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Stamford Museum & Nature Center: Where Art, History, and Nature Converge

Explore art, history, and nature at the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, a 118-acre destination with a farm, trails, planetarium, and more.

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The Stamford Museum & Nature Center, nestled in the woods of North Stamford, Connecticut, offers a blend of art, history, and natural science. This 118-acre property features a working farm, museum galleries, an interactive nature center, hiking trails, a planetarium, and an observatory, providing diverse experiences for all ages.

A brief summary to Stamford Museum & Nature Center

  • Monday 9 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Check the calendar for special events and programs to enhance your visit.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and exploring the outdoor areas.
  • Visit the Sunday Farm Market (May-November) for local products and produce.
  • The Wheels in the Woods Trail is a universally accessible nature trail.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From downtown Stamford, take the CT Transit bus #331 towards Scofieldtown Road. Board the bus at Atlantic Street @ Veterans Park. The ride takes approximately 16 minutes. Get off at the High Ridge Rd @ Meredith Ln stop. From there, walk about 8 minutes to the Stamford Museum & Nature Center; walk along Schofieldtown Rd. The bus fare is $1 - $3.

  • Walking

    From downtown Stamford, head north on Main Street. Continue straight until you reach High Ridge Road. Turn left onto High Ridge Road and walk until you reach Scofieldtown Road. Turn right onto Scofieldtown Road. The Stamford Museum & Nature Center will be located at 39 Scofieldtown Rd, about a 1.5 to 2-mile walk which should take approximately 30-40 minutes.

  • Driving

    From downtown Stamford, follow signs for the Merritt Parkway (Route 15) North. Take Exit 35 for High Ridge Road. Turn left onto High Ridge Road and continue north. Turn right onto Scofieldtown Road. The museum will be on your left. Free parking is available at the museum.

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Discover more about Stamford Museum & Nature Center

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center (SM&NC) is more than just a museum; it's a multifaceted destination where art, history, and nature intertwine. Founded in 1936, the SM&NC began as a small "cabinet of curiosities". Over the years, it has evolved into a 118-acre sanctuary that attracts over 160,000 visitors annually. The museum's history is rooted in a vision to create a stimulating environment where families could explore the natural world, agricultural sciences, astronomy, art, and history. Originally housed in the Stamford Trust Company building, the museum expanded and moved to Courtland Park before finding its permanent home on the former Henri Bendel estate in 1955. Bendel, a department store pioneer, built his dream castle in North Stamford in the late 1920s, which now serves as the museum's main building. Today, the SM&NC focuses on five main areas: the natural history of New England, American art, Native American art and culture, American history and culture, and farming implements. Visitors can explore the Bendel Mansion, which houses museum galleries with changing exhibitions and pieces from the museum's permanent collection. The Heckscher Farm, a working New England farm, allows visitors to interact with farm animals and learn about sustainable agriculture. The Overbrook Nature Center offers interactive exhibits with local animals and access to miles of walking trails. Other highlights include the Edith and Robert Graham Otter Pond, the Observatory, and the Planetarium. The museum offers a variety of educational programs, workshops, and annual events, including Harvest Fest Sundays, Maple Sugar Fest Sundays, and Spring on the Farm Fests. With its diverse offerings and commitment to education and preservation, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center provides a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages.

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