New Britain Museum of American ArtAbout New Britain Museum of American Art
The New Britain Museum of American Art is an art museum in New Britain, Connecticut, established in 1903 and recognized as the first museum in the United States devoted exclusively to American art. It holds a substantial collection of American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts.
Gallery displays include long-term presentations of the permanent collection and a program of changing temporary exhibitions. The museum also runs public programs and educational activities for school groups and the general public.
The institution was founded in the early 20th century and has expanded its collections and exhibition program through acquisitions and loans over time. The museum’s mission centers on the collection, preservation, study, and presentation of American art.
The museum is located in downtown New Britain in central Connecticut, roughly 10 miles southwest of Hartford. The building sits within the city’s cultural and civic area, accessible by local roads and public transit.
- Founding and focus: Founded in 1903 and historically identified as the first museum in the United States devoted solely to American art.
- Collection size: Maintains a collection of several thousand works of American art covering multiple periods and media.
What to See#
- Permanent collection galleries: Houses the museum’s long-term displays of American painting, sculpture, and decorative arts spanning the 18th century to contemporary work; galleries are arranged for rotating presentation of the permanent collection.
- Temporary exhibition galleries: Dedicated gallery space for temporary and traveling exhibitions, refreshed regularly to present contemporary and historical themes.
Best Time to Visit New Britain Museum of American Art
An indoor museum; choice of season is dictated by travel plans rather than weather.
Weather & Climate near New Britain Museum of American Art
New Britain Museum of American Art's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -8°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1185 mm/year), wettest in May, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -8° - 2° | -8° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -7° - 4° | -6° | 85 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -2° - 9° | 0° | 98 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 15° | 7° | 105 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 9° - 22° | 15° | 108 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 14° - 27° | 20° | 101 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 17° - 30° | 23° | 97 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 16° - 28° | 22° | 97 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 12° - 24° | 18° | 100 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 5° - 18° | 12° | 94 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 1° - 11° | 4° | 106 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -5° - 5° | -4° | 102 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to New Britain Museum of American Art
The museum is in downtown New Britain, a short drive from I‑84. Ample municipal parking is nearby; local CTtransit buses also serve downtown New Britain.
Tips for Visiting New Britain Museum of American Art
- Allocate 1-2 hours to view the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.
- The museum hosts educational programs and rotating shows - check the calendar for lectures and special events.
- Street parking around the museum can be limited; nearby municipal lots or on‑street options are available.