New Britain Museum of American Art: The New Britain Museum of American Art is located at 56 Lexington Street, New Britain, CT. (860-229-0257) The New Britain Museum of American Art's founding in 1903 entitles the institution to be designated the first museum of strictly American art in the country. That year, a $20,000 gift of gold bonds to the museum's former parent, the New Britain Institute, from industrialist John Butler Talcott, created funds to purchase "modern oil paintings." Subsequent purchases, with advice from New York museums and galleries, further defined "modern" to mean American works of art, now numbering well over 4,300. With particular strengths in colonial portraiture, the Hudson River School, American Impressionism, and the Ash Can School, not to mention the important mural series The Arts of Life in America by Thomas Hart Benton, the museum relies heavily on its permanent collection for exhibitions and programming, yet also displays a significant number of borrowed shows and work by emerging artists. The singular focus on American art and its panoramic view of American artistic achievement make the New Britain Museum of American Art a significant teaching resource available to the local, regional, and national public. The enjoyment of the collection is enhanced by its display in the comfortable and non-intimidating spaces of a 1907 residence, with modern additions such as the Chase Building (a 43,000 square feet building built in 2006), winner of the New England American Institute of Architects award. . For more information, visit the New Britain Museum of American Art Website New Britain Youth Museum: The New Britain Youth Museum has two locations in New Britain:
The New Britain Youth Museum and the New Britain Youth Museum at Hungerford Park are non-profit educational institutions dedicated to enhancing the learning experience for children, young adults, and adults in Connecticut. Founded in 1956, the museum encourages children and families to explore the history and cultures of Connecticut and the world. Come explore with your child! For more information, visit the New Britain Youth Museum Website New Britain Industrial Museum: The New Britain Industrial Museum is located at 185 Main Street, IIET Building, 2nd Floor, New Britain, CT. (860-832-8654) New Britain products are known around the world and the New Britain Industrial Museum has a collection of these items dating back to 1812. The New Britain Industrial Museum, which opened in 1995, was formed to appreciate the past as well as to inspire the future. Changing exhibits are featured. For more information, visit the New Britain Industrial Museum Website |
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