Late Georgian-style mansion reflects the affluent, formal style of living during Old Lyme’s maritime era. It brings alive the work of American Impressionist artists in the place where they lived and painted. The period rooms rekindle the spirit of another life and time.Also appreciates of art and architecture from across the ages. Anna Audette perceived transcendent humanity and ingenuity vested in the crafted objects and spaces.
Jaz
Went to see The Wee Faerie exhibit on Columbus Day weekend. There was a scavenger hunt for the whole family to participate in. It was so much fun. But, the best part of the day was the kiddos being surprised by a living statue of Neptune. When done seeing all the museum had birth inside/outdoors, we enjoyed a nice lunch outside and watched local artists paint their inspiration (river landscape) on canvas. Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to enjoy with the family at FGM. Thank you for a magical day!
J. Kevin H
This is a museum of American impressionist art. This was the site of a community of American impressionist artists in the early 20th century. A wonderful collection in multiple buildings on a beautiful campus on the Lieutenant River. Lovely gardens as well. Highly recommended.
Rob B.
You get a sense of why the Griswold House was such a popular retreat for artists by walking through the garden and around back by the estuary. The location is simply serene!A guide gave our group a personal tour explaining the meaning behind each piece and was very informative. Admission as of May is 50% off ($6) due to construction. Like most family attractions this time of year, weekdays are popular for school field trips. I would advise calling ahead of your visit to plan around them for the best experience.
Melissa Gould
A great hidden gem that I didn't expect to find on my trip. It's a bit unassuming driving by, but holds a decent amount of gorgeous art and history (especially because Impressionism and Tonalism are my faves). The art in and out of the gallery was impressive, and the staff were knowledgable. We went during an off-season, so the cafe wasn't open, and the flowers weren't entirely blooming yet, but it was still an amazing time nonetheless and would be even more perfect during the summer. There were no events happening at the time, but they seem great.
FJ
Okay so I like museums but I admit I have a short attention span. This museum offered enough variety in the exhibits to keep me attentive. The story of the boarding house is lovely and the house itself is really interesting. The docents were very good. Everyone was really friendly. I really recommend going. Since the collection changes I will probably go back.
Tommy B.
What a wonderful museum. From the broad array of paintings, to the history of the location, to the restored home that served as a boardinghouse for the artists. It is all extremely well done and very interesting. Old Lyme truly has its roots firmly in the art world. A plus is seeing the bird life along the lieutenant river including an osprey nest with a mating pair.
Nancy E.
A magnificent spot for art lovers, historians and anyone who needs to hear a wonderful story about Miss Florence. The museum is unlike any other, and the lectures and classes offered are top notch.
Nick Sorvillo
We went for their fairy displays. They have a variety of people/groups construct fairy villages of different themes throughout their grounds and you follow a path. The kids get a map with a scavenger hunt. The grounds are gorgeous and the villages are well done. They have a art museum on site that we did not visit. They also have a restaurant that was busy the day we were there. It was a small menu but the food sounded and smelled good.
Huey Min Chuang
If you are traveling along i-95 from New York to Boston, or vice versa, Florence Griswold Museum is a must stop for inspiration, a good meal with a view, and a walk through 19th century home of Ms. Griswold dotted with American impressionist's artworks, stories, and look at how artists spent their time when cell phones, TVs, and even radios were not yet widespread in households. Ms. Griswold welcomed artists and creatives alikes seeking inspiration, shelter, respite, and soulful company, and in turn she made herstory the core of today's welcomes to you and me. I especially love the open call for artists to set up canvas and colors in the garden for an expression of creativity with brushes and paint any day. Or, simply stop in the studio barn on a Sunday to partake in art activities for anyone who needs a spark of youthful energy. You won't be disappointed! There are also regular art exhibitions displayed, so you can stop in often for a new show. If you still have time, also stop by the Lyme art center next door by walking through a cute wooden bridge that connects both venues.
Loved this place! The Gallery wasn't open as they are preparing for a new exhibit. The house tour and grounds are wonderful. The door panels painted by then resident artists are so interesting. Our docent was a wealth of information. We even got to see a few of the Faerie Gardens being set up around the grounds for October exhibition. Florence Griswold was an amazing woman and inspiration. All this for today's admission of five dollars. You should go!
Barbara Appel
The Cafe was closed that day for a private event, so did not have the full experience I was looking forward to enjoying after a 10 year break. Should have checked the museum schedule before visiting. The museum staff are friendly and informative, the setting is lovely, and the paintings are wonderful examples of American impressionist art that are well placed throughout the house.
Tess Beck
The peonies, poppies and roses are spectacular. One feels immersed in a heavenly impressionist garden of delights. The cafe is a wonderful place to eat, right by a beautiful view of the river and marsh. We saw a white egret flying back and forth with its reflection in the water. Perfect day.
Andrea Reeves Beebe
What a beautiful setting for an afternoon adventure. The home and its history are fantastic. if only the walls could talk. the gardens and painters dotting the grounds added the right touch. The warm summer breezes made me think of rocking on the covered porch sipping a drink, or falling asleep on a hammock under an old tree we look forward to returning soon. .
Matthew Hughes
A great place to introduce children with a serious interest in art to the wiry of the artists. It is placed on a beautiful stretch of the e Lieutenant River which is delightful in all four seasons. The gallery, house and grounds are all open to explore. The docents are knowledgeable and patient with children. It is easily accessible from I-95 and there are several restaurants nearby as well as one on the grounds. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon.
