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Bush-Holley House: A Glimpse into American History and Art

Discover American history and art at the Bush-Holley House in Cos Cob, Connecticut, a National Historic Landmark and former home to the Cos Cob Art Colony.

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Explore the Bush-Holley House in Cos Cob, CT, a National Historic Landmark that showcases two distinct eras: the New Nation period and the Cos Cob Art Colony. Discover the lives of the Bush and Holley families and the artists who gathered here, while admiring the historic interiors and American Impressionist art.

A brief summary to Bush-Holley House

  • Wednesday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the Greenwich Historical Society's website for hours, events, and special exhibitions before visiting.
  • Tours are the only way to access the house; arrive before 3:15 pm for the last tour.
  • Explore the surrounding gardens for a peaceful escape and beautiful views.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    If driving, navigate to 47 Strickland Rd, Cos Cob, CT 06807. From I-95, take exit 5 for US-1 toward Greenwich. Follow US-1 S and turn left onto Strickland Road. The Bush-Holley House will be on your left. On-site parking is available.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro-North Railroad to the Cos Cob station. From the station, walk north on E Putnam Ave/US-1, turn left onto Strickland Road, and continue to the Bush-Holley House. The walk is approximately 0.7 miles. Alternatively, from Greenwich Point Park, take CT Transit Bus 10 towards Stamford and get off at the stop near Strickland Road. Walk 0.3 miles down Strickland Road to the Bush-Holley House. Metro-North one-way fares from Grand Central Terminal to Cos Cob typically cost around $10-$17.

  • Walking

    From the center of Cos Cob, walk north on E Putnam Ave/US-1, turn left onto Strickland Road, and continue to 47 Strickland Rd. The Bush-Holley House will be on your left.

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Discover more about Bush-Holley House

The Bush-Holley House, located in Cos Cob, Connecticut, is a National Historic Landmark that offers a unique window into American history and art. Constructed around 1730, the house has witnessed significant periods in American history, from the colonial era through the emergence of the United States and the rise of American Impressionism. Originally the home of the Bush family, the house served as a mercantile center and a family residence. Later, it became a boarding house run by the Holley family, attracting artists, writers, and editors, and becoming the heart of the Cos Cob Art Colony from 1890 to 1920. This colony was Connecticut's first art colony and a hub for American Impressionism, with artists like John Henry Twachtman, J. Alden Weir, and Childe Hassam frequenting the house. Today, the Bush-Holley House is a museum that presents two distinct periods: the New Nation era (1790-1825) and the Cos Cob Art Colony era (1890-1920). Visitors can take guided tours of the house, exploring the historic interiors related to the Bush and Holley families, and view an impressive collection of American Impressionist art. The museum also features galleries with rotating exhibitions that delve into the history of Greenwich and the art of the Cos Cob colony. The site acknowledges the presence and work of enslaved people who lived at the house in the 18th century. The Greenwich Historical Society operates the Bush-Holley House, offering a variety of programs, events, and exhibits throughout the year. The site also includes a museum store and a research library and archives.

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