Hill-Stead Museum: Everything You Need to Know

Allow me to share a hidden gem with you—Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut. It’s a trove of art, history, and CT gardens, perfect for a day out. As a National Historic Landmark and an official Save America’s Treasures project, Hill-Stead is a stop on the Connecticut Art Trail. It’s also a member of Connecticut’s Historic Gardens. The 1901 historic house is 33,000 square feet of pure art and antiques, one of the best museums in Connecticut.

Ready to discover the Hill-Stead Museum? Let’s get into it:

A Brief History of Hill-Stead Museum

Hill-Stead was home to pioneering female architect Theodate Pope Riddle. Her life was fascinating, including surviving the Lusitania sinking in 1915! She designed this house for her dad’s incredible art collection. It came complete with all the modern comforts of the early 1900s—fully plumbed bathrooms, central heating, and electric lights. Today, it’s a stunning art museum set in a Colonial Revival-style house amidst stately grounds.

Hill-Stead offers one of the few remaining representations of early-20th-century Country Place Estates. From 1898 to 1901, Theodate transformed 250 acres of rocky New England farmland into a picturesque large estate. The finished work even included a working farm until Theodate’s death in 1947. She was only 31 when she designed and built Hill-Stead’s Colonial Revival-style house with help from McKim, Mead & White. They’re the same architectural firm responsible for Stanton House Inn, by the way. The house was a retirement and country home for her parents, Alfred and Ada Pope. It showcased their collection of French Impressionist paintings, furnishings, and decorative arts. Landscape designer Warren Manning helped create the grounds, complete with:

• Stone walls

• Mature trees

• A walking garden

• And a Sunken Garden

After World War I, Theodate, now married to diplomat John Riddle, wanted to redesign Hill-Stead’s formal Sunken Garden. She enlisted landscape designer Beatrix Farrand. Ms Farrand transformed the garden into the stunning, structured yet informal space we see today. The garden bursts with height and drama, featuring:

• Annual verbena

• Heliotrope

• Lavender

• And 5-foot stands of rue, giant Solomon’s seal, boltonia, and lilies

Blooms in blue, pink, salmon, and white, colors inspired by the Impressionist paintings in the buildings greet visitors.

Things to do at Hill-Stead Museum

Here’s a quick guide to what you can do on the property.

Exploring the Grounds

Hill-Stead Museum is set on 152 beautiful acres overlooking the Litchfield Hills. Stately trees, seasonal gardens, and over three miles of stone walls and woodland trails await.

Unique Spaces

• 1920 Sunken Garden: Designed by Beatrix Farrand, this garden is perfect for a stroll or just sitting and soaking in the beauty.

• Rustic Theater: A charming, wood-paneled former theater.

• Sweeping Lawns: Great for a picnic or a leisurely walk.

House Tours

• Guided Tours: Available from Wednesday to Sunday, every hour from 10 am to 4 pm. The last tour starts at 3 pm. The museum is closed on major holidays.

Grounds Access

• Daily Access: Open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. The grounds, including walking trails, are free to explore. And yes, you can bring your leashed dog!

Group Tours

• Private Tours: Got a group of 10 or more? Book a private tour in advance.

Art Collection

Inside, you’ll find amazing works by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Mary Cassatt, thanks to Theodate’s father, Alfred Atmore Pope. Plus, there are Japanese woodblock prints, original furnishings, and much more.

Must-See Impressionist Masterpieces at Hill-Stead Museum

Hill-Stead Museum boasts a remarkable collection of Impressionist masterpieces amassed over decades. Here are some must-see Impressionist paintings here from Cleveland iron industrialist Alfred A. Pope’s personal collection:

Claude Monet

• Fishing Boats at Sea (1868): Early Monet with broad brushwork and a flattened picture plane—pretty unconventional for the time.

• View of Cap d’Antibes (1888): Alfred Pope’s first Impressionist buy.

• Grainstacks, White Frost Effect (1889): Part of Monet’s famous series, exploring light and atmosphere.

Edgar Degas

• Dancers in Pink (1876): Captures Degas’ love for ballet dancers.

• The Tub: A pastel of a woman bathing, considered one of his finest.

• Jockeys: A perfect pastel fit for the dining room mantel.

Édouard Manet

• The Guitar Player (1866): Notable for its contemporary scene and lack of modeling—radical back then.

• Toreadors (1862-63): Shows Manet’s love for Spanish culture. Alfred Pope snagged this one in 1896.

