The Florence Griswold Museum is more than just a beautiful museum. To show even more support this year, I decided to buy a family membership. For years my family has been visiting the museum in the fall for the Wee Faerie Village, an extraordinary outdoor display of faerie villages that are created by local businesses and individuals. There isn't enough room for me to gush about this event. The beauty, creativity, and the scavenger hunt keep us coming back. The museum offers a glimpse into history, beautiful art, extraordinary gardens, breathtaking views of the river. and more. read more

See all

We ventured to Old Lyme, Connecticut on Sunday for the final day of Mystical Murmurs: An Enchanted Environment by Adrien Broom. The exhibit features a fairy ring of gigantic mushrooms. The artist was born and raised in Old Lyme. The installation is meant to encourages us ponder the magical mysteries of the forest. We also really enjoyed the Amanita sculptures outside the main building housing the museum's permanent collection. We were able to photograph these just before one of the museum staff sold them off to a local mushroom enthusiast (since Sunday was the last day of the mushroom exhibit). While we came specifically for the mushroom installation, we also really enjoyed our visit to the other galleries. The museum showcases the work of the artists of the Old Lyme Artist Colony, a nexus of American Impressionism and has some beautiful impressionist landscape painting, including many by female artists of the 19th and early 20th century. The grounds here are also beautiful with gorgeous views of the Lieutenant River. There was also an exhibit of small fairy houses when we visited. Beautiful spot with nice staff and docents. Would definitely return here! read more

See all

Wow! What a gem this place is! It is so quaint and charming and beautifully decorated for the holidays. Loved walking through the quaint museum and also seeing all the history inside Florence Griswold's home. As we were walking from the museum to the house; I noticed a Christmas tree inside the education center. I thought it was locked but when I pulled on the door; it was open and the kind gentleman inside asked if we wanted to do a winter craft (which of course we did). There was no sign to let people know the building was open so we had the whole building to ourselves. The grounds are beautiful as well. read more

See all

We took i museum tour which even amplified our experience more . Our docent was very knowledgeable and offered some interesting anecdotes and insights. read more

What a wonderful museum. From the broad array of paintings, to the history of the location, to the restored home that served as a boardinghouse for the artists. It is all extremely well done and very interesting. Old Lyme truly has its roots firmly in the art world. A plus is seeing the bird life along the lieutenant river including an osprey nest with a mating pair. read more

Thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Florence Griswold Museum. We start at the art galleries chalk full of beautiful period artwork. We ventured to the outdoor walk. Even on an overcast day it's beautiful. We saved the best for last looking at Florence's home where she ran a boarding house for artists. Truly breathtaking! The docent was lovely and gave us so much knowledge and information. An added bonus was our venture was at Christmas. This Connecticut site isn't to be missed!! read more

See all

Color us embarrassed that it took so long for us to visit this museum situated along the banks of the Lieutenant River. There are several buildings included in the museum campus with us starting off at the Krieble Gallery where we enjoyed the current exhibition of Currier & Ives prints. A short stop at the historic barn was made before we followed the path to the historic Griswold House itself. There we met a docent who walked us from room to room while providing a commentary on the history of Miss Florence's boarding house. It was nearing the end of the day so we decided to head home without walking around the entire property so a return visit in the spring is virtually guaranteed. read more

See all

We visited the museum last week, and we had a great time. Its history is phenomenal, and its current exhibitions some of the best we've seen this year. So, why the four stars instead of 5? Because of the astonishing disrespect to Florence Griswold by whoever the marketing genius is who nicknamed the museum Flogris. Flogris? Ms. Griswold was a stong, accomplished, beloved and respected woman, and far ahead of her time. To reduce her to this diminutive is really a disservice to her memony, and to her role in sheltering the impressionist revolution in America. Shame to the museum for doing this. What are you thinking? read more

