The best museums in Hartford in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Hartford, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Hartford, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Hartford.

Looking for the best museums in Hartford? These are the best ones:

  1. Harriet Beecher Stowe House1

    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.
  2. Connecticut State Library2

    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.
  3. Harriet Beecher Stowe Center3

    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.
  4. Connecticut's Old State House4

    Connecticut's Old State House

     Hartford, CT
    The Old State House in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic building that was completed in 1796. It is generally believed to have been designed by the renowned American architect Charles Bulfinch, marking his first public building. This architectural gem stands as a testament to Bulfinch's skill and the rich history of the state.
  5. Butler-McCook House & Garden5

    Butler-McCook House & Garden

     Hartford, CT
    The Butler-McCook Homestead, located at 396 Main Street in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum that was built in 1782. It is one of the few surviving 18th-century houses in the city and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. The house is now operated as the Butler-McCook House & Garden by Connecticut Landmarks.
  6. Isham-Terry House6

    Isham-Terry House

     Hartford, CT
    The Isham-Terry House, located at 211 High Street in Hartford, Connecticut, is a historic house museum. It was built around 1854 and became the home of the Isham family from 1896. The family undertook restoration work in the early 20th century, preserving the house's historic charm.
  7. Wadsworth Atheneum7

    Wadsworth Atheneum

     Hartford, CT
    The Wadsworth Atheneum, located in Hartford, Connecticut, holds the distinction of being the oldest public art museum in the United States. This historic institution was founded by Daniel Wadsworth and constructed by architects Alexander Jackson Davis and Ithiel Town from 1842. The museum officially opened its doors to the public on July 31, 1844.
  8. Connecticut Science Center8

    Connecticut Science Center

     Hartford, CT
    The Connecticut Science Center, a nine-story museum, is situated on the Connecticut River in Hartford, Connecticut. The museum, designed by César Pelli & Associates, opened its doors to the public on June 12, 2009. Its location on the river provides a scenic backdrop for visitors, while its architectural design adds to the overall appeal of the museum.
  9. Mark Twain House Museum9

    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.
  10. Connecticut Historical Society Museum & Library10

    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.

All museums in Hartford