Next Week is Free at Florence Griswold Museum

Information provided by the Florence Griswold Museum

Thanks to a grant from The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, all residents of New London County receive free admission to the Florence Griswold Museum from Tuesday, July 16 through Sunday, July 21.

Visitors to New London County Free Week will be among the first to view Matthew Geller’s Anticipator, the recently unveiled temporary outdoor sculpture. Playful and unexpected, Anticipator offers elements of surprise that encourage visitors to interact with it. The sculpture combines a recycled tree trunk with three “bionic” limbs fabricated from Corten steel. These perforated branches emit colored light and mist through fan-like blossoms.

The Museum’s riverfront landscape is situated on an 11-acre site in the historic village of Old Lyme. In addition to the restored Florence Griswold House, where a generation of Impressionist artists lived, the Museum features an exhibition gallery, education and landscape centers, extensive gardens, and a restored artist’s studio. The current exhibition, Animal/Vegetable/Mineral: An Artist's Guide to the World, highlights best-known works from the Museum’s permanent collection alongside recent works by contemporary artists. 

Visitors can tour the historic Florence Griswold House, restored to its appearance as the boardinghouse for the Lyme Art Colony, stroll through Miss Florence’s historic gardens, and relax along the banks of the Lieutenant River. Can You Find Me cards in the gallery and a scavenger hunt in the historic house make the trip both fun and educational for families. 

On Sunday, July 21, visitors of any age who want to try their hand at painting are given everything they need to paint down by the river or in Miss Florence's garden. Their masterpiece makes a perfect souvenir for the day.

“Over the past six years, over 3,500 people from all over New London county have enjoyed these Free Weeks,” notes David D.J. Rau, Director of Education and Outreach. “For many it is their first visit and they are delighted by what they find here. For those who already love the Museum, it’s a great opportunity to see what’s new – for free!” He adds, “Our visitors appreciate this opportunity and we are grateful for the support of The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.”

New London County residents, please show proof of residency to receive free admission. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 1pm to 5pm. The Museum is located at 96 Lyme Street, Old Lyme, CT, exit 70 off I-95.  For additional information contact the Museum at 860-434-5542 or www.FlorenceGriswoldMuseum.org.