hill-stead museum

Whenever I have out-of-town company, I take them to the Hill-Stead. My favorite times of year to go are summer (the gardens) and fall (the pastoral views). Even if you don't do the house tour (which you absolutely should), the grounds are worth exploring. But the house, the art collection and the story of Theodate Pope are fascinating. If you're a fan of impressionist art, you'll marvel at the works housed here (and you'll never see them elsewhere) - Manet, Degas, Monet and many more. The furnishings and the workmanship in the home are delightful. As with most tours, your experience can be enhanced greatly by a good Docent, and I've had some who were excellent, and some who were just okay.

Hill-Stead is a recognized national historic site. You can roam the acreage, woods, fields and gardens for free. Or sit on the porch in a rocking chair and take in the beautiful rolling hills. The site also hosts the Sunken Garden Poetry Festival each summer. There is a small fee to tour the museum which offers a wide ranging art collection, featuring many by masters, as well as period furnish-ings. The place was home to a progressive, artistic family who entertained an eclectic lot of visitors, some of the most interesting characters of the last century. The simple beauty of this place, as well as its intriguing founders and their vision of pastoral life is amazing.

What a wonderful experience! Beautiful and original French impressionist masterpieces in an elegant home. Only $10 for a guided tour. Best value for sure

A warm atmosphere with wonderful Impressionist paintings on permanent display. The museum was a home in a nice section of Farmington.

This has the moet beautiful paintings and sunken garden around. It is a must see!If you love art I highly suggest visiting it.

We didn't have time to take the tour, will definitely go back to do that. Did hear about the history of the place and the art that is inside. We walked through the vendor area, it was a holiday event, then walked a bit around the property.

I hadn't been here in years. my husband knew one of their Russian docents who took us on a personal tour many years ago. so I was very pleased to see it again. a lot of changes and so many things to see and read about. very glad I had the opportunity to see it again.

It is amazing to see world class art in a real life setting, the way the original owners enjoyed it. This is a must see if you can.

I know the Hill-Stead Museum isn't hidden from those who live in Farmington and while I was aware of the 'museum' being there, I was under the impression it was an art gallery. Boy, was I wrong. Arriving with less than an hour and a half to view the estate, my husband and I were fortunate to have a wonderful tour guide (Thank you many times over Dolores!) who not only loved the estate, but knew every nook and cranny of it. The paintings are jaw dropping. The house is just beautiful and I can't wait to see this house again in the spring to enjoy the gardens and views. This is a precious gem hidden from those thousands of us who have traveled by on Route 4 for years, many not realizing what a treat was so close by. Absolute best attraction I've seen In this state.

The Hill-Stead is a gem! In the house you will see wonderful works of art- Degas, Whistler, Monet, Manet and Cassatt in a beautiful setting. The house is set on a hill with outstanding views. It is a nice place for a walk and you there are picnic tables available. Take some time to see the sunken garden.

there are many reasons to visit the Hill-Stead with the art being a big draw. However I was fascinated by the house itself. The scale of the rooms, their relationship to each other, the spaces and hallways - the way the house flows. Very, very unique and impressive. A gem.

This is a perhaps surprisingly neat place...try it out! You might not think an old home and local history would be entertaining, but it is, and well done.

This seems like a little, local museum of no great import, but how wrong you would be if that were to keep you away! This house, the gardens, the little theater, the trails, the gift shop...everything contributes to the richness of visiting this museum. There are paintings by Whistler, Degas, Renoir, Monet, Manet, Cassatt, and others...all hung in the spots where they were placed by the original owners. Nothing can/will be moved. These paintings will never go out on tour and can be seen only in this environment. I have been on the tours here at least a dozen times and every time I learn something new. If you are in the area, have visited the Mark Twain house and Harriet Beecher Stowe homestead, if the Wadsworth Atheneum hasn't sated your need for art, come check out this most lovely and intimate setting. You will not regret it!

If you like art, gardens or architecture, don't miss Hill-Stead. Beautiful setting with art by Degas, Monet and others. The docent led tour was interesting and informative.

We were in the area for a HS reunion and had the morning to explore the area. I am so glad the reviews for this place were good. The grounds are just magnificent and preserved just as it was when the home was occupied.The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable of the historical significance of the family and all the incredible works of art including paintings by some of the greatest impressionist, portraits, etchings and more from all over the globe.After the tour we were able to walk through the grounds and enjoy the beautiful Fall day