Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Hartford, CT

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

• Address: 600 Main St, Hartford, CT 06103
• Website: www.thewadsworth.org

Overview:
The Wadsworth isn’t just the oldest public art museum in the country—it’s also one of the most surprisingly cool places to spend a few hours in Hartford. From ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary art, the collection covers a lot without feeling overwhelming.

Why It’s Worth a Stop:
You’ll find everything from Baroque masters and Hudson River School landscapes to ballet costumes, colonial furniture, and surrealist standouts. It’s also one of the few museums where you can see a full-on arms and armor collection and Monet just a few galleries apart. Plus, their “Happy Hour” is one of the best deals around—pay what you wish from 4–5pm, Thursday through Sunday.

What to Know Before You Go:
• Open Thursday–Sunday, 12pm–5pm.
• Admission: $20 adults / $15 seniors / $10 students.
• Free for members, Hartford residents, and anyone 17 and under.
• “Pay What You Wish” every day from 4–5pm.
• Accessible and walkable from downtown Hartford.

Fun Fact:
The Wadsworth’s collection includes everything from Roman antiquities to Ballets Russes costumes—and even a legendary collection of Hudson River School landscapes.