The best arts & culture spots in Hartford

12 arts & culture spots we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Arts & Culture · 12 places · showing the latest additions first

America’s 250th is coming into focus at the Museum of Connecticut History, where the new Connecticut’s Revolution exhibit pulls together…

231 Capitol Ave

America’s 250th is coming into focus at the Museum of Connecticut History, where the new Connecticut’s Revolution exhibit pulls together soldiers and statesmen, Patriots and Loyalists, plus painters, printers, farmers, and sailors to retell and unearth our state’s stories.

From the Hartford newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Theater hosting improv and comedy shows as well as comedy classes and stand-up performances. Beer and wine are served at the bar.

15 Asylum St

Theater hosting improv and comedy shows as well as comedy classes and stand-up performances. Beer and wine are served at the bar.

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Parkville Sounds

Arts & Culture

Professional recording studio featuring rehearsal spaces, music equipment rental, and video sessions.

1800 Park St

Professional recording studio featuring rehearsal spaces, music equipment rental, and video sessions.

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Home to author Mark Twain & family, 1874-1899, & where he created his most famous characters.

351 Farmington Ave

Home to author Mark Twain & family, 1874-1899, & where he created his most famous characters.

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Science center aimed at kids & teens with more than 100 exhibits, a 3D theater & educational labs.

250 Columbus Blvd

Science center aimed at kids & teens with more than 100 exhibits, a 3D theater & educational labs.

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TheaterWorks Hartford

Arts & Culture

Contemporary plays performed in an intimate, old-world, 200-seat brick theater, built in 1927.

233 Pearl St

Contemporary plays performed in an intimate, old-world, 200-seat brick theater, built in 1927.

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Small kids' museum with live animals, historical objects & changing exhibitions, plus classes.

247 S Main St (Manchester)

Small kids' museum with live animals, historical objects & changing exhibitions, plus classes.

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Eclectic collection of artifacts, photos & documents on state history in a Colonial Revival mansion.

1 Elizabeth St

Eclectic collection of artifacts, photos & documents on state history in a Colonial Revival mansion.

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Museum showcasing American art through the ages with more than 10,000 paintings, sculptures & more.

56 Lexington St (New Britain)

Museum showcasing American art through the ages with more than 10,000 paintings, sculptures & more.

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Hartford Stage

Arts & Culture

Regional theater in a 489-seat space staging classic & innovative plays, musicals & more.

50 Church St

Regional theater in a 489-seat space staging classic & innovative plays, musicals & more.

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Performing arts center hosting Broadway tours, symphony & concerts on two stages & other spaces.

166 Capitol Ave

Performing arts center hosting Broadway tours, symphony & concerts on two stages & other spaces.

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Built in 1796, the original seat of the state legislature is now a historical landmark & museum.

800 Main St

Built in 1796, the original seat of the state legislature is now a historical landmark & museum.

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