This museum is a little gem in New Britain, Connecticut featuring primarily American Art from the 17th century to the present. There is American Impressionism, Academic, Hudson River School, Colonial and Early Republic, First Half of the Twentieth Century and Contemporary. “The Weir Family” and “Nelson White” are two exhibits on display at this time. Both collections show works created by 3 generations of painters in the same family. The evolution from grandfather, father to son is, in itself, a lesson in art history.
After walking through the museum my friend Sylvia and I stopped for a bite to eat at the museum cafe. We had a scrumptious lunch consisting of Orange chicken on a croissant and a Grilled cheese with pulled pork on wheat. These were accompanied by a garden salad an orzo salad and for the finishing touches cubes of watermelon lightly drizzled with balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of feta cheese garnished with pistachio nuts, arugula and bits of delicious pickled beets. Very gourmet!
If I had any critical observations to make, one would be that at the end of our walk through the galleries I stopped to think about the name of this museum, ‘American Art’ and maybe because I am from the Midwest, I noticed that the majority of the work seems to come from the Eastern part of the United States of America, particularly from New England – yet all very interesting and beautiful! Despite this small detail, I highly recommend a visit to this museum. Go soon, to see the two new exhibits, the permanent collection and have lunch at the cafe before you leave. It is time well spent.
Here are some works I took pictures of with my phone and touched up with iphoto. Hope you like!
On Tiffany Creek 