Free museums in Connecticut

The Yale University Art Gallery is an American museum that houses a significant and encyclopedic collection of art. It is located on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. This makes it a convenient stop for tourists visiting the university or the city.

The Peabody Museum of Natural History, situated within the prestigious Yale University, was established in 1866. The museum was founded by philanthropist George Peabody as a gift to his nephew, Othniel Charles Marsh, who was a renowned paleontologist. This historical connection adds a layer of intrigue to the museum's rich history.

The Yale Collection of Musical Instruments is a museum located in New Haven, Connecticut. It is a division of the Yale School of Music and houses a vast collection of musical instruments from different periods and regions. The museum was established in 1900 and has since been enriched by various acquisitions.

The Fort Griswold site, spanning 17 acres, is preserved and maintained as the Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The park offers visitors a chance to explore the grounds and learn about the fort's historical significance.

The Yale Center for British Art, located at Yale University in central New Haven, Connecticut, is home to the most extensive and comprehensive collection of British art outside the United Kingdom. This collection includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, rare books, and manuscripts that reflect the development of British art and culture from the Elizabethan period onwards.

The United States Navy Submarine Force Library and Museum is situated on the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut. This location is not only scenic but also significant, as it is the only submarine museum managed exclusively by the Naval History & Heritage Command division of the Navy. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in naval history and submarine technology.

Harkness Memorial State Park, located in Waterford, Connecticut, is a state park that also features a greenhouse and a botanical garden. The park spans an impressive 220 acres, providing ample space for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

The Bartlett Arboretum and Gardens is a sprawling 91-acre park, botanical garden, and arboretum situated in Stamford, Connecticut. This vast expanse of greenery offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, providing visitors with a serene environment to explore and enjoy.

The Connecticut College Arboretum, founded in 1931, is a sprawling 750-acre arboretum and botanical garden. It is situated on the campus of Connecticut College and extends into the towns of New London and Waterford in Connecticut, United States. This vast expanse of greenery offers a tranquil escape and a chance to explore the diverse flora of the region.

The Marsh Botanical Garden is a spacious 8-acre botanical garden and arboretum that is administratively part of Yale University. It is located in the city of New Haven, Connecticut. This garden offers a wide variety of plant species and is a great place for nature lovers to explore.

The Fairfield University Art Museum, previously known as the Bellarmine Museum of Art, is situated on the campus of Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut. The museum is housed in the renovated lower level of Bellarmine Hall, a building with a rich history and architectural significance. The museum was opened in October 2010 and was designed by Centerbrook Architects & Planners.

The Connecticut State Library, located in Hartford, Connecticut, serves as the state library for Connecticut and is also an executive branch agency of the state. Its location, directly across the street from the Connecticut State Capitol, makes it easily accessible for visitors.

Mill Hill Historic Park in Norwalk, Connecticut, is a living history museum that offers a unique glimpse into the past. The park is composed of three historic buildings: the circa 1740 Governor Thomas Fitch IV "law office", the c. 1826 Downtown District Schoolhouse, and the 1835 Norwalk Town Hall. In addition to these buildings, the park also features a historic cemetery known as the Town House Hill Cemetery. Each of these elements contributes to the rich historical tapestry of the park, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the area's history.

The Daniel Benton Homestead, located in Tolland, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that holds the distinction of being the oldest house in the area. Constructed in 1720, the house has been maintained and operated as a museum by the Tolland Historical Society since 1970. This offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the rich history of the region.

The Barnum Museum is situated at 820 Main Street in Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States. This location is easily accessible and is a significant landmark in the city. The museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and legacy of P. T. Barnum, a prominent figure in American cultural history.

The Boothe Memorial Park and Museum is an open-air museum situated on a 32-acre site in the Putney section of Stratford, Connecticut. This unique location offers visitors a chance to explore a variety of architecturally unique buildings and structures, all within a beautiful park setting.

The John Trumbull Birthplace, also known as the Governor Jonathan Trumbull House, is a historic house museum located on the Lebanon Green in Lebanon, Connecticut. The house was built in 1735 by Joseph Trumbull as a wedding gift for his son Jonathan. This historic site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style of the period and the lifestyle of the Trumbull family.

The Strong House, which is now known as the Strong-Porter Museum, is a historic house museum located at 2382 South Street in Coventry, Connecticut. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The museum is housed in a structure that dates back to the early 18th century and retains a significant number of period features.

The William Benton Museum of Art is a public fine arts museum situated on the main campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut, US. It is easily accessible and offers a rich cultural experience for visitors.

The United States Navy Submarine Force Library and Museum is situated on the Thames River in Groton, Connecticut. This location offers a unique setting for the museum, providing visitors with a scenic view of the river while they explore the rich history of the submarine force.

The Ledyard Up-Down Sawmill, originally known as the Main Sawmill, is a historic 19th-century sawmill located at 175 Iron Street in Ledyard, Connecticut. Built in 1869 by Israel Brown, it is the only known operational mill of this type in the state. The sawmill was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and is now owned by the town and administered by the local historical society as a museum.

Academy Hall, located at 785 Old Main Street in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, is a historic building that was originally a school. Constructed in 1803, it stands as a well-preserved example of a Federal style academy. This architectural style is characterized by its symmetry, simplicity, and grandeur, which are all evident in the design of Academy Hall. Today, it serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

The Pratt House, located at 19 West Avenue in Essex, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The house has been preserved and is now a museum that showcases the history of the Pratt family and the region.

