Plan Your Special Event

Located on the banks of the Lieutenant River, the Museum offers a captivating setting for your special event. Come see what drew the American Impressionist artists to paint “en plein air” along the river or in our gardens. You’ll be as charmed as they were by the beauty of the landscape. We can accommodate private parties, weddings, and corporate events for up to 150 guests. Tours of the current exhibition after closing hours may be included by special arrangement. Imagine your gathering held in the very setting that inspired a generation of artists. It will be an event your guests will always remember.

BUILDINGS & VENUES

Exclusive and private use of the Museum’s riverfront facilities during the event. The Adrian P. Moore Garden Terrace is equipped with a catering staging area (electric and water service is provided) and can graciously accommodate gatherings of 150 guests under a tent overlooking the Lieutenant River. In addition to the Moore Garden Terrace, the Belding Riverfront Green and veranda of Marshfield (see below) may be used by your guests.

Marshfield is a large Colonial Revival house that overlooks the Lieutenant River and has three beautifully appointed rooms with a wide and spacious connecting hallway available for your use. The setting is an ideal one for your groups offsite whole or half day meetings or a special place for your next cocktail party or seated dinner. Welcome your guests at the front door of the house as if it were your own. In warm weather your guests can spill out onto the veranda surrounding the house and the lawn sweeping down to the water. Cocktail parties can include up to 75 people with outside use in warm weather. Seated dinners can be held for up to 50 guests, using the living room as dining space and the other rooms for cocktails. The Museum is happy to provide a list of caterers, and rental companies for your information.

A historic 19th century barn in the center of the Florence Griswold Museum’s campus, the John and Dyanne Rafal Landscape Center is great for meetings, lectures, workshops, and gatherings. Your gathering will be held in the very setting that inspired a generation of artists. The barn features an exhibition that highlights the history and significance of the region’s landscape.

The exhibit features a silent film from the 1920s and reproductions of historic photographs to convey the openness of the local landscape that once existed when artists from all over America visited the area. In addition, the building includes program space for workshops, meetings, and lectures for your group’s special gathering. A docent lead tour of the historic gardens is also available. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks can be provided by one of our catering partners.

PREFERRED VENDOR LIST

A Thyme to Cook
426 Northwest Corner Road
North Stonington, CT 06359
860.887.5932
mferreira@athymetocook.com
athymetocook.com

Coffee’s Country Market
169 Boston Post Road
Old Lyme, CT 06371
860.434.1877
teresa@coffeescountrymarket.com
coffeescountrymarket.com

David Alan Hospitality Group
2500 Berlin Turnpike
Berlin, CT 06037
860.357.4100
info@dahospitalitygroup.com
dahospitalitygroup.com

Doro Catering & Events
1142 Silas Deane Highway
Wethersfield, CT 06109
860.542.8477
mallen@dororg.com
dorocateringandevents.com

Gourmet Galley
138 Norwich-Westerly Rd North
Stonington, CT 06359
860.415.9589
info@gourmet-galley.com
gourmet-galley.com

Taylor Rental Center
155 Boston Post Road
Westbrook, CT 06498
860.669.2832
info@westbrooktaylor.com
westbrooktaylor.com

Mar Floral
103-A Main Street
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
860.388.4670
Marfloral103@gmail.com
Marfloral.com

Nightingale Wedding and Events
102 Lake Street
Vernon, CT 06066
860.368.9285
hello@nightingaleweddingandevents.com
Nightingaleweddingandevents.com

Book a Special Event

Contact Carla I. Corcoran, Executive Assistant, for more information and availability at 860.434.5542 x118 or via email at Carla@FloGris.org. Please include the type of event, preferred date, and number of anticipated attendees in your inquiry.

Children’s Birthday Parties

Book a fun and artistic birthday party for your child at the Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme.

Parties include:

  • Child-friendly guided tours by the Museum Educators
  • Hands-on arts and crafts projects led by Museum Educators
  • Use of the Hartman Education Center for food, cake, and presents (not included).

Cost:

  • $350 for up to 10 children including birthday child.
  • $15 each additional child guest. No charge for adult visitors.
  • Party times available Monday-Friday in the afternoon.
  • Birthday activities scheduled for up to 2 hours.
  • $50 for each additional half-hour.

Book a Party

Contact Julie Riggs, Manager of Youth Education and Outreach, for more information and date & time availability at 860.434.5542 x123 or via email at Julie@FloGris.org.