There is nothing that soothes the mind quite like peace, quiet and of course — art. If an escape is needed in the small state of Connecticut, there is one thing to know: creativity is everywhere here. Here are a few favorites to get your sanity, creativity or just some silence back:

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New Britain Museum of American Art | Art Museum in New Britain, CT

New Britain Museum of American Art [NBMAA]

Though the name of the museum gives away the type of art that is presented within their walls; the NBMAA’s exhibitions are always something to look forward to for a convenient price as a: member [free], student/youth [$10] or just a visitor [$15].

The different forms of art presented within the building is beyond mesmerizing and time will surely pass you by as you’re basking in their oil paintings, sculptures, photography and digital work. Many renowned artists have been featured in their exhibits: Kara Walker, Georgia O’Keeffe, Pablo Helgura and currently Ellen Carey.

The NBMAA is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you are running low on funds, every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon admission is free in support of the American Savings Foundation.  Take a trip!

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Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Located on Main Street in Hartford, the Wadsworth is one of the oldest operating museums in the United States; founded by Daniel Wadsworth in 1842. Officially opening in 1844 with just 79 paintings and three sculptures, this museum has now become a standing artifact with over 50,000 works of art that tell the stories of our history through their European, American, decorative, contemporary and textile art.

The word atheneum is used to describe a cultural institution with a library devoted to learning science, history, art and literature and the Wadsworth does not disappoint with any of those.

Now is the right time to swing by because from September to November 25th admission is free as part of the “Wadsworth Atheneum’s Community Engagement Initiative.”

The best part of it all is that since the pandemic, if you can’t seem to leave your home or make it during their hours of 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. [Friday through Sunday] they also offer a virtual tour on their website: thewadsworth.org.

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About Us | Hill-Stead Museum

Hill-Stead Museum — What’s so different about the Hill-Stead Museum is that the Farmington home was created by the country’s fourth female architect, Theodate Pope Riddle in 1901. This beautifully vintage 33,000 square-foot colonial mansion was designed for her parents, Alfred and Ada Pope.

There is nothing like a museum with a deeply routed history that stemmed from nothing but love and feminist history that is considered a part of the National Historic Landmark program.

The home tells the story of the Pope family’s pristine art collection that includes work by Claude Monet, James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Edgar Degas and more. The house turned museum has been visited by historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt, Henry James and Mary Cassatt.

The drive is well worth the experience at Hill-Stead with it’s walking trails and sunken garden from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays for adults [$18], students [$12] and youth [$10].