florence griswold museum

If you've ever enjoyed works by Childe Hassam or any of the other American Impressionists or Luminists, then this is a must-see. The original house is fascinating, with recreated glimpses of Florence Griswold's boarding house for artists on the ground floor, and galleries of works created locally ca. 1900 on the second floor. The new galleries in a nearby building host temporary exhibitions, as well as being graced by a museum shop and cafe, open only seasonally. The spirit of the Old Lyme Art Colony is alive here, even in winter. In summer it must be redolent of its creative past!

I toured New England for three weeks during automn 2014 and the Florence Griswold House was one of the most amazing places that I've seen.I love art, but I must admit that I wasn't familiar with American Impressionism. The visit at the Florence Griswold House and Museum taught me a lot and captured my imagination:One can easily imagine how this wonderful colony of artists spent the summers at the end of the 19th century. The paintings that the artists painted on the walls and doors of the house are simply stunning.Entrance fee was 9$ (1$ discount for AAA members) and was worth every cent. The museum and grounds were beautiful and well kept, and the visit to the house was memorable, mainly because of the two nice ladies that guided us through its rooms and told the stories behind the paintings. The painters used to pay Florence 7$ a week, and sometimes let her sell their pictures in order to help her with the increasing maintenance expenses of the house. Sometimes, when the artists didn't have money - they just painted on the doors and wooden panels of the house, and these paintings are absolutely wonderful!The beautiful view of the river can be admired from the grounds and the nice terrace of the restaurant.A visit to the Florence Griswold House and Museum is a must!

We went on a brisk winter day after lunch with friends. The museum is on the grounds of the boarding house where the Old Lyme Art Colony gathered in summer past. At the preserved main house, rooms are maintained as they were with door panels and walls painted by resident artists. The art gallery exhibits are worth a visit, though the pleasure of walking the grounds near the river can be the most enjoyable part of the day.

The Florence Griswold House and Museum and it is a wonderful place to visit any time. We have visited in the summer and enjoyed lunch in the café beside the river with wonderful food and views and we just visited during Christmas season and loved the decorations in the house and the variety in the gift shop. The Museum has had a different exhibit each time I've visited and all of them have been beautifully curated and interesting. The story of the house and the painters who rented rooms there from Ms. Florence is a fascinating one and the painted panels in the dining room are worth the trip all by themselves. We make a special trip here whenever we are in this part of the country and love it every time.

Makes for a nice relaxing afternoon vist. Always something different going on. Great for familys. Nice little restaurant ( in season) too. Very inexpensive but buy a membership if you might go a few times.

This is a place to visit and revisit. The variety of different shows are always interesting. The Florence Griswold house is exceptional and gives the unique perspective of how these artists worked and lived together over a century ago.

Place to visit and learn of our early colony painters of impressionism. Educational and beautiful. Loads to see and the grounds are beautiful. Cafe Flo serves lunch and that is quite good. In October is Wee Fairyland and this year it was spectacular. Worth a trip.

You'll learn about and see so much here, including at least two movements in the history of American art: the development of the American Tonalist School and American Impressionism. As well you'll be able to tour a well restored and maintained century home. Do watch the orientation film first - it put everything into perspective. They also have rotating and very engaging exhibits in the gallery. Unfortunately the museum shop does not carry any posters of the paintings.

There are great reviews about the museum itself - but if you're looking for a nice artsy alternative to grab lunch - this is definitely the spot. Note, however, the opening hours, as they're only open May-Nov.Tastefully presented, this food is good and the overall experience is unforgettable. (not, however, really a family friendly spot - IMO. More the "ladies who lunch" type setting). Very enjoyable.

Just off I-95 in Old Lyme the Florence Griswold Museum offers a wonderful museum with attached gift shop, a great old house that's been restored and filled with art, plus a wonderful outdoor restaurant overlooking the river.Old Lyme is the birthplace of American Impressionism and the Flo has many of the original paintings on exhibit. It is definitely worth a stop and is located about half way between Boston and NYC.

The Museum regularly offers a Wee Faery artists installation on the grounds and this year the motif was a steampunk version of Alice in Wonderland. Folks came in costumes and the outdoor activity was fun and entertaining. The original 1800s home of Florence Griswold, with some of the rooms furnished in the style of her era when it was an artists' Bohemian boardinghouse, was more fascinating to us than the actual artwork. There was a pricey menu cafe on the veranda overlooking the water, but also picnic tables in the old barn offering hot dogs and chili. Something for everyone!

The Florence Griswold Museum is a "must see stop" if you are in the Old Lyme area. The main museum currently houses several collections, which during our visit included period paintings & water colors, sculpture, and modern art works in glass. In addition, there is a collection of pieces and artifacts on the surrounding grounds which included an Alice in Wonderland "scavenger hunt" for children. However, the real treasure of the Griswold Museum is the artists boarding house managed by Ms Florence, which was the birthplace of Impressionism in America. The key to enjoying a visit to the boarding house is to view the video at the main museum. The video provides an introduction to the Griswold family and the circumstances leading to Ms Florence turning the family home into a boarding house for artists. The house itself can be divided into two sections: the first floor being a restoration of the boarding house, including Ms Florence's own room; with the second floor being a gallery of works. That said, the most special and unique aspect of the house are the painted wooden panels on the doors and walls. This became a tradition amongst the resident artists, where each guest left "their own personal calling card". These works are truly a sight to behold and something that should not be missed. In addition, the house is staffed with very knowledgeable and passionate aids, which will guide you through your visit and answer and questions you may have. Again this is a great stop that should not be missed if you are in the Old Lyme area; and one that you will remember and talk about for years to come.

Absolutely beautiful works of art for this exhibit. Such detail and whimsy in each of the Alice in Wonderland inspired pieces. My kids, 8 and 10, enjoyed following the written guide and the scavenger hunt in Florence Griswold's home.

Old Lyme is a beautiful shoreline community in southern Connecticut and worthy of a stop. The Florence Griswold Museum is a cherished part of this community. I spent a glorious morning with a friend at their October Fairie Festival where local artist construct art on the grounds of the museum based on a theme. The theme in 2014 was Alice in Wonderland and we wandered the gardens and river front viewing 26 artists interpretations of the various parts of the book. The grounds slope down to a marshy river and it is a beautiful spot. But the surprise was when we stopped to have lunch on the porch overlooking the river and the gardens. It was a beautiful spot on a fall afternoon and the seasonal menu was superb. Their salad nicoise was perfect and their soups are all homemade and fresh. Our table had the wild mushroom soup and the homemade cream of tomato, both specials for that day. I highly recommend the setting and food for lunch.

Bless Miss Florence Griswold’s who's boardinghouse, became America’s most famous summer art colony and the home of American Impressionism.Her house is a work of art with those staying paying her back by painting everywhere, even on door panels as a thank you.The new gallery is stunning and the outdoor art installations surprise.Well worth several hours of your time.