Late Georgian-style mansion reflects the affluent, formal style of living during Old Lyme’s maritime era. It brings alive the work of American Impressionist artists in the place where they lived and painted. The period rooms rekindle the spirit of another life and time.Also appreciates of art and architecture from across the ages. Anna Audette perceived transcendent humanity and ingenuity vested in the crafted objects and spaces.
Went to see The Wee Faerie exhibit on Columbus Day weekend. There was a scavenger hunt for the whole family to participate in. It was so much fun. But, the best part of the day was the kiddos being surprised by a living statue of Neptune. When done seeing all the museum had birth inside/outdoors, we enjoyed a nice lunch outside and watched local artists paint their inspiration (river landscape) on canvas. Couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day to enjoy with the family at FGM. Thank you for a magical day!
This is a museum of American impressionist art. This was the site of a community of American impressionist artists in the early 20th century. A wonderful collection in multiple buildings on a beautiful campus on the Lieutenant River. Lovely gardens as well. Highly recommended.
You get a sense of why the Griswold House was such a popular retreat for artists by walking through the garden and around back by the estuary. The location is simply serene!A guide gave our group a personal tour explaining the meaning behind each piece and was very informative. Admission as of May is 50% off ($6) due to construction. Like most family attractions this time of year, weekdays are popular for school field trips. I would advise calling ahead of your visit to plan around them for the best experience.
A great hidden gem that I didn't expect to find on my trip. It's a bit unassuming driving by, but holds a decent amount of gorgeous art and history (especially because Impressionism and Tonalism are my faves). The art in and out of the gallery was impressive, and the staff were knowledgable. We went during an off-season, so the cafe wasn't open, and the flowers weren't entirely blooming yet, but it was still an amazing time nonetheless and would be even more perfect during the summer. There were no events happening at the time, but they seem great.
Okay so I like museums but I admit I have a short attention span. This museum offered enough variety in the exhibits to keep me attentive. The story of the boarding house is lovely and the house itself is really interesting. The docents were very good. Everyone was really friendly. I really recommend going. Since the collection changes I will probably go back.
What a wonderful museum. From the broad array of paintings, to the history of the location, to the restored home that served as a boardinghouse for the artists. It is all extremely well done and very interesting. Old Lyme truly has its roots firmly in the art world. A plus is seeing the bird life along the lieutenant river including an osprey nest with a mating pair.
A magnificent spot for art lovers, historians and anyone who needs to hear a wonderful story about Miss Florence. The museum is unlike any other, and the lectures and classes offered are top notch.
We went for their fairy displays. They have a variety of people/groups construct fairy villages of different themes throughout their grounds and you follow a path. The kids get a map with a scavenger hunt. The grounds are gorgeous and the villages are well done. They have a art museum on site that we did not visit. They also have a restaurant that was busy the day we were there. It was a small menu but the food sounded and smelled good.
If you are traveling along i-95 from New York to Boston, or vice versa, Florence Griswold Museum is a must stop for inspiration, a good meal with a view, and a walk through 19th century home of Ms. Griswold dotted with American impressionist's artworks, stories, and look at how artists spent their time when cell phones, TVs, and even radios were not yet widespread in households. Ms. Griswold welcomed artists and creatives alikes seeking inspiration, shelter, respite, and soulful company, and in turn she made herstory the core of today's welcomes to you and me. I especially love the open call for artists to set up canvas and colors in the garden for an expression of creativity with brushes and paint any day. Or, simply stop in the studio barn on a Sunday to partake in art activities for anyone who needs a spark of youthful energy. You won't be disappointed! There are also regular art exhibitions displayed, so you can stop in often for a new show. If you still have time, also stop by the Lyme art center next door by walking through a cute wooden bridge that connects both venues.
Restaurantji Recommends
Loved this place! The Gallery wasn't open as they are preparing for a new exhibit. The house tour and grounds are wonderful. The door panels painted by then resident artists are so interesting. Our docent was a wealth of information. We even got to see a few of the Faerie Gardens being set up around the grounds for October exhibition. Florence Griswold was an amazing woman and inspiration. All this for today's admission of five dollars. You should go!
The Cafe was closed that day for a private event, so did not have the full experience I was looking forward to enjoying after a 10 year break. Should have checked the museum schedule before visiting. The museum staff are friendly and informative, the setting is lovely, and the paintings are wonderful examples of American impressionist art that are well placed throughout the house.
The peonies, poppies and roses are spectacular. One feels immersed in a heavenly impressionist garden of delights. The cafe is a wonderful place to eat, right by a beautiful view of the river and marsh. We saw a white egret flying back and forth with its reflection in the water. Perfect day.
What a beautiful setting for an afternoon adventure. The home and its history are fantastic. if only the walls could talk. the gardens and painters dotting the grounds added the right touch. The warm summer breezes made me think of rocking on the covered porch sipping a drink, or falling asleep on a hammock under an old tree we look forward to returning soon. .
A great place to introduce children with a serious interest in art to the wiry of the artists. It is placed on a beautiful stretch of the e Lieutenant River which is delightful in all four seasons. The gallery, house and grounds are all open to explore. The docents are knowledgeable and patient with children. It is easily accessible from I-95 and there are several restaurants nearby as well as one on the grounds. A great way to spend a morning or afternoon.