Located in affluent Greenwich Connecticut, the Bruce Museum is a relatively small museum but its collection includes a number of world-class works of art. It is located atop a hill in a park-like setting.


In 1908, Robert Moffatt Bruce, a wealthy textile manufacturer, deeded his house and ajoining property to the Town of Greenwich. He specified that the house, which had been built in 1858, was to serve as a public museum focusing on natural history, history and art.


The first exhibition at the museum was held in 1912 and was organized by the Greenwich Society of Artists. At that time, Connecticut had become a center for art. American Impressionists and other modern artists had formed colonies there such as the artists colony in nearby Cos Cobb. As a result, the Greenwich Society of Artists included artists such as Theordore Robinson, John Henry Twachtman and Leonard Ochman. The Society continued to hold exhibitions at the Bruce through the first quarter of the 20th century. As a result, an important part of the Bruce's permanent collection are works acquired in connection with the Society's exhibitions.


Subsequently, the Bruce has sought to expand its permanent collection. While focusing on 19th, 20th and 21st century art, the museum has deepened its holdings expanding into European as well as American art. Works by Auguste Rodin, Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns and Louise Nevelson are now included in the collection of some 3,200 works.


In 1992, the Bruce underwent a major renovation. However, as the new millennium progressed, it became clear that the Bruce had outgrown its original building. Therefore, a new Brutalist structure was built, which surrounds and incorporates the original building. It opened in 2023, providing expanded gallery space, an auditorium, and a cafe.


Even with this additional space, there is not enough room to show the entire art collection. Inasmuch as the Bruce is also a science and history museum, substantial gallery space must be and is dedicated to those disciplines. Therefore, the Bruce uses its art galleries to display changing exhibitions. Such exhibitions include selections from the permanent collection as well as exhibitions of works on loan from other museums and private collections.


For more information on visiting see the Bruce's website.

Places to see art ​ - The Bruce Museum - Greenwich, Connecticut