Wow, I've been living in CT for over 30 years & only recently made my first visit to FloGris. Outstanding! It helped that the weather behaved (because there are several sites on the 12-acre campus). But what an education on Impressionism! Between the main building (rather sci-fi in architecture) & the Griswold house, there's a plethora of artworks that merit lengthy, probing scrutiny. The docents are like art history professors--how informative & welcoming. I'll definitely be back, with the intent on spending hours there (also to take in their short walking trails). read more

The docents were kind and knowledgeable. The art work was beautiful. The way we were able to access most of the house added to the experience. read more

Had a lobster salad with yellow wilted arugula. They said sorry. No fresh greens and no cost adjustment. $31 read more

Florence Griswold Museum - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Old Lyme, Connecticut

See all

Had lunch at Cafe Flo. Outstanding! Lovely spot, good service, excellent food. My Turkey sandwich was real Turkey!

Check out this amazing historic business that Florence Griswold founded as an art colony. It's an amazing piece of history and inspiration for me as a woman living here in CT. There continues to be an artist in residence even today with realistic confectionary desserts sprinkled with nature such as bugs! Admission was $5 and was well worth the money. I highly recommend checking out Café Flo after the tour. read more

See all

I bring my 4th grade students in an art field trip here every year. Shelby and Julie are fantastic teachers, they lead the students through a painting lesson and everyone has a fabulous time. There is studio space and if the weather is nice, groups paint en plein air down by the river! Highly recommend this experience!! The gallery is always changing with new exhibits. In Octobers, there is the Wee Faerie Village, a unique display of created faerie houses by local artists/schools. Love coming here! read more

Florence Griswold Museum - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Old Lyme, Connecticut

I can't say much about the museum itself because it was closed to the public , but the grounds surrounding it are absolutely picturesque and beautiful! We visited the area on a warm sunny day in June and picnicked under the shade of a willow tree on the grass by the river. I felt like the subject of one of Monet's or Klimt's impressionist paintings, filled with color and form. They also have an expansive garden collection you can peruse by taking the pebbled walkway out back. Head outdoors and drink in the sun and all the details that inspired this style of art in the late 19th century. Just don't forget your bug spray--it is Old Lyme after all... read more

We'll worth a half day visit. Fascinating and impeccably presented art works and historic home recreated to 1910 period. read more

See all

Review only for the annual Wee Fairie Village exhibit. Late September early October every year the museum hosts local artists and schools which create 30 something fairy "stations" you receive a map & sticker and go on the "hunt for the faeries" Some of the creations are magnificent, the entire exhibit is outside in the picturesque gardens of the museum which are expansive and next to a beautiful river. I've been taking my daughters every year since they were "wee" themselves and would wholeheartedly believe that fairies had created these masterpieces. They are now teens and still ask to go. Each year is different and some years have been themed, every time it is worth admission and I would recommend it to anyone who needs a magical hour or two in their lives. read more

See all

I went into this museum having no idea who Florence Griswold was or why anyone cared about her house, but I love a good museum so off I went. This museum is very well done - there's an introductory video that answered those questions very quickly and three rooms for a rotating exhibits (the current exhibit is the very beautiful but very sad commentary on how badly humans are abusing the planet). The museum has a gift shop with fun toys for kids, beautiful jewelry and many books on art. A little pricey, but if you have the Museum Passport you can save 10%. The house is two floors - the top floor has examples of art produced in the boarding house Ms. Griswold ran, and the bottom floor has furniture from her period interspersed with the work of a living artist. As of this writing, that artist worked with bugs so if that's a line in the sand for you, check their website when the next exhibit will be. The bugs are fascinating, and hearing from the docents the work that went into the display is very interesting, but if you can't cross a doorway because you see a large bug on the other side, perhaps see what will be there Fall 2019! read more

