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Visiting The Region

Centrally located between New York and Boston, Old Lyme has been a favorite meeting ground for over a century. The Museum is located in the heart of the village's historic district. Since 1899, when the first artist appeared at "Miss Florence's" boarding house, visitors have been enchanted by Old Lyme's picturesque shoreline and quintessential New England village setting.

Historic Lyme Street offers a mile of exquisite shops, fine dining, cozy inns, and world-class cultural institutions just off I-95.

Next door to the Museum is the Lyme Art Association, incorporated in 1914. Exhibitions of Lyme Impressionists‚ paintings began in 1902 and were held every summer in the Phoebe Griffin Noyes Library until 1921. On August 6, 1921, the present Lyme Art Association gallery (built on land donated by Florence Griswold in 1918) opened. It was the first gallery in America built by a summer art colony. American Impressionist painters Gifford Beal, Louis Paul Dessar, Childe Hassam, and Willard L. Metcalf joined with Will Howe Foote, Henry Rankin Poore, Allen B. Talcott, and Carleton Wiggins in the early exhibitions of the Association. The Lyme Art Association continues today to exhibit the work of some of the region's finest and newest representational artists in its beautiful, historic gallery.

Also in Old Lyme are the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Cooley Gallery, Fine American Art, and Diane Birdsall Gallery. The Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts was founded by professional artists in 1976, and is distinguished among the art schools of America for its focus on the history, tradition, principles and discipline of drawing, painting and sculpture. The Academy's gallery features year-round exhibits of fine representational art by students, alumni, and faculty. The Cooley Gallery is a nationally-recognized dealer of American art. On display are works from the mid-ninteenth century through the twentieth century. The Diane Birdsall Gallery adds a contemporary view to a town rich in traditional forms of art.

There are two lovely inns within walking distance of the Museum. The Bee and Thistle Inn (860-434-1667 or 800-622-4946) is noted for its fine dining and romantic guest rooms. Enjoy special packages featuring Museum admission. The Old Lyme Inn (860-434-2600) has 13 charming guest rooms and two resturants. The Copper Beech Inn in Essex is a 15-minute drive from the Museum and offers seasonal packages which includes admission to the Museum and other attractions. The Inn's renowned AAA Four-Diamond restaurant features snug, distinctive dining rooms and summer outdoor dining. In Old Saybrook the Deacon Timothy Pratt House invites you to enjoy the splendor of this magnificent c.1746 center chimney colonial listed on the National Historic Register. Look for the many special offers. The Inn at Harbor Hill Marina in Niantic, offers a beautiful waterfront setting only 20 minutes from the Museum and offers special packages.

Members of the Museum's Business Partners program provide much need support for the Museum's programs and activities. They offer a wide range of products and services in the area. Please view the list of partners and patronize them when you can.

Places to go. Places to dine. Places to stay.

Southeastern Connecticut offers something for every taste, from culture seeker to nature lover to maritime fanatic. For more information about events and destinations in the area, click on the links below.