The best museums in New Haven in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in New Haven, 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 New Haven, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in New Haven.

Looking for the best museums in New Haven? These are the best ones:

  1. Yale University Art Gallery1

    Yale University Art Gallery

     New Haven, CT
    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.
  2. Peabody Museum of Natural History2

    Peabody Museum of Natural History

     New Haven, CT
    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.
  3. Yale Collection of Musical Instruments3

    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.
  4. Yale Center For British Art4

    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.
  5. Marsh Botanical Garden5

    Marsh Botanical Garden

     New Haven, CT
    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.
  6. Pardee-Morris House6

    Pardee-Morris House

     New Haven, CT
    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.
  7. 7

    Connecticut Childrens Museum

     New Haven, CT
    The Connecticut Children's Museum, situated in the Children's Building in New Haven, Connecticut, is home to three interconnected programs. These include the Creating Kids Child Care Center, the Creating Curriculum Child Care Provider Training Program, and the Connecticut Children's Museum itself. This unique setup provides a comprehensive learning and care environment for children.
  8. 8

    New haven museum

     New Haven, CT
    The New Haven Museum and Historical Society, established in 1862, is a significant institution in New Haven, Connecticut. Its primary purpose is to preserve and present the history of the region. This museum is a great place for tourists who are interested in learning about the history and culture of New Haven.
  9. 9

    Ely Center of Contemporary Art

     New Haven, CT
    An art center dedicated to contemporary and modern art. Popular and alternative gallery.
  10. 10

    Knights of Columbus Museum

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

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