See all

We visited the museum on Wednesday August at 11AM. This is a lovely venue with an unexpectedly wonderful cafe. The gallery showcases American Impressionist artists, most of which were boarding house residents with Florence Griswold at the turn of the 20th century. Lovely artwork. Although you can see the influence of the French Impressionist movement, it has a particularly American flavor - very interesting. The thing that ruined the visit for me was the docent. She explained that the exhibit was organized around the big issues that "are so important to us today" namely Environmentalism; Gender and Race. The entire presentation was a propagandist polemic. Impressionist painters are trying to capture a moment emphasizing light and movement. When you are talking about landscape painting, you know that you are looking at the artist's impression of a particular moment. In her analysis of a scene on the Mianus River painted in Greenwich- she spent lots of time reminding us that the buildings on the bank of the river were producing goods for the shipping industry and thus the river was polluted and the fish probably dead. Not shown in the scene is the railroad bridge with the train spewing smoke into the atmosphere. This is one example of her tendency to insert things into the painting that weren't even there and focus on these non-existent attributes. A visitor to this exhibit is interested in the artwork itself, not an opinion on climate change; gender inequality or racism. Not recommended read more

Great museum to visit. The historic artist colony in Olde Lyme is a great place to for a glimpse into a turn of the century art world. This is a unique museum experience that anyone would be enjoy. A bit of art a bit of architecture and beautiful grounds. Well worth the trip. read more

Very cute and charming museum! It's small enough that you'll be done with the place within 2 hours, including the grounds. The staff is very helpful and eager to educate you. The garden is lovely, definitely my favorite part. $10 admission price (they did not participate in CT open house day, which is the day we went). A great way to occupy a few hours! read more

See all

Miss Florence was a capable, interesting & Uncommon woman- particularly for her time. One of the founders of the infamous Lyme Art Colony. The Georgian style mansion has been well maintained, which commands attention from the road, was the center of America's best-known Impressionist art colony. The tour of it is well worth taking. Known for its collection of American Impressionist paintings. The grounds are particularly beautiful. The juxtaposition of the modern gallery's architecture in the rear of the property, is surprisingly impressive.It melds well with the light & views of the outdoors. Exhibits change often. Seasonal Events in/outdoors are a pleasure. They also hold teas & host a seasonal farmers market. read more

http://www.flogris.org/ The Florence Griswold Museum is definitely worth a stop if you're in the area. What goes up must come down, and accordingly, financial hardship compelled Florence Griswold to open her home as a boarding house. She had been classically trained, so she groomed the spirit of her home to harbor artists that became the Lyme Art Colony, the center of Impressionism in America. Boarders included Henry Ward Ranger, Child Hassam, Willard Metcalf, Mathilda Brown, William Chadwick and many others. Her beautiful house is right next door and open to the public via a friendly tour guide available for info and gossip, which I've sadly already forgotten. Rooms are set up as if she still entertained live-in artist guests, and the upstairs rooms are beautiful galleries. Opening in May 2008 a special exhibit will feature Impressionist American expatriate artists, and in the Fall, an exhibition of Bessie Potter Vonnoh: Sculptor of Women, showcasing intimate statuettes. read more

Florence Griswold Museum - Florence Griswold Museum - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Old Lyme, Connecticut

A magnificent spot for art lovers, historians and anyone who needs to hear a wonderful story about Miss Florence. The museum is unlike any other, and the lectures and classes offered are top notch. read more

Kayaking the Lieutenant River we pulled ashore at the Florence Griswold Museum to rest in the shade. Noticed they were starting to serve lunch and we decided to extend our break. Soooo glad we did. Great service, beautiful setting and fabulous food! We split the spinach vichyssoise which was perfection with our wine. Then my husband had the lobster roll and I had the best Niçoise salad I have ever had! We really were too full for dessert but didn't want the experience to end so we split a trio of ice creams. They also included two lemon cookies. When the lunch rush was slowing the chef came to every table. Nice touch. Perfect ending to the perfect meal. PS..have visited the museum a few times in the past.....Cafe Flo will just add to the great experience. read more

