A. Everett Austin House: A Neo-Palladian Gem
Explore the A. Everett Austin House, a Hartford landmark blending classical architecture with modern design, reflecting the innovative spirit of Chick Austin.
The A. Everett Austin House, located in Hartford's West End, stands as a testament to the vision of A. Everett “Chick” Austin Jr., director of the Wadsworth Atheneum from 1927 to 1944. Constructed in 1930, the house draws inspiration from the Palladian villas of the Veneto, particularly Vincenzo Scamozzi's Villa Ferretti. Austin's unique reinterpretation resulted in a Neo-Classical Revival structure that is both stately and surreal. The house is notable for its elongated form, measuring 86 feet long but only 18 feet deep. The facade features a central pedimented pavilion flanked by symmetrical wings, adorned with Ionic pilasters. This design creates an illusion of depth, enhanced by the flush boarding and subtle architectural details. Many windows are blind, and decorative balusters evoke a balustrade without forming one. The interior is equally striking, blending 18th-century Rococo style with modern Bauhaus design. The first floor boasts silk-covered walls, gilded furniture, and a Bavarian alcove, while Helen Austin's dressing room upstairs showcases a radically modern aesthetic with a black linoleum floor and tubular steel furniture. During the 1930s, the Austin House was a gathering place for leading figures in the art world, including Salvador Dalí, Gertrude Stein, and George Balanchine. In 1985, Helen Austin and her children donated the house to the Wadsworth Atheneum. Today, it operates as a historic house museum, offering guided tours that provide insights into Austin's life, his influence on the art world, and the house's architectural significance.
Local tips
- Reservations are required for tours and can be made through the Wadsworth Atheneum website.
- The tour includes same-day admission to the Wadsworth Atheneum.
- Check the museum's website for special events or exhibitions that might coincide with your visit.
- Photography is encouraged, so bring your camera to capture the beautiful architecture and art.
A brief summary to A. Everett Austin House
- 130 Scarborough St, Hartford, West End, Connecticut, 06105, US
- Visit website
Getting There
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Walking
From the intersection of Farmington Avenue and South Main Street in West Hartford Center, head north on South Main Street for approximately 0.3 miles. Turn right onto Scarborough Street and walk for 0.4 miles. The A. Everett Austin House will be on your left at 130 Scarborough St. This walk takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
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Public Transport
From Hartford Union Station, take CT Transit bus Route 41 towards West Hartford. Get off at the stop closest to Scarborough Street and walk west for about 0.2 miles to 130 Scarborough St. The bus fare is approximately $1.75.
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Car
From I-84 West, take Exit 46 for Asylum Avenue towards West Hartford. Continue on Asylum Avenue for about 1 mile, then turn left onto South Main Street. After approximately 0.5 miles, turn right onto Scarborough Street. The A. Everett Austin House will be on your left at 130 Scarborough St. Street parking is available nearby. Check for parking restrictions.
