100 Things to Do
Hill-Stead Museum
Jul 2, 2007

This National Historic Landmark became a museum in 1946 under the will of Theodate Pope Riddle, the museum’s architect and last resident. Mrs. Riddle, one of the first licensed female architects in the United States, designed the 33,000-square-foot Colonial Revival style home for her parents, Alfred Atmore Pope and Ada Brooks Pope; it was completed in 1901. It is their collection that is featured in the historic house museum in Farmington. The museum boasts an outstanding collection of French Impressionist masterpieces by artists including Monet, Manet, Degas, and their contemporaries, Cassatt and Whistler. The house is set on 152 rolling acres, with a sunken garden that was designed by Beatrix Ferrand. Hill-Stead is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 to 5, during its May through October season. From November through April, hours are 11 to 4. Grounds are open daily, from 7 a.m. to dusk. Museum admission is $9 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, $7 for students, and $4 for children 6 to 12.