See all

When people think of museum food visions of cafeteria food and blah dishes probably come to mind. After all people don't visit a museum for its food. Well Flo Café of the Florence Griswold Museum doesn't serve cafeteria food. They actually serve food that's worthy of a visit by itself. So forget the museum (OK maybe not). The food is prepared by a company called Gourmet Galley Catering and in addition to running the cafe they also cater the museum's on-site functions. The black bean vegetarian chili was reason enough for me to forever forget about meat based chili for the rest of my life. It was THAT good. It was complex, sophisticated, and far from blah. The vegetarian sandwich was also very good. Again, I'd also describe it as sophisticated and somewhat unique. Service was terrific. The setting was absolutely gorgeous while dining outside on a rear porch and overlooking the Lieutenant River. I hate to use the word "hidden gem" because I think the word is over used a lot, but if there were ever a true hidden gem in the town of Old Lyme then Café Flo would be it. read more

Florence Griswold Museum - Vegetarian Bean Chili - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Old Lyme, Connecticut

See all

This is one place to visit before moving on into the next life. And what could be more tranquil than the setting of a few structures located next to a slow moving river. As for the collection, all I can say is WOW. I've been fortunate enough to have visited Paris and of course was exposed to much of the impressionist art gathered there. In the upper floor gallery of the Griswold House, you will see Impressionist and Tonalist styles painted by the artists who worked there. I'm willing to bet that you will come away from this museum with a much better perspective on the two styles. P.S. Watch the film in the Krieble Gallery or you will miss pertinent pieces of information concerning the history and characters related to the estate. GO! read more

See all

Stopped in to the Florence Griswold or Flo-gris museum and grounds at the end of the summer. The video introduction was put together very well to give you an overall view of the purpose and influence of the place on the American impressionist movement. The house presentation was special, I like how they have tried to mimic the way it would have been at the time. The museum makes a big effort to describe life at the house with panels and video screen displays, just a suggestion that these should be updated... and I'd like to see some kind of technological interaction/display or explanation of what exactly impressionism is and how American and French impressionism is different- or maybe I completely missed this part of the self guided tour. You will definitely cruise through this museum and grounds in about an hour and a half. We stopped at the café for a bite- and were disappointed by the salad I ordered *dripping in salad dressing... and the chicken salad was a very small portion. Definitely a "ladies who lunch" spot, but a very nice view of the river and sweeping grounds to the river and the service was attentive-ish. read more

Grew up in this area but only recently went with my family. What an awesome little museum. The location on the river is beautiful and peaceful, the foliage in the fall along the river bank was amazing. The steam punk fairy exhibit was exquisite. Such a creative way to reuse items no one needs anymore. The gift shop was adorable, quirky and fun and not overly expensive. Bravo! read more

Cliche in the best possible way... That is, the cliche charm people imagine about New England and how it is portrayed in the movies. Great effort has been made to preserve a slice of history, in which an artist settled into Miss Griswalds Inn and formed a colony by inviting his friends. You will see a video explaining the history. There is a new gallery with rotating art, but the unique piece is seeing many impressionist works placed in their original setting in a period New England home filled with antiques, linens, china, and personal effects. The original painted door panels, and painted dining room remain, and in the summer you can enjoy the same flowers that artist did in the classically kept gardens. For a snack: A picturesque setting with Cafe right on the CT river, I've beer actually made it inside. They always seem to be closed when I'm there so you may want to check the hours This museum is worth a visit, but, doesn't hold enough interest for me during a second visit a few years later. Since they are doing preservation, not much changed. I'm also a child of an antiques dealer so, I'm pretty saturated with looking at that stuff. Don't miss the Fairy Houses which are set up during a few special weeks of the year, after seeing this museum twice I won't go back until the fairys! read more

Children fairy festival with guest performances like the Connecticut Ballet puts this museum on the charts for quality and class. It's a lovely environment for strolling, the water views are nice when dining at the cafe, and the cross between modern architecture and historical is really fun to meditate on. read more

