The best museums in New London in September 2025

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

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

  1. Connecticut College Arboretum1

    Connecticut College Arboretum

     New London, CT
    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.
  2. Fort Trumbull State Park2

    Fort Trumbull State Park

     New London, CT
    Fort Trumbull, once a military base, is now a state park located in New London, Connecticut. The park offers visitors a chance to explore the history of the fort and its role in various military conflicts. The fort was named after Governor Jonathan Trumbull who recommended its construction in 1775 to protect the Connecticut government seat. The fort was completed in 1777 and has since undergone several renovations to meet changing military needs.
  3. Shaw Mansion3

    Shaw Mansion

     New London, CT
    The Shaw Mansion, also known as the Shaw-Perkins Mansion and the Shaw Mansion Museum, is a historic mansion and house museum located at 11 Blinman Street, nestled between Bank and Brewer Streets in New London, Connecticut. This mansion is a significant part of the city's history and offers a unique glimpse into the past.
  4. Hempsted House4

    Hempsted House

     New London, CT
    The Joshua Hempsted House, located at 11 Hempstead Street in New London, Connecticut, serves as a historic house museum. This location offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore the rich history of the area. The house, built around 1678, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in the state and provides a unique insight into early construction methods due to its well-preserved state.
  5. Monte Cristo Cottage5

    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.
  6. Custom House Maritime Museum6

    Custom House Maritime Museum

     New London, CT
    The New London Custom House, located at 150 Bank Street in New London, Connecticut, is a historic site built between 1833 and 1835. This significant landmark offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style of the period and the city's maritime history.
  7. New London County Historical Society7

    New London County Historical Society

     New London, CT
  8. Fort Trumbull Museum8

    Fort Trumbull Museum

     New London, CT
  9. Lyman Allyn Art Museum9

    Lyman Allyn Art Museum

     New London, CT
    The Lyman Allyn Art Museum boasts a diverse collection of artworks that span various periods and regions. The collection includes European and non-Western art, American fine and decorative art, 17th-century European works on paper, 19th-century American paintings, and contemporary art. This wide range of art forms and styles provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of art over the centuries.
  10. National Coast Guard Museum10

    National Coast Guard Museum

     New London, CT
    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.

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