The Housatonic Museum of Art sits at the heart of Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, Connecticut. With an impressive collection of nearly 7,000 artworks, it stands as one of the largest art collections of any community college in the United States. The museum’s focus on modern and contemporary American and European art features renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Cindy Sherman.
What makes this museum unique is how art is displayed throughout the entire 300,000 square foot campus—even in staff offices! The white cube space known as the Burt Chernow Galleries hosts visiting exhibitions, while the permanent collection adorns hallways and public spaces. The museum follows the CT State Housatonic calendar, making it an accessible cultural gem in Connecticut’s largest city.
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Housatonic Museum of Art
The Housatonic Museum of Art is a hidden gem in Bridgeport that you won’t want to miss. Located at Housatonic Community College, this impressive museum houses one of the largest art collections of any community college in the United States with nearly 7,000 artworks.
You’ll discover an incredible range of modern and contemporary American and European art throughout your visit. The collection features works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Romare Bearden, Cindy Sherman, and Jenny Holzer. The diverse collection also includes fascinating pieces from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
What makes this museum unique is how it displays its collection. As you walk through the college campus, you’ll encounter beautiful artwork adorning the hallways and public spaces. This unusual approach makes art accessible to everyone. You can also explore special exhibitions in the Burt Chernow Galleries for a more traditional museum experience.
Best of all, admission to the Housatonic Museum of Art is completely free! You can enjoy this wonderful cultural resource without spending a penny, making it a perfect destination for art lovers of all ages.
Rating: 4.3 (26 reviews)
Location: 900 Lafayette Blvd, Bridgeport, CT 06604
Contact: (203) 332-5052
Website: Visit Website
History of the Housatonic Museum of Art
The Housatonic Museum of Art has grown from a visionary idea to one of the largest community college art collections in the United States. Its unique approach to making art accessible has shaped its development over the decades.
Founding and Early Years
The museum was founded in 1967 by Burt Chernow, who served as a professor of art and art history at Housatonic Community College. Chernow had a bold vision—he wanted to create a college art collection that would be accessible to all students, all the time.
Instead of keeping artwork locked away in a traditional gallery space, Chernow pioneered the concept of displaying art throughout the campus. This included hallways, classrooms, and even staff offices! His approach meant that students would encounter important artworks as part of their daily educational experience.
As founding director, Chernow began collecting modern and contemporary American and European art. He believed strongly that exposure to art should be part of every student’s education, regardless of their field of study.
Significant Milestones
Over the years, the Housatonic Museum of Art has grown its collection to include nearly 7,000 artworks, making it one of the largest art collections of any community college in the country. The museum expanded to include a dedicated exhibition space called the Burt Chernow Galleries, named after its founder.
The collection now features works by world-renowned artists including Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, Romare Bearden, Cindy Sherman, and Jenny Holzer. These pieces are displayed throughout the 300,000 square foot campus, creating an immersive art environment.
When you visit the museum today, you’ll experience art in a truly unique way. You can explore both the white cube gallery space and discover artworks integrated throughout the college campus—just as Chernow envisioned decades ago.
Educational Programs and Community Engagement
The Housatonic Museum of Art offers rich educational experiences that connect visitors with art and culture. Their programs serve both the college community and broader Bridgeport area through innovative partnerships and engaging events.
School and College Partnerships
The museum serves as a valuable educational resource for Housatonic Community College students and local schools. You’ll find numerous programs designed to integrate art into educational curricula at all levels. The museum creates learning experiences that inspire students to examine maps, seals, symbols, artifacts, and architecture—all within walking distance of the campus.
These partnerships extend beyond simple field trips. The museum staff works directly with educators to develop custom experiences that enhance classroom learning through art appreciation and hands-on activities.
For college students, the museum offers unique opportunities to engage with exhibitions that complement their studies, regardless of major. This approach makes art accessible to everyone on campus.
Workshops and Events
You’ll love the variety of workshops and community events hosted throughout the year. The museum organizes dynamic exhibitions coupled with related programming that invites public participation and dialogue.
Special events like the groundbreaking “Art for All: Connecting Campus and Community” summit demonstrate the museum’s leadership in bringing art education to wider audiences. This was the first national gathering of community college art museum leaders in the country!
Regular workshops cater to diverse interests and skill levels. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced art enthusiast, there’s something for you to enjoy and learn from.
Family-friendly activities make art appreciation accessible for visitors of all ages, ensuring everyone can participate in the cultural life of the community.
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