New Britain Museum

Founded in 1903, the New Britain Museum of American Art has a singular purpose: Its collection features only American art, from the earliest colonial portraits to the most modern works. The New Britain collection is particularly strong in colonial portraiture, the Hudson River School, American Impressionism, and the Ash Can School. The museum’s  Vance Lobby features a wall drawing by native son Sol LeWitt. Current special exhibits include An American Odyssey: The Warner Collection of American (through July 3) and NEW! NOW: Catherine Cabaniss, from her body of work entitled "Palimpsest." Also on view: Rudolph Nureyev by James Wyeth, a group of 15 paintings. The Warner collection was amassed by Jonathan "Jack" Warner and his wife Susan Austin Warner, and is considered one of the finest collections of American art in the world.

The museum is open Tuesday-Friday, 11-5 (Thursday till 8), Saturday, 10-5, and Sunday, 12-5. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $8 for students and free under 12; free on Saturdays from 10 to noon. The Café on the Park offers light lunches and snacks and there’s a museum shop.

Details

Take I-84 to Exit 35, Route 72E; right at the exit light, right at the next light (W. Main St.); left at the stop sign to 56 Lexington. Park in the museum lot (free). Phone 860-229-0257. Web site: www.nbmaa.org.