New Britain Museum of American Art — Attraction in New Britain

Disappointing and Unwelcoming Experience for Families

We’re a homeschooling family with young children (ages almost 6, 8, and 3 ½), and one of our goals this year is to visit a different museum each week to support our history and art studies. The New Britain Museum of American Art wasn’t our first pick, but we were in the area and decided to give it a try. I remembered seeing past promotions about child-friendly days and their website clearly listed pricing by age, with designated spaces for kids, so it seemed that it would be a welcoming environment. We even invited another homeschool family to meet us there, which included two more young children (around 3 ½ and 2) and thier mother who is currently pregnant.

Unfortunately, our visit was one of the most unwelcoming museum experiences we've ever had.

Right from the beginning, we felt watched and judged. Museum employees dressed all in black followed us from room to room, acting more like security guards than guides. We had already reminded all of our children before entering not to touch anything, and they listened well — but during a few brief moments when slight touches happened and were immediately corrected by us, someone was instantly beside us with a stern warning. At one point, we were told that if there was one more incident, we would be escorted out. This was said even though our children were behaving well for their ages—respectful, attentive, and quick to correct any missteps. Both myself and the other mom were actively supervising and stepped in immediately at the first sign of a concern. For the majority of our visit, we were the only patrons in the galleries.

We were also reprimanded for our volume level multiple times. We were unaware that we were expected to be so quiet, the children weren’t being unruly but were engaged. We made our way to the children's art area on the other side of the building, hoping this would be a more relaxed space where our kids could enjoy learning through creativity. The kids sat happily and quietly working on crafts while we stood next to them trying to make sense of our experience— until the youngest child lost balance sitting on his stool and fell, hitting his head and understandably crying. Instead of receiving help or even concern, another staff member immediately appeared — not to check on the child, but to scold us again for the noise. Even after my friend, the child’s mother, explained what happened and was actively soothing her child, he insisted we needed to be quieter.

No one ever introduced themselves or offered to answer questions about the art. There were no docents, no educators, and hardly any signage beyond the artist name, title, and donor. We were left trying to make the experience educational ourselves while being trailed by silent, glaring staff who did nothing but police our presence. It felt like we were being treated as a nuisance — or worse, a threat — simply for existing there with children.

There were also no physical barriers protecting the artwork — no ropes, no glass — and yet it seemed the only line of defense was intimidating families into silence. If the museum truly wants to welcome children and families, they need a better way to protect their exhibits and a much better approach to hospitality. I didn’t see a single posted sign about noise even on the list of rules that was hidden on the back of the museum map, which staff never pointed out. We had no intention of being disruptive — we came to learn and appreciate art — but we were made to feel unwelcome from start to finish.

I’ve visited many museums in my life — with and without children — and I have never experienced one so cold and inhospitable. If you're a homeschool family or planning a visit with kids, I’d recommend...

This museum offers a different experience than the Wadsworth. Smaller than the Yale Gallery of Art, the NBMAA is a much more intimate layout making you feel like you can linger a little longer with each work of art. You can take no-flash photos. Their focus on American artists is an education in itself. I really enjoy how they rotate exhibits with local Connecticut artists. Their Thomas Hart Benton room is a special treat, as is a small Jackson Pollack painting of Menemsha Harbor on Martha’s Vineyard. If you teach, bring your students here on a field trip. The education staff does a really nice job and they have a room on the lower level where you can also do a hands-on activity. If you’re a parent, the museum always has fun days for the kids as on first Saturdays of the month which are free to the public. Can’t make the first Saturday? Check your local library for an NBMAA free pass, good for up to 4 people. Also, you can get in for free if you have a Bank of America card. A membership to the museum is also good for admission to other museums across the state. NBMAA has parking on the street and a lot on the side of the building with easy handicap access. The café is a nice place to have a bite or head over to “Little Poland” and eat at Capitol Lunch or...

he New Britain Museum of American Art is a true gem in the heart of Connecticut. I was thoroughly impressed by the vast collection of over 10,000 paintings, sculptures, and other works of art spanning centuries of American history. The exhibits are beautifully curated and informative, and the museum itself is spacious and well-maintained.

I was particularly struck by the museum's focus on showcasing the diversity of American art. From colonial portraits to contemporary installations, there is something for everyone to enjoy. I also appreciated the special exhibitions, which provide a deeper look at specific artists or themes.

The staff at the museum were friendly and knowledgeable, and they were happy to answer my questions and offer recommendations. I also enjoyed spending time in the museum's cafe, which has a lovely outdoor patio.

Overall, I had a wonderful experience at the New Britain Museum of American Art and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in American art or history. It's a great place to spend an afternoon learning, exploring, and appreciating the...