Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art: A Castle of Culture
Explore 5,000 years of art at America's oldest public art museum, featuring masterpieces from Baroque to Surrealism in a historic castle setting.
The Wadsworth Atheneum, a Hartford landmark, stands as the oldest continuously operating public art museum in the United States. Founded in 1842, its castle-like structure houses a vast collection spanning 5,000 years of art history, from ancient artifacts to modernist masterpieces, offering a rich cultural experience in the heart of Connecticut's capital.
A brief summary to Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
- 600 Main St, Hartford, Downtown, Connecticut, 06103, US
- +1860-278-2670
- Visit website
- Thursday 12 pm-5 pm
- Friday 12 pm-5 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-5 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-5 pm
Local tips
- Check the museum's website for current hours, as they may vary, and to book tickets in advance.
- Take advantage of the free Hartford Dash Shuttle to get to the museum from various parking garages and other downtown locations.
- Consider visiting on a weekday for a less crowded experience.
- Download the museum map and visitor guide to help navigate the extensive collections.
- Note that backpacks, food, and drinks are not permitted in the galleries; coat check and bag storage are available.
Getting There
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Walking
From the Hartford Public Library, walk east on Central Row, then turn right onto Main Street. The Wadsworth Atheneum will be on your left in less than a block. This is a short walk in the downtown area. No cost.
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Public Transport
CT Transit buses serve the area with stops on Main Street near the museum. Check the CT Transit website for schedules and routes. A local bus fare is $1.75. CTFastrak also stops close to the museum.
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Taxi/Ride-share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Hartford. A short ride from Union Station or another point in downtown Hartford will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on distance and demand. The Visitor Services staff will be happy to call a cab for you.
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Parking
Several parking options are available near the Wadsworth Atheneum. The Front Street South Garage (62 Front St. Crossing) offers preferred parking for $3. The Connecticut Convention Center Garage (100 Columbus Boulevard) has a $5 flat rate for museum visitors with ticket validation. On-street kiosk parking is also available on the streets neighboring the museum; visit the Hartford Parking Authority website for current information. Be aware that some areas are tow-zones weekdays 3:30-6pm.
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