Florence Griswold Museum Presents First New London County Free Day

Old Lyme, CT – 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 on second Sundays this summer - June 12, July 10, August 14, and September 11.
The Museum’s riverfront landscape is situated on a 13-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.

Visitors to Summer Second Sundays will enjoy The Artist’s Garden: American Impressionism and the Garden Movement. The Museum is the only New England venue for the exhibition. Organized by the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, The Artist’s Garden tells the story of American Impressionists and the growing popularity of gardening as a leisure pursuit at the turn of the 20th century. The Museum's historic gardens and landscape are the perfect accompaniment to this inspiring exhibition, which includes works by Childe Hassam, John H. Twachtman, J. Alden Weir, Cecilia Beaux, Robert Vonnoh, Violet Oakley, Jane Peterson, and Maurice B. Prendergast. 

June 12 is an exceptionally good day to visit the Museum and it’s grounds. As the last day of GardenFest, visitors are invited to enjoy three special activities.  In the galleries, stunning flower arrangements by 15 floral artists interpret works of art. Playing off colors, lines, shapes, and subject matter, each display reflects its inspiration in masterful ways. Visitors can watch Connecticut Impressionist Dmitri Wright create an Impressionistic painting in the gardens of the Museum. Working “en plein air,” Wright demonstrates the steps involved in going from blank canvas to a garden rendered in color and light. Visitors inspired by the creativity all around them can drop in at the Museum’s Education Center for a quick painting lesson before heading down to the river or out in the garden for an afternoon of plein-air painting. All materials included. 

Visitors can also 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.

“Free Summer Second Sundays is a great way for the Museum to make new friends in New London County,” notes David D.J. Rau, the Museum’s Director of Education and Outreach. He adds, “We are grateful for the support of The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut.”

New London County residents can enjoy Free Summer Second Sundays from 1 to 5pm with proof of residency. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday 10am to 5pm and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday. 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.