Cool Current Museum Exhibits in Fairfield County, Connecticut

3/8/14 - By Katie McKnight

A few short weeks ago my husband and I motivated to take our kids into New York City to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Many hours later (as well as many toll roads, parking fees, and bathroom stops later), my 4 year old informed me that she preferred the artwork in her Olivia the Pig book to the John Singer Sargent exhibit we just viewed.  Why, oh why did I spend so much money on taking them to a fabulous NY museum when there are so many phenomenal museums in our own backyard here in Fairfield County?  Our next museum adventures will be within a 20 mile radius of home – and just look how many great exhibits there are in the local area! And don't forget to check out our Kid-Friendly CT Museum Guide too!

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Bruce Museum, Greenwich, CT
We’re looking forward to checking out the Bruce Museum’s exhibition titled "In the Dark: Animal Survival Strategies".  This exhibit explores how organisms have adapted to life in the the darkest of environments; caves, deserts at night, deep soil, and forests.  The exhibit runs through April 13th, 2014.  Tickets are $7/adult, $6/students or seniors, and children under 5 are admitted free of charge.

1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, CT 06830 203.869.0376

Military Museum of Southern New England, CT
If your house is like mine, toy soldiers are always underfoot.  So take your little (or not so little) ones to Danbury for some military history.  This 20 year old museum features the story of the legendary U.S. 10th Mountain Division, whose members patrolled the Alps on skis in World War II.  Also on display are restored armored vehicles, including a World War I tank.  The museum is open during the summer on Tuesdays thru Saturdays from 10-5.  During winter months (November thru March) the hours are Fridays and Saturdays, 10-5, and Sundays 1-5.  Admission is $8.00/adults and $5.00/seniors or children, with children under 5 admitted free of charge.

125 Park Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810 203.790.9277

Philip Johnson Glass House, New Canaan, CT
Also on our todo list this spring is the Philip Johnson Glass House in New Canaan.  The former residence of iconic modern architect Philip Johnson, the Glass House was opened to the public in 2007.  Tours are available from May – November, but fair warning – tickets are expensive – they start at $30. 

PGJ Glass House Visitor Center, 199 Elm Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 866.811.4111

Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk, CT
Stepping Stones is always a popular destination in our house.  In addition to their phenomenal consistent exhibitions, such as Build It, Energy Lab, and Color Coaster, the museum will host "Healthyville", and exhibit dedicated to creatively explaining processes in the body, such as digestion and circulation.  With a giant nose and skeleton as part of the exhibit, how can you go wrong?  "Healthyville" will run through Labor Day 2014.    Admission rates are $15 for adults are children alike (though children under 1 are free) and $10/seniors.

303 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850 203.899.0606

Discovery Museum, Bridgeport, CT
The current exhibit,  Connecticut Inventions and Innovations, explores modes of transportation (bikes, skates, and skateboards, amongst others) and writing utensils and tools (pens, pencils, typewrites, postage meters).   The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10-5.  Adult admission rate is $9.50, and the children’s rate is $8.00.

4450 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604 203.372.3521

National Helicopter Museum Stratford, CT
Head to the Stratford Railway Station to view a photo graphic display of the history of the helicopter.  A full size cockpit is featured in the exhibit, as well as models of many different types of helicopter.  Another bonus – admission is free.  The perfect way to spend an afternoon with a budding aviator!   The museum is open from Memorial Day through October, on Wednesdays through Sundays form 1-4. 

2480 Main Street, Stratford, CT (at the railway station) 203.375.8857

A final note; when heading out to any museum, check with your local library as they may have museum passes that you can use for the day.  Have fun!

PS Editor's note: The CT Science Center in downtown Hartford (I know, not Fairfield County) is worth a mention. They have an amazing exhibit titled "Lost Egypt" in which kids can check out real mummies, read hieroglyphics, and dig for ancient artifacts.  The exhibit will run through May 4th, and this entire family LOVED it!

Originally published 4/23/2012.

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