All person & artist museums to visit in Connecticut

Explore the lives and works of notable individuals at 32 museums in Connecticut dedicated to specific persons and artists. These museums offer a deep dive into their contributions and legacy.

Are you curious about the lives of remarkable individuals? Here are the top person and artist museums in Connecticut:

  1. Eric Sloane Museum1

    Eric Sloane Museum

     Kent, CT
    The Eric Sloane Museum, previously known as the Sloane-Stanley Museum, is located in Kent, Connecticut. The museum showcases the studio and antique hand tool collections of Eric Sloane. These collections provide a unique insight into the artist's life and work, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in art, history, and craftsmanship.
  2. United States Ship Nautilus2

    United States Ship Nautilus

     Groton, CT
    The USS Nautilus (SSN-571) is a significant piece of naval history, being the first submarine in history to be powered by nuclear propulsion. It was named after the submarine from Jules Verne's novel, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. This connection to a popular piece of literature adds an extra layer of interest for visitors.
  3. Harriet Beecher Stowe House3

    Harriet Beecher Stowe House

     Hartford, CT
    The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located at 73 Forest Street in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. This house was once the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the influential 1852 novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. The house offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of this significant figure in American history.
  4. Yale Collection of Musical Instruments4

    Yale Collection of Musical Instruments

     New Haven, CT
    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.
  5. Hill–Stead Museum5

    Hill–Stead Museum

     Farmington, CT
    The Hill–Stead Museum, located at 35 Mountain Road in Farmington, Connecticut, is a unique blend of a Colonial Revival house and an art museum. Set on a large estate, it offers visitors a chance to explore both historical architecture and a diverse art collection.
  6. New Britain Museum of American Art6

    New Britain Museum of American Art

     New Britain, CT
    The New Britain Museum of American Art, located in New Britain, Connecticut, holds the distinction of being the first museum in the United States dedicated solely to American art. Established in 1903, the museum has a rich history and a diverse collection of artworks that reflect the evolution of American art over the centuries.
  7. Burlingham House Visitor Center - Weir Farm National Historical Park7

    Burlingham House Visitor Center - Weir Farm National Historical Park

     Wilton, CT
    Weir Farm National Historical Park, situated in Ridgefield and Wilton, Connecticut, is a tribute to the life and work of American impressionist painter J. Alden Weir and other artists who resided or visited there. This site has been a source of inspiration for many artists, including Childe Hassam, Albert Pinkham Ryder, John Singer Sargent, and John Twachtman. The park is a testament to the rich artistic history of the area and offers a unique insight into the lives and works of these renowned artists.
  8. Yale Center For British Art8

    Yale Center For British Art

     New Haven, CT
    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.
  9. Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum9

    Captain Nathaniel B. Palmer House Museum

     Stonington, CT
    The Capt. Nathaniel B. Palmer House, located in Stonington, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was constructed between 1852 and 1854 and stands as a testament to the architectural transition between the Greek revival and the Victorian Italianate styles. The house was built for Nathaniel Brown Palmer, a seal hunter, pioneering Antarctic explorer, and a major designer of clipper ships.
  10. Connecticut State Library10

    Connecticut State Library

     Hartford, CT
    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.
  11. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center11

    Harriet Beecher Stowe Center

     Hartford, CT
    The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located at 73 Forest Street in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark. This house was once the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author of the influential 1852 novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of this significant figure in American history.
  12. Barnum Museum12

    Barnum Museum

     Bridgeport, CT
    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.
  13. Nathan Hale Homestead13

    Nathan Hale Homestead

     Coventry, CT
    The Nathan Hale Homestead is a historic site located at 2299 South Street in Coventry, Connecticut. This house, also known as the Dacon Richard Hale House, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Despite its name, Nathan Hale, a spy for the American Continental forces during the American Revolutionary War and Connecticut's state hero, never lived in this house. However, he did live in a home that was located in the same spot as a child. This original house was razed by his parents to create a larger living space for the family.
  14. John Trumbull Birthplace14

    John Trumbull Birthplace

     Lebanon, CT
    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.
  15. Ashbel Woodward Museum15

    Ashbel Woodward Museum

     North Franklin, CT
    The Ashbel Woodward House, located at 387 Connecticut Route 32 in Franklin, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It is a fine example of a Greek Revival house in a rural setting, built around 1835. The house was home to Ashbel Woodward, a local doctor, and was given to the state by his descendants in 1947. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on April 8, 1992.
  16. Oliver Ellsworth Homestead16

    Oliver Ellsworth Homestead

     Windsor, CT
    The Oliver Ellsworth Homestead, also known as Elmwood, is a historic house museum located at 788 Palisado Avenue in Windsor, Connecticut. This house was built in 1781 and was the home of the American lawyer and politician Oliver Ellsworth until his death in 1807. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark due to its association with this significant figure in American history.
  17. Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society17

    Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society

     West Hartford, CT
    The Noah Webster House, located at 227 South Main Street, West Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was the childhood home of the renowned American lexicographer, Noah Webster Junior, who lived between 1758 and 1853. The house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1962, marking its significance in American history.
  18. The Huntington Homestead Museum18

    The Huntington Homestead Museum

     Scotland, CT
    The Huntington Homestead, also known as the Samuel Huntington Birthplace, is a historic house museum and National Historic Landmark located in Scotland, Connecticut. This significant site was the birthplace and boyhood home of Samuel Huntington, an American statesman and Founding Father. The house is a 2½ story wood-frame structure, with a side gable roof and large central chimney, giving it a classic New England saltbox appearance.
  19. Monte Cristo Cottage19

    Monte Cristo Cottage

     New London, CT
    The Monte Cristo Cottage is a National Historic Landmark, located at 325 Pequot Avenue in New London, Connecticut. This designation recognizes the historical significance of the property and its association with the O'Neill family.
  20. Fairfield Museum and History Center20

    Fairfield Museum and History Center

     Fairfield, CT
    The Fairfield Museum and History Center, located at 370 Beach Road in Fairfield, Connecticut, is a museum with an extensive research library. It was established in 2007 by the Fairfield Historical Society, which has been in existence for over 103 years.
  21. Trumbull War Office21

    Trumbull War Office

     Lebanon, CT
    The War Office, also once known as the Capt. Joseph Trumble Store and Office, is a historic commercial building located in Lebanon, Connecticut. This building, which was constructed around 1732, holds significant historical value. It is a part of the museum property managed by the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution, which also includes the Trumbull House and the Wadsworth Stables.
  22. David Humphreys House22

    David Humphreys House

     Ansonia, CT
    The General David Humphreys House, located at 37 Elm Street in Ansonia, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. This location is significant as it was the birthplace of the American Revolutionary War Colonel David Humphreys. Today, it is owned by the Derby Historical Society and serves as its headquarters.
  23. Mark Twain House Museum23

    Mark Twain House Museum

     Hartford, CT
    The Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut, is a site of historical significance. It was the residence of Samuel Langhorne Clemens, more commonly known by his pen name, Mark Twain, from 1874 to 1891. During his time in this house, Twain penned some of his most famous works.
  24. Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library24

    Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library

     Hartford, CT
    The CHS is home to a research center that houses 270,000 artifacts and graphics, and over 100,000 books and pamphlets. It also boasts one of the largest costume and textile collections in New England. These extensive collections provide a comprehensive look into the history of Connecticut and the United States, making it a valuable resource for both researchers and tourists alike.
  25. Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry25

    Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry

     Storrs, CT
    The Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry (BIMP) is a public museum dedicated to the art of puppetry. It is operated by the University of Connecticut and is situated in Storrs, Connecticut. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of puppetry, from its history to its various forms and techniques.
  26. Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop26

    Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop

     Hamden, CT
    The Eli Whitney Museum, situated in Hamden, Connecticut, serves as an experimental learning workshop for students, teachers, and families. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage in hands-on learning experiences, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history, design, and invention.
  27. Prudence Crandall Museum27

    Prudence Crandall Museum

     Canterbury, CT
    The Prudence Crandall Museum, also known as the Elisha Payne House, is a historic house museum located in the village green of Canterbury, Connecticut. It is situated at the southwest corner of the junction of Connecticut Routes 14 and 169. This location is significant as it provides easy access for visitors and tourists.
  28. Gillette Castle State Park28

    Gillette Castle State Park

     East Haddam, CT
    Gillette Castle State Park is a unique attraction located in the towns of East Haddam and Lyme, Connecticut. The park is situated high above the Connecticut River, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle itself was designed and built by William Gillette, a renowned American actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. The park is a testament to Gillette's creative genius and offers a fascinating glimpse into his life and work.
  29. Mattatuck Museum29

    Mattatuck Museum

     Waterbury, CT
    The Mattatuck Museum is a cultural institution located in Waterbury, Connecticut, USA. It is a place where visitors can explore the history, industries, and culture of Waterbury and the Central Naugatuck Valley area. The museum also showcases art, including works about the state's history, people, and scenery, and works of artists from Connecticut.
  30. 30

    Mystic Museum of Art

     Mystic, CT
    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.
  31. 31

    The American Museum of Tort Law

     Winsted, CT
    The American Museum of Tort Law, located in Winsted, Connecticut, is a unique institution developed by Ralph Nader. It is the first law museum in the United States, focusing on civil justice and aspects of the legal system that handle wrongful actions resulting in injury. The museum opened to the public in September 2015, offering a unique insight into the evolution of tort law, precedent-setting cases, and cases that made a significant difference.
  32. 32

    Thankful Arnold House - Haddam Historical Society

     Haddam, CT
    The Thankful Arnold House Museum, located in Haddam, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that offers a glimpse into the past. The museum features a gambrel-roofed house that was built around the year 1800. In addition to the house, the museum also includes a garden and grounds that visitors can explore. The museum is open to the public year-round, making it a great destination for tourists regardless of the season.