Community Corner

Sample a Museum Saturday with Free Admission in & Around Fairfield County

Children's museums, art & history museums and other attractions are free or have discounted tickets Saturday, "Connecticut Open House Day."

Visit a museum for free, climb inside big trucks and heavy equipment, get American Automobile Association tour books and maps, or get other discounts by taking advantage of Connecticut's Open House Day on Saturday.

Here's how the Connecticut Office of Tourism describes the offerings:

"Connecticut residents are invited to discover – and rediscover – the state’s exciting arts, history and tourism offerings with a variety of special incentives, such as discounted or free admission, free gifts or special exhibits and activities during the 10th Annual Open House Day on June 14, 2014.

"Open House Day is a great way for you to experience all the state has to offer and to encourage you to become Connecticut Ambassadors who take pride in sharing your new discoveries with visiting family and friends. 

Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The annual event is coordinated by the Connecticut Office of Tourism, a division of the Department of Economic & Community Development.

Connecticut Open House Day specials and hours of operation vary by property."

Find out what's happening in Greenwichwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In or Near Fairfield County

Here's a sampling of what's available for free, discounted or where there's a special offer around Fairfield County or not far from it, listed by community (go to the state tourism office website for the full list):

ANSONIA

General David Humphreys House
Derby Historical Society
37 Elm St.
Ansonia, CT
(203) 735-1908
http://www.derbyhistorical.org

Free admission from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.


BETHLEHEM

Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden
9 Main St. North
Bethlehem, CT
(203) 266-7596
http://www.ctlandmarks.org

Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.


BRIDGEPORT

Black Rock Antiques Center
1720 Fairfield Ave.
Bridgeport, CT
(203) 335-0000
http://www.blackrockgalleries.com

Bring in your treasured items for free appraisal by world renowned appraiser Kenneth Linsner from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. A Discovery Auction takes place at 1 p.m., offering items under $250. Showroom open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

NEST Arts Factory
1720 Fairfield Ave.
Bridgeport, CT
(203) 690-1335
http://www.nestartsfactory.com

Beginning at 11 a.m., resident artists and musicians will do demonstrations, view an art exhibit; enjoy a swap meet of gently uses art supplies, musical instruments and equipment. Concert held later in the day.


DANBURY

Art & Frame of Danbury LLC
60 Newtown Rd.
Route 6 Plaza
Danbury, CT
(203) 748-0197
http://www.artandframeofdanbury.com

Gallery open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with an art opening for the summer, live music, food and refreshments, from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.

Danbury Railway Museum
120 White St.
Danbury, CT
(203) 778-8337
http://www.danburyrail.org

From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., receive a complimentary train ride with a regular paid admission.

Gallery at Still River Editions
128 East Liberty St.
Danbury, CT
(203) 791-1474
http://www.stillrivereditions.com/gallery.html

From noon until 5 p.m. is the opening reception for “Wide Awake in Dreamsville,” by photographer James Rohan. Light refreshments and informal chats about photography and contemporary photographic printmaking.

Trailer Box Gallery
15 Great Pasture Rd.
Unit 15
Danbury, CT
(203) 797-0230
http://www.facebook.com/trailerboxgallery

Open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., visitors can visit the visual art gallery and the on-site sculpture studio and enjoy a musical performance.

DERBY

Osborne Homestead Museum
500 Hawthorne Ave.
Derby, CT
(203) 734-2513
http://www.ct.gov/deep/kellogg Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., with free admission. Featuring State Beekeeper, Michael Creighton will present “All About Bees, Our Great Pollinator” at 10:30 a.m.

Waterski Connecticut
1023 1/2 Roosevelt Dr.
(Rte. 34)
Derby, CT
(203) 296-3368
http://www.waterskict.com

Receive one hour of discounted (25%) waterskiing, tubing, wakeboarding or boat ride. Can only accommodate a group up to five at a time. Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Reservations are recommended.


FAIRFIELD

1750 Ogden House
1520 Bronson Rd.
Fairfield, CT
(203) 259-1598
http://www.fairfieldhistory.org

Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield
2325 Burr St.
Fairfield, CT
(203) 259-6305
http://www.ctaudubon.org

Open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. offering 10% off your purchase in the Nature Store, meet the animal ambassador and make a craft.

Fairfield Museum and History Center
370 Beach Rd.
Fairfield, CT
(203) 259-1598
http://www.fairfieldhistory.org

Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.


