Visiting The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford, CT, USA

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut, affectionately known as “The Wadsworth” is a dream of an art museum with its diverse collection. If you love all types of art, this museum should be on your “must visit” list. Founded in 1842, it holds the distinction of being the oldest, continuously operating public art museum in the United States. The Museum is a treasure trove for art lovers. From classical to contemporary art, from its “On View Now” exhibitions to its permanent collections, the Museum has something to offer for art lovers of all ages.

Morgan Great Hall – Image Courtesy of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

We visited the Museum on Saturday, July 20, 2024, and enjoyed spending time visiting its numerous galleries and special “On View Now” exhibitions, including an interesting exhibit entitled, Styling Identities: Hair’s Tangled History (until August 11, 2024). Also interesting was their Surrealism and Modernism: Highlights from the Collection, part of their ongoing exhibitions.

Caravaggio – Saint Francis of Assisi in Ecstasy – Image Courtesy of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

We especially enjoy Contemporary art and spent time in the gallery appreciating the many highlights of the collection including the sculpture by the Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. Her bronze Pumpkin (2018) was painted a bright yellow with her signature black polka dots. Her work is whimsical, bold, and bright, and never fails to enchant. We had previously seen her large-scale exhibition at the New York Botanical Garden in Bronx, New York where in addition to her sculptures, she had wrapped the allée of trees with red and black polka dotted fabric and were delighted to see her work again at The Wadsworth.

Artemisia Gentileschi – Self Portrait as a Lute Player – Image Courtesy of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Also interesting was the sculptural work by the Chinese artist, Ai Weiwei, entitled, Grapes (2015); where the artist had interconnected antique three-legged traditional Chinese stools into a sculpture to deftly and artistically combine the past, with the present, and the future.

Pablo Picasso – The Women of Algiers – Image Courtesy of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Other Contemporary art highlights included American artist Andy Warhol’s Early Colored Jackie (1964), and Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) paintings from 1923 – 1963, which showed his progression of styles and how his vision evolved throughout the years, including his paintings, Still Life with Fish (1923), The Painter (1934), and The Artist (1963).

Vincent Van Gogh – Self Portrait – Image Courtesy of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Also wonderful, were the paintings by the Norwegian artist Edvard Munch (1863-1944); from the Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh (1853-1890) including his painting Vase with Poppies (1886); and many paintings from the American artist Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) and his wife, American artist Lee Krasner (1908 – 1984), and many other artists.

The Museum is a treasure trove of wonderful art including paintings by French artist Henri Matisse (1869-1954), French artist Henri Rousseau (1844-1910), Belarusian French artist Marc Chagall (1887-1985), and American artists Childe Hassam (1859-1935), and Winslow Homer (1836-1910).

Frederic Edwin Church – Vale of St. Thomas (visitor-looking) – Image Courtesy of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

In addition to the Permanent and “On View Now” exhibitions, The Wadsworth also shows Films, so be sure to check their calendar before planning a visit to this spectacular Museum to maximize your day. Plan to spend several hours at The Wadsworth to fully experience all it has to offer, or plan to visit over the course of several days. Until next time, keep enjoying and supporting the arts!

About The Wadsworth

“Founded in 1842 with a vision for infusing art into the American experience, the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is home to a collection of nearly 50,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years and encompassing European art from antiquity to contemporary as well as American art from the 1600s through today. The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States, opening its doors to the public in 1844.”

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art Hours: Thursday – Sunday from noon until 5:00 pm. Their Café and Shop are open during regular museum hours.

Entrances: The main entrance is 600 Main Street. Their accessible entrance is at 29 Atheneum Square North.

Ticket Information: Adults: $20, Seniors: $15, Students: $19, Members, Hartford Residents & Youth (age 17 and under): Free. Happy Hour – Pay What You Wish: Thursday – Sunday from 4:00 pm until 5:00 pm.

Parking: There are Parking Garages nearby as well as on-street parking. Please check the Museum’s website for locations.

For more information about the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art and their upcoming events and programs, please visit their website: https://www.thewadsworth.org/visit/

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06103
United States
Telephone: +1-860-278-2670
Email: info@thewadsworth.org
Website: https://www.thewadsworth.org/visit/
Instagram: @thewadsworth
X: @thewadsworth

Read more about our experiences in Hartford, Connecticut in the Arts, Destinations, Liquor Cabinet, and Restaurants sections.

Travel Distances to Hartford, Connecticut from:

For more information on what is happening in Hartford, Connecticut, please visit these websites:

Hartford.com:  https://hartford.com/ where their slogan is “No Mo’ Fomo” (No More Fear Of Missing Out).

LetsGoArts.org: https://letsgoarts.org/
The Greater Hartford Arts Council’s website with a full schedule of arts events and exhibitions.

CTVisit.com: https://ctvisit.com/
The State of Connecticut’s official tourism website

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