Mary Cassatt

• Sara Handing a Toy to the Baby (1901): A charming look at domestic life, displayed in one of the bedrooms.

James McNeill Whistler

• Symphony in Violet and Blue (1893): One of 20 Whistlers in the collection, reflecting his unique style and friendship with Alfred Pope.

Events & Activities at Hill-Stead Museum

Hill-Stead Museum hosts a variety of special events and festivals throughout the year. Here are some highlights:

Annual Events and Festivals

• Sunken Garden Poetry Festival: This summer festival features poetry readings and performances in the beautiful Sunken Garden. It attracts poetry enthusiasts from all over.

• May Market: Held in early May, this two-day event celebrates spring with artisan exhibitors, specialty plant vendors, food, entertainment, and children’s activities. A real community favorite among CT spring festivals!

• Benefit Dinner Auction: An elegant evening with fine dining and auctions of art, travel opportunities, and more. It supports the museum’s operations and programs.

Monthly and Seasonal Events

• First Sunday Estate Walks: On the first Sunday of each month, explore the museum’s grounds and trails and enjoy the estate’s natural beauty.

• Art Conservation Events: Events like “Art Conservation with David Bull and Teresa Longyear” let you witness art conservation firsthand.

• Concerts and Performances: Enjoy concerts by groups like CONCORA and dance presentations by Pilobolus, enhancing your cultural experience at the museum.

Educational Programs

• Workshops and Lectures: The museum offers various educational programs, including workshops and lectures on art, history, and conservation topics.

Dining Options Nearby

Looking for a bite to eat near Hill-Stead Museum? Here are some tasty options:

• The Farmington Inn Restaurant: Cozy spot inside the Farmington Inn, featuring local ingredients. Perfect for a relaxed meal.

• Max Downtown: Just a hop over to Hartford for this upscale dining experience. Head here for steaks and seafood—your taste buds will thank you.

• Rebel Dog Coffee Shop: A local favorite for breakfast and lunch. Great coffee and light bites to keep you fueled.

Directions to Hill-Stead Museum from Greenwich, CT

Getting to Hill-Stead from our Greenwich, CT, bed and breakfast is a breeze for a CT day trip. Here’s what to do:

1. Start on I-95 North: Head north from Greenwich.

2. Merge onto I-684 North: Take exit 2 for I-684 North toward Brewster.

3. Continue on I-684: Follow until it merges with I-84 East.

4. Take Exit 39: From I-84, take Exit 39 for Route 4 toward Farmington.

5. Follow Route 4 West: After the exit, follow Route 4 West.

6. Turn Left onto Route 10 South: At the second traffic light, turn left onto Route 10 South.

7. Turn Left onto Mountain Road: At the next traffic light, turn left onto Mountain Road.

8. Arrive at Hill-Stead Museum: The museum entrance is about 1/4 mile up the hill on the left at 35 Mountain Road, Farmington, CT 06032.

Hotels, Inns, and Places to Stay near Hill-Stead Museum

Need a place to rest your head after a day at the museum? Check out these spots:

• The Farmington Inn & Suites: A charming blend of history and modern comforts. Located at 827 Farmington Ave, it’s close to Hill-Stead and offers:

  • Beautiful rooms and suites

  • Quaint, decorated facility

  • Complimentary hot breakfast buffet

  • Free Wi-Fi and shuttle service

  • Convenient location, just 10 minutes from downtown Hartford

• Delamar West Hartford: A luxury hotel in West Hartford, CT. It’s a short drive from Hill-Stead and boasts upscale amenities and service

Discover more things to do in Farmington, CT, near Hill-Stead Museum

Hill-Stead isn’t the only thing to see in Farmington! Here are some other fun things to do in Farmington, CT:

• Stanley-Whitman House: Located at 37 High St, this historic house from 1720 offers a peek into Early American history. Explore period gardens, an orchard, and even try open hearth cooking classes.

• Miss Porter’s School: At 60 Main St, this prestigious all-girls school has beautiful architecture and grounds worth a visit.

• Farmington River Trail: Perfect for walking, biking, or jogging. Enjoy scenic views along the Farmington River.

• The New England Carousel Museum: Just a 10-minute drive to Bristol at 95 Riverside Ave. This museum is packed with carousels and carousel art, making it fun for all ages.

• West Hartford Reservoir: Located at 80 Reservoir Rd, about 15 minutes away. Great for hiking, walking, and soaking in nature’s beauty.