GREENWICH

Bruce Museum
One Museum Dr.
Greenwich, CT
(203) 869-0376
http://www.brucemuseum.org

Free admission from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Bush-Holley Historic Site
Greenwich Historical Society
39 Strickland Rd.
Cos Cob, CT
(203) 869-6899
http://www.greenwichhistory.org

Free admission from noon until 4 p.m. with guided tours of the house (1 p.m., 2 p.m. & 3 p.m.), and collage workshop for all ages (noon-2) with materials provided or bring your own. Artists are invited to set up easels “en plein air” to create their own impressions of the site.

KENT

Eric Sloane Museum

31 Kent-Cornwall Rd.
(Rte. 7)
Kent, CT
(860) 927-3849
http://www.cultureandtourism.org

Free admission from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. with a weathervane and lightning rod art on display. Children can create a weathervane or lightning rod.


NORWALK


Center for Contemporary Printmaking

Mathews Park
299 West Ave.
Norwalk, CT
(203) 899-7999
http://www.contemprints.org

Open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., offering hands-on printmaking, tours of the facility and the exhibition “4th Biennial International FOOTPRINT.”

Fodor Farm
327 Flax Hill Rd.
Norwalk,  CT
(203) 854-7806
http://www.norwalkct.org/index.aspx?nid=279 For the first time the historic farm and community gardens will be open to the public. Tours include the 1809 main house and newly-built barn with chef’s kitchen. Open from noon until 4 p.m.

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk
10 North Water St.
Norwalk, CT
(203) 852-0700
http://www.maritimeaquarium.org

From 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., visitors will receive $2 off the discount combo ticket which includes Aquarium admission and a classic IMAX movie.  The discount is extended to all Connecticut residents with proof of residency.


ORANGE

PEZ Visitor Center
35 Prindle Hill Rd.
Orange, CT
(203) 298-0201
http://www.pez.com/visit_us

Free admission from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

RIDGEFIELD

Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
258 Main St.
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 438-4519
http://www.aldrichart.org

Free admission from noon until 5 p.m. Activities include exhibition-inspired hands-on art making projects for all ages.

Keeler Tavern Museum
132 Main St.
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 438-5485
http://www.keelertavernmuseum.org

Free admission from noon until 4 p.m.

 

Suzanne Benton Art Studio & Showcase
22 Donnelly Dr.
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 438-4650
http://www.suzannemasks.com

Open artist studio from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., offering a free catalog, refreshments and illustrated cards.

Watershed Gallery
23 Governor St.
Ridgefield, CT
(203) 438-4387
http://www.watershedgallery.com

From 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., visitors will receive complimentary refreshments, free raffle for a limited edition Ridgefield art poster created by a Connecticut artists, and a free art scavenger hunt.


STAMFORD

Avon Theatre
272 Bedford St.
Stamford, CT
(203) 967-3660
http://www.avontheatre.org

View a free screening of “Gulliver’s Travels” at 10 a.m.

Stamford Museum & Nature Center
39 Scofieldtown Rd.
Stamford,  CT
(203) 322-1646
http://www.stamfordmuseum.org Free admission for the first 100 visitors from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.


WASHINGTON

Gunn Memorial Museum
5 Wykeham Rd.
Washington, CT
(860) 868-7756
http://www.gunnlibrary.org

From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., offering free guided tours of the new exhibit “Over There: Washington and the Great War.” The exhibit commemorates the 100th anniversary of World War I.


WILTON

River Road Gallery
21 River Rd.
Wilton, CT
(203) 762-3887
http://www.riverrdgallery.com

Open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., with a floral show of original works of art and complimentary refreshments.


A Few Other Noteworthy Attractions in Connecticut


HAMDEN

Eli Whitney Museum
915 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT
(203) 777-1833
http://www.eliwhitney.org

From 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., in the Water Learning Lab, construct a fish boat (3”x6” that attracts (magnet) and catches fish. Immerse yourself in the science of water. Free to the first 100 children who visit with families.

Ireland’s Greater Hunger Museum
Quinnipiac University
3011 Whitney Ave.
Hamden, CT
(203) 582-6500
http://www.ighm.org

Open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and each visitor receives a complimentary postcard, seven to choose from.

HARTFORD

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main St.
Hartford, CT
(860) 278-2670
http://www.wadsworthatheneum.org

MYSTIC

Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, CT
(860) 572-5955
http://www.mysticaquarium.org

Open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. (once inside guests may stay until 6 p.m.) Offering $5 off general admission for up to four people when they mention Connecticut Open House Day and present a valid Connecticut ID. Cannot be combined with any other offer.


NEW HAVEN

Yale Center for British Art
1080 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT
(203) 432-2800
http://www.britishart.yale.edu

Open 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Featuring free drawing and a children’s film festival (a series of short films for children) with screenings at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors also receive a 10% discount in the Museum shop.















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