The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Hartford tourist attractions make great day trips for the entire family. Located in the central Connecticut River Valley, the area is home to many Hartford attractions such as the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, famous Mark Twain Home, the Old State House, and the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks. If you are making your Hartford travel plans during the winter months and would prefer to avoid the cold weather, exploring the Wadsworth Atheneum is a worthwhile activity.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is one of the many Hartford tourist attractions that should be high on the list of things to do on any Hartford vacation. This attraction is known around the world for its original works by Picasso, Monet, Matisse, and Warhol among other famous artists. The Hudson River School of landscape paintings at the Wadsworth Atheneum is another reason why the museum is one of the most popular Hartford attractions. If doing some research about the great artists of the past is a part of your Hartford travel agenda, browsing through the many books and collections at the art library will be well worth your time.

The contemporary art pieces at the museum are some of the most interesting collections in the country. The museum has been collecting pieces of sculpture, furniture, and photography since the 1920’s, but it wasn’t until the 1970’s that a formal gallery was established. The costumes and textiles portion of the museum is an extensive one. Textiles from Native American tribes and ancient cultures are on display. The museum’s overall collection of costumes and textiles amounts to over 2,500 artifacts.

The Wadsworth Atheneum museum shop is a great place to buy an art related gift, try on a piece of jewelry, or buy a print of a piece of art that interests you. Books about featured artists are also available.

There are many other Hartford attractions worth checking out besides the Wadsworth Atheneum. Bushnell Park is one Hartford tourist attraction that offers a fun summer day out for the entire family. The park is close to Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, so visiting the park after the museum is a likely option for many tourists. Another one of the Hartford tourist attractions that is close to the Wadsworth Atheneum is the Old State house, which is a popular among history buffs.

If events, festivals, and performances are what you are after, the Wadsworth Atheneum offers art and culture events throughout the year. Some tourists prefer to visit the Wadsworth Atheneum during the day and then take in the sites and sounds of the events and festivals going on in Hartford at night.