The best arts & culture spots in Groton

“Elegant, circa-1734 Georgian mansion with period interiors, now a museum with a gift shop.”

“Westerly Museum of American Impressionism brings eleven intimate galleries of late 19th to early 20th century American masters to our backyard, with works by Childe Hassam, Jane Peterson, Lilla Cabot Perry, and John Singer Sargent. Serene setting, strong curating, real inspiration for a gray New England afternoon.”

From the Westerly newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Living Sharks Museum is America’s first shark history museum, curated by Keith Cowley, mixing artifacts, science, and conservation without the Hollywood fear factor.”

“Looking for a local artist to keep on your radar, Mark A. Perry Sculptor is steadily building a body of work that feels considered and quietly bold. Poke around the Work and Press pages for a taste of his range, then keep an eye on what comes out next.”

“When you want fresh creative energy without leaving the shoreline, Griffis Art Center in New London nurtures contemporary artists and invites the community into a global conversation through residencies, archives, and programs.”

From the Waterford newsletter, September 17, 2026

“Marvin Espy Gallery of Fine Art mixes a polished gallery vibe with New London energy, showcasing curated collections, hosting events and teaching art classes you can actually look forward to. Book a gallery appointment, browse the shop, or grab a gift card...”

“Tours inside a lighthouse & a museum with artifacts about the local waterfront, plus boat tours.”

“Two centuries-old homes that survived Benedict Arnold’s 1781 burning of New London, Hempsted Houses isn’t just creaky floors and low beams. The tours dig into Joshua Hempsted’s diary, the life of Adam Jackson, and the city’s colonial grind, plus community events that make the past feel relevant.”

“Hygienic Art lives in a landmark building with a year-round gallery, a working arts cooperative, and an outdoor event stage that actually gets used. Stop in to catch neighbors’ work, soak up some creative momentum, and remember why New London’s scene refuses to be boring.”

From the New London newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Whether you geek out on waterfront lore or just want an oddly calming afternoon, Custom House Maritime Museum - New London Maritime Society keeps New London’s maritime stories alive year-round with exhibits, classes, and lighthouse tours.”

From the New London newsletter, September 15, 2026

“Home of American Impressionism, Florence Griswold Museum has Patchwork: Connecticut Artists Consider 250 on view now, plus those quirky painted door panels from the Lyme Art Colony and highlights from the Hartford Steam Boiler Collection. A low-stress art fix when you need a brain reset this week.”

From the Norwich newsletter, August 7, 2026

“After July’s The Secret Garden, Spirit of Broadway Theater is gearing up for Carrie the Musical in October, so line up a night out now, cheer on familiar faces, and remember... fake blood washes out.”

From the Norwich newsletter, September 14, 2026

“Need a quick culture reset that doesn’t involve I-95? Slater Memorial Museum lines up fine and decorative art from five continents across a 10,000-piece collection, with rotating exhibitions that swing from Norwich’s Revolutionary-era stories to modern Southeastern Connecticut talent.”

From the Norwich newsletter, September 13, 2026

“Reimagined waterfront settlement featuring a 19th-century village, historic ships, a museum & more.”

“Run by volunteers and rooted in a historic building, Norwich Arts Center packs two first-floor galleries and the intimate 100-seat Donald L. Oat Theater into one community hub. Affordable shows, exhibits, and call-for-entries keep locals creating, clapping, and coming back.”

From the Norwich newsletter, September 1, 2026

“Tantaquidgeon Museum is the oldest Native American owned and operated museum in the United States, founded in 1931 in a three-room stone building where Mohegan Tribal members share their story. See 17th century artifacts, wigwams, a dugout canoe, and context that makes our corner of Connecticut click.”

From the Norwich newsletter, September 11, 2026

“Collection includes 10,000+ pieces with a focus on American art from the 18th-20th centuries.”

“Primus Mural marks the “Colored” section of Old Norwichtown Burying Ground with an interpretive panel and shares the story of Primus Armes, whose descendants fought in the Revolution and with the 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment. A short visit with big impact... bring curiosity and a minute to reflect.”

From the Norwich newsletter, August 27, 2026

“Dinosaur theme park featuring life-size sculptures, playgrounds and a splash pad with fountains.”

“Leffingwell House Museum lets you wander a circa-1675 Colonial home that grew from two-room dwelling to pre-Revolutionary tavern to the 1776 townhouse of Norwich patriot Christopher Leffingwell.”

From the Norwich newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Tribally owned and operated, Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center is the world’s largest Native American museum, with immersive exhibits and programs that bring Eastern Woodland lifeways into focus.”

From the Norwich newsletter, August 12, 2026

“If you like your plays close enough to catch the whispers, Chestnut Street Playhouse nails it with an intimate room, friendly folks, and sharp productions. Hamlet lands mid September with New England Studio Theatre, then Carrie the Musical turns up the chills in October.”

From the Norwich newsletter, September 7, 2026