See all

You know the feeling. You have a date with a friend that you are so looking forward to, but you've got a hundred emails to return, a massive to-do list, and a cloud of anxiety settling in. How does it all get done? Sometimes just taking a break is the only way to rid yourself of The Overwhelm. That was me last week when I headed over to Cafe Flo for lunch with an old friend. As soon as I sat down on the terrace overlooking the Lieutenant River, my hunched shoulders slid away from my ears. This is one of my favorite al fresco spots. And it's easy to see why this view inspired and launched an entire artist's colony. Gourmet Galley runs the kitchen here, and dishes up everything from this summery Salad Nicoise, to Lobster BLT's, and a simple but elegant French chicken breast. (I always want to ask WHO orders the liverwurst sandwich??). Whether you're visiting the museum (and you've still got two weeks left for Peter Halley's Big Paintings), or just stopping by for lunch, this is a don't miss summer treat. p.s. Gourmet Galley catered a delish dinner recently at the Lyman Allyn Gala, starting with a creamy and wonderfully fresh Asparagus Soup. We're smack in the middle of local asparagus season, so I grabbed a few bunches and begged Anna, owner of Gourmet Galley, for the recipe. read more

Florence Griswold Museum - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Old Lyme, Connecticut

This is a charming museum with a lovely blooming garden overlooking a particularly picturesque stretch of the Lieutenant River. Was able to use a Museum pass from my local library which permitted free admission. The docents were knowledgeable and very much taken with the property themselves. Many of the original furnishings have been recovered and it is easy to understand the appeal and why it became an Artists Colony favorite. The new gallery building is comfortable and a nice size for viewing the paintings, many created here by the original members of the Artists Colony. Luncheon was served on the porch overlooking the river and was delicious, relaxing, and affordable. The gift shop offered many affordable and attractive options. This is a pleasant diversion that will provide a respite from whatever you are doing without requiring a long drive and an entire day. You will feel refreshed. read more

Beautiful! The kids loved all the activities they had to offer the staff was nice and helpful. Also the maps that they gave were so nice! great graphics and they hole story to go with the expo. read more

See all

This is a very well maintained art museum that tells the story of Florence griswold and the summer art colony of Lyme. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit of the museum as well as the Florence griswold home. A true hidden gem. We had read an article in the courant about cafe flo and decided to try it. We were seated immediately and given menus that looked like a paint palette (adorable). Our hostess explained that there were a few specials that were not on the menu like a liverwurst sandwich but never explained that you could put in your order to go for a picnic lunch by the river. Our waitress came soon after and we ordered a peroni, lemonade, Niçoise salad and a liverwurst sandwich. She did not return with our drinks for about 15 minutes which is a long wait on a hot summer day. She returned with some homemade break after another 10-15 minutes. I ordered a refill for the lemonade at the same time and it took another 10-15 minutes before she returned with a drink. When the food finally arrived, they were very simple and portion sizes were optimal for lunch. It is pricey for what you get, so I will have to give this place a 1 for value. But the food is pretty good, simple and seasonal. The sandwich was 2 slices of liverwurst and greens between two slices of white bread with mustard. The Niçoise salad was filled with fresh ingredients- greens, olives, fingerling potatoes, haricot vert and a big chunk of tuna. I made the mistake of not ordering dressing on the side, my mistake. So there was a ton of lemon pepper vinaigrette that doused and soaked the salad. But overall, very good. The lemonade was decent. We decided to try the chocolate bread pudding with coffee for dessert. The waitress took our order and returned a few minutes later with our check minus dessert and coffee. I was already slightly irked by her lack of personal service and disinterest in the customer, so this was it for me. So we paid and left. I would give them 1/2 a star for their service but a 3 1/2 for the food. read more

It really was a lovely way to spend 1.5-2 hrs. I love impressionism so I enjoyed the museum and exhibitions and the small garden but what really was exceptional was the attention to little kids! In the main museum there was a small table with great coloring pages relating to the actual exhibition and the nice curator lady pointed my 5 and 7 year old toward that room, thus letting my husband and I browse in peace. They enjoyed the painting and print making in