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Marvels of Modern Art Last Updated: November 2023
Turns out the Land of Steady Habits is a showcase for Modern Art. In fact, Connecticut has been home to a good number of modern artists, including Philip Johnson, Jasper Johns, Kay Sage, Alexander Calder, Helen Frankenthaler, Cleve Gray and Sol Lewitt, just to name a few. Now it’s also home to the works of many modern masters. Here’s a tour from which you can pick and choose.
The Glass House, New Canaan
Intended as “a catalyst for the preservation and interpretation of modern architecture, landscape and art,” the famous Glass House is worth the trip from anywhere. But don’t stop with the house itself. There are a dozen more unique structures, notably art and sculpture galleries where Johnson displayed works by Warhol, Stella, Rauschenberg and more—spectacular.
Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield
This is one of the first U.S. museums devoted exclusively to modern art. Always cutting-edge, it has no permanent collection. Still, you’re likely to find pieces that move you to “think in new directions.”
Housatonic Museum of Art, Bridgeport
Just whose modern art is exhibited in galleries and throughout the campus of Housatonic Community College? Picasso, Matisse, Miro, Warhol et al. are on display, and not in a major metropolitan museum—who knew? At this time, the museum is offering virtual tours.
Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven
This is where you’ll find works by Giacometti, Picasso, Calder, Diebenkorn, Stella, Chuck Close and Roy Lichtenstein (check out his “Blam”), a gallery devoted to Joseph Albers (17 works), and special exhibitions. Free admission, too.
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Hartford
In the newly reconfigured Post-War and Contemporary galleries you’ll find pivotal works by artists such as Franz Kline, Sol LeWitt, Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Helen Frankenthaler, Jackson Pollock and many more.
Real Art Ways, Hartford
Truly modern, meaning “today” and maybe even “tomorrow,” Real Art Ways is dedicated to the latest in art, film and music. Share thoughts on what you’ve just seen, life and art with fellow art buffs over drinks at R.A.W.’s Loading Dock Lounge.