Mystic Museum of Art, Inc.

Mystic Museum of Art, a part of the Connecticut art scene for 100 years, is a place where culture, tradition, and the charm of small town New England converge. Founded in 1913 by a group of prominent artists rooted in the philosophy of the 19th century French landscape painters, Mystic Museum of Art today serves as an arts and culture center for southeastern Connecticut. Key figures in MMoA’s early history include Charles H. Davis, founder of the Mystic Art Colony, and Henry Ward Ranger, who founded the art colony at Old Lyme but later moved to Noank village, one town over from Mystic, and began exhibiting at Mystic Museum of Art.

Built in 1931, Mystic Museum of Art is historically significant, being listed on the National Register of Historic places. It is located on Water Street, one block from downtown Mystic. Located on the west bank of the scenic Mystic River. For most of the year, the museum is open to the public free of charge. Some special exhibitions carry a small upcharge of $10. Admission is always free for children 12 and under, and for veterans and active military and their families. The museum houses four art galleries, state of the art studio space, classrooms, and an art reference library. The property includes access to the waterfront and an ample parking facility. In addition, the gallery, education center, parking lot, and terraces are fully accessible for disabled patrons.

Mystic Museum of Art’s comprehensive education program offers classes for both children and adults and provides educational outreach programs to retirement homes, regional libraries, and schools in Groton, Stonington, New London and Norwich. In 2022 the Museum served approximate 10,000 visitors, students, and audience members.