The Stanton–Davis Homestead Museum, located on Greenhaven Road in Stonington, Connecticut, is a historic house that dates back to around 1700. This museum offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing a structure that has stood the test of time and continues to tell the story of its former inhabitants.

The Pardee-Morris House, also known as the John Morris House, is a historic house museum located at 325 Lighthouse Road in New Haven, Connecticut. This location is steeped in history and offers a unique glimpse into the past. The house is one of the oldest surviving buildings in New Haven and is a prime example of First Period colonial architecture.

The Brick School House, located in Coventry, Connecticut, is a unique local history museum. This small brick building served as a one-room school from 1825 to 1953, making it a significant piece of the state's educational history. It is the only one-room schoolhouse in Connecticut that is open to the public, offering a glimpse into the past.

The Harrison House, located at 124 Main Street in Branford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was built in 1724 by a descendant of the founders of Branford. This house is a significant example of a Connecticut saltbox structure, a traditional architectural style in the region. The house has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975 and is a contributing property to the Canoe Brook Historic District.

The New England Civil War Museum and Research Center has a rich history that dates back to 1896 when it was started by local Civil War veterans. It was formally established as a museum and opened to the public in March 1994. This historical background adds to the authenticity and depth of the museum's collection, making it a significant destination for those interested in the Civil War period.

The Allis-Bushnell House, located at 853 Boston Post Road in Madison, Connecticut, is a historic site that dates back to 1785. This house was recognized for its historical significance and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. It offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style and living conditions of the late 18th century.

The Peoples State Forest Nature Museum is a state-run institution situated on Greenwood Road within the Peoples State Forest in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore the museum within the context of the surrounding forest, providing a comprehensive experience of the local natural environment.

The Darling House Museum, located at 1907 Litchfield Turnpike in Woodbridge, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into the past. It is owned and operated by the Amity & Woodbridge Historical Society. This museum is a testament to the rich history of the area and provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the past in a tangible way.

The Museum of Connecticut Glass, established on February 12, 1994, is situated in the historic Captain John Turner House, built in 1813, in Coventry, Connecticut. The museum's location is significant as it is one of the last remaining sites on the National Historic Glass Factory District. The museum focuses on the glassmaking industry in Coventry, which was active from approximately 1814–1848.

The National Helicopter Museum, located in Stratford, Connecticut, is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the helicopter and aviation industry. The museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about the development of helicopters and the aviation industry in the United States.

The Deacon John Grave House is a historic saltbox house located at 581 Boston Post Road in Madison, Connecticut. It was built by Deacon John Grave in 1681, making it a significant piece of Connecticut's architectural history. The house's unique saltbox design and its long-standing history provide a glimpse into the past, offering visitors a chance to experience a piece of 17th-century life.

The J. Robert Donnelly Husky Heritage Sports Museum is a public museum situated on the main campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors and tourists who are interested in the history and heritage of UConn's intercollegiate athletics.

The Unionville Museum, which was formerly known as the West End Library, is a historic building located at 15 School Street in the Unionville village of Farmington, Connecticut. This building, which now serves as a museum, is a significant part of the town's history and offers visitors a glimpse into the past. It is conveniently located in the center of Unionville village, making it easily accessible for tourists.

The Danbury Museum and Historical Society, located in Danbury, Connecticut, is a private institution dedicated to the acquisition, preservation, exhibition, and interpretation of the Greater Danbury area's heritage. The museum's mission is to provide education, information, and research about the region's history and culture.

The Osborne Homestead is a significant historical site located in the Derby Neck section of Derby, Connecticut. This two-story colonial revival house is nestled within the beautiful Osbornedale State Park, offering visitors a glimpse into the past amidst a serene natural setting.

The Housatonic Museum of Art is situated within the Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors and tourists who are interested in exploring the rich collection of art that the museum has to offer.

The Mystic Museum of Art, situated at 9 Water Street in Mystic, Connecticut, is a dedicated space for American art. This museum provides an opportunity for visitors to explore a wide range of American art pieces, offering a unique cultural experience.

This lovely museum is a jewel of New Haven. Impressive collection of exhibited artifacts - a must see!

In 1971, the Ebenezer Avery House was relocated to Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton and underwent restoration. Today, the historic house museum is maintained by the Avery Memorial Association, ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate.

The Bristol Historical Society Museum is situated in a historical building that was once Bristol's first high school. This location is on the corner of Summer and Center Streets. The museum's location adds a layer of historical significance, making it a unique destination for those interested in the city's past.

Northwest Park, located in Windsor, Connecticut, is a municipally owned park that offers a variety of outdoor activities. The park features walking trails, soccer fields, and a nature center, providing a diverse range of options for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're interested in a leisurely stroll, a game of soccer, or exploring the wonders of nature, Northwest Park has something to offer.

The Alexander King House, located at 232 South Main Street in Suffield, Connecticut, is a historic house that offers a glimpse into the past. This house, built in 1764, is a significant part of the town's history and is now a museum operated by the Suffield Historical Society. Visitors can explore the house and its surroundings, immersing themselves in the rich history of the area.

The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) is a significant institution that provides education to future officers of the United States Coast Guard. This branch of the American armed forces is responsible for maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and defense readiness. The academy, founded in 1876, is based in New London, Connecticut, and is the smallest of the four federal military academies.