Hartford Art Galleries

(Hartford, Connecticut - CT, USA)



The visual arts scene in Hartford comes in the form of galleries, public installations and sculptures, and portraits in local museums. Within the grounds of the Connecticut State Capitol Building are a number of sculptures, statues and memorials. Dominating the plaza on Burr Mall, between the Wadsworth Atheneum and Hartford City Hall, the 15-meter / 50-foot bright red 'Stegosaurus' sculpture by Alexander Calder certainly makes quite a statement.

Located in downtown Hartford, close to the City Hall and the Travelers Tower, the Wadsworth Atheneum currently boasts the titles of America's oldest public art gallery / museum, and Connecticut's biggest. The museum first opened its doors to the paying general public in 1844, in the purpose-built building where it is still located today.

Roughly 50,000 items are now housed here within the gallery's permanent collection, including bronzes from ancient Rome and Greece, valuable impressionist and Renaissance paintings, Baroque old masters from Italy, ceramics from 18th-century France, and landscape paintings created as part of the famous Hudson River School movement.


Wadsworth Atheneum

Address: 600 Main Street, Hartford, Connecticut (CT), 06103, USA
Tel: +1 860 278 2670
The facade of the Wadsworth Atheneum is extremely imposing and was designed to resemble a castle. It has been extended over the years to include four sizeable wings, which are now filled with valuable art works and related treasures. History buffs will likely appreciate the old African-American artifacts, while next to the main building, the 1899 statue of American Revolutionary War hero Nathan Hall (1755 to 1776) is worth looking out for.
Open hours: Wednesday to Friday - 11:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00, first Thursday of the month - 11:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children 12 years old and under are free

Real Art Ways

Address: 56 Arbor Street, Hartford, Connecticut (CT), 06106, USA
Tel: +1 860 232 1006
Standing right next to the George H. Day Playground is the Real Art Ways gallery, which was set up in the middle of the 1970s and operates on a non-profit basis. This cultural center also incorporates an award-winning independent cinema and regularly plays host to small concerts, theatrical performances and public exhibitions of contemporary art. Many famous artists have exhibited here over the years, including acclaimed artists such as the late Sol LeWitt (1928 to 2007) and Louise Bourgeois (1911 to 2010).
Open hours: daily - 14:00 to 21:00, or by appointment
Admission: donations suggested

Charter Oak Cultural Center (COCC)

Address: 21 Charter Oak Avenue, Hartford, Connecticut (CT), 06106, USA
Tel: +1 860 249 1207
Just a matter of minutes away from the Charter Oak Tree Memorial Park, the Charter Oak Cultural Center is a not-for-profit institution that successfully combines art with theatrical performances, live music, dance and various cultural-themed events. A small snack bar is on hand should you require refreshments during your visit to the center. Before becoming this multicultural performance arts center, the venue began its life as a synagogue and interestingly, this building is actually the most historic of all the synagogues in the state of Connecticut. Of note, there are a number of attractions within minutes of the COCC, such as Buckingham Square Park and the Butler McCook House.
Open hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday - 11:00 to 18:00, Thursday - 11:00 to 19:00, Saturday - 11:00 to 16:00
Admission: free