Library

Indoor/Outdoor Playground

Dancing Studio

Gallery

Art Studio

Hill-Stead is the first architectural project of Theodate Pope Riddle, one of the first female architects in the U.S. Theodate designed the Colonial Revival mansion as a country home for her parents, and today it has over a million visitors since opening to the public in 1947. The 152 acres of gardens and grounds make Hill-Stead one of the nation’s few remaining representations of early 20th-century country estates.

Visiting Hill-Stead is like taking a step back in time. The inviting and intimate museum gives its visitors a close-up, personal view of renowned masterpieces, textiles, and decorative arts that make it feel like you haven’t been cleverly taken to a historical era, but rather it has been carefully and creatively kept true and relevant. The museum’s collection of paintings by Monet, Degas, Whistler, Manet and Cassatt is a sight to behold and rivals artwork found in major art museums around the world. 

Theodate Pope Riddle was a true innovator and visionary, and Hill-Stead is a testament to her commitment to historic preservation and her passion for architecture. Her creation serves as a reminder of the beauty of the past, and a place to celebrate and understand the incredible pieces of artwork that still exist today.

Dance

Nature

Music

Reading

Painting

Art & Crafts

Inexpensive

Families and kids of all ages are invited to explore and learn about art, architecture, agriculture, and history at Hill-Stead. Hill-Stead is brought to life through self-guided educational experiences on our wooded trails, sheep farm, pollinator garden, and the well-known Sunken Garden. Families can take part in our house tours and see how one little girl's vision of a family farmhouse evolved into our lovely museum that highlights family life in the 1900s.

Enjoy the Arts
Explore Nature

Kids & Families

Coed

Toddlers

Kids

Tweens

Hill-Stead Museum

Excellent location with a fascinating history. fantastic work of art

Joe P

I have frequently been lost. The museum is fantastic; it's like going back in time to see the art and furnishings as they were when the house was occupied. very un-museum-like and refreshing. The grounds are spectacular any time of year, sunny or overcast.

Seanah M

Excellent venue and exquisite grounds for any kind of event. It was absolutely fantastic, and I would highly recommend it.

Zark C

The best museum on earth! It is far preferable to view famous artworks in their original setting, a home, than in a sterile, white-walled museum. After your tour, sit on the lawn and take in the sunset.