Located in Bridgeport, this museum has interactive science exhibits, cool high-definition movies, and daily shows in its planetarium.
• Peabody Museum of Natural History: Part of Yale University in New Haven, this museum has famous dinosaur exhibits, displays on human and mammal evolution, and even Egyptian artifacts.
• The Dinosaur Place at Nature's Art Village: In Montville, this outdoor park has over 40 life-sized dinosaurs! It's a fantastic place to imagine what the world was like when dinosaurs roamed.

Cool Collections and Unique Stories

Some museums have very specific and interesting collections.

• American Clock & Watch Museum: In Bristol, this museum focuses on clocks and watches made right here in America.
• American Museum of Tort Law: In Winsted, this museum, started by Ralph Nader, teaches you about civil justice and how the legal system handles wrongful actions.
• Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry: Part of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, this museum has a wonderful collection of puppets from all over the world, including hand puppets and marionettes.
• Barker Character, Comic and Cartoon Museum: In Cheshire, you'll find character toys, comic strip items, and cartoon memorabilia. They even have celebrity rubber ducks!
• Lock Museum of America: In Terryville, this museum has the largest collection of colonial and antique locks in the United States, including special rooms for bank locks and Yale locks.
• New England Carousel Museum: In Bristol, this museum showcases beautiful antique carousel animals, which are truly works of art.
• U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum and Library: In Groton, you can explore the history of submarines and even go inside the USS Nautilus (SSN-571), the world's first nuclear-powered submarine!
• Vintage Radio and Communications Museum of Connecticut: In Windsor, this museum has a collection of old radios, televisions, and other communication technology.

Fun for Kids: Children's Museums

These museums are designed especially for younger visitors, with lots of hands-on activities.

• cARTie: This mobile art museum in Shelton brings interactive art experiences to young audiences.
• The Children's Museum: In West Hartford, this museum focuses on science and nature with exhibits designed for kids.
• Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut: Located in Niantic, this museum offers engaging activities for children.
• Connecticut Children's Museum: In New Haven, this museum provides a fun and educational environment for kids.
• Imagine Nation Museum: In Bristol, this museum has hands-on, interactive exhibits perfect for children aged 2 to 10.
• Kidcity Children's Museum: In Middletown, this museum offers interactive exhibits for ages one to eight.
• Lutz Children's Museum: In Manchester, this museum provides a variety of exhibits and programs for children.
• Stepping Stones Museum for Children: In Norwalk, this museum is known for its interactive and educational exhibits for kids.
• New Britain Youth Museums: With two locations in New Britain, these museums offer engaging experiences for young people.

Trains, Planes, and Automobiles

For those who love transportation, these museums are a treat.

• Connecticut Air and Space Center: In Stratford, this museum features aircraft and helicopters, celebrating aviation history.
• Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum: In Willimantic, you can see old locomotives, train cars, and historic railroad buildings.
• Connecticut Trolley Museum: In East Windsor, you can explore electric trolley cars and even ride some of them! It also includes the Connecticut Fire Museum.
• Danbury Railway Museum: In Danbury, this museum has a railroad yard full of restored equipment and a station house with exhibits. You can even take a short train ride on weekends!
• New England Air Museum: In Windsor Locks, this museum has exhibits on the history of aviation, including Sikorsky Aircraft and early French aviation.
• National Helicopter Museum: Located in the Stratford railroad station, this museum shows the history of the helicopter industry in Stratford.
• Railroad Museum of New England: In Thomaston, this museum offers a heritage railroad experience and exhibits.

See also

• Aquaria:
• Botanical gardens:
• Historical societies: List of historical societies in Connecticut
• Libraries:
• Nature centers: List of nature centers in Connecticut
• Observatories:

Images for kids

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  The beautiful Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford