Art has the power to capture a moment in time, reflect the past, and tap into the collective soul of a culture. The New Britain Museum of American Art, located in New Britain, Connecticut, is a living testament to the power of art to tell stories, evoke emotion, and bring people together. The Museum has been a pillar of the community since 1903 when it was founded in the city’s former public high school. It is currently home to a permanent collection of over 5,000 works of American art from the 18th century to today, with the mission of “enlightening, educating, and inspiring” the public with its collection. As such, the museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting works of art created by American artists. Learn more here.
From paintings and sculptures to photographs, prints, and drawings, the collection of the New Britain Museum of American Art offers a glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage of American art. The collection includes works from American artists as varied as Thomas Cole and Albert Bierstadt, Georgia O’Keeffe, Eva Hesse, Winslow Homer, and Andrew Wyeth. Highlights of the collection include a 15th-century Byzantine icon and a 10th-century Chinese Guanyin statue, the Grandma Moses Collection, George Inness’s masterpiece, the “Vale of Cashmere,” Winslow Homer’s “Eight Bells,” and Leonard Baskin’s monumental sculpture “Jabberwocky.” The space at the Museum is divided into five galleries and a special exhibition area. The Collection Galleries feature the museum’s permanent collection and are organized according to topic or theme, from scenic views to portraiture. Furthermore, visitors can explore the special exhibitions that take place periodically throughout the year, focused on the works of modern, living artists. Learn more about Exploring Walnut Hill Park: An Introduction to the Unique Natural Beauty of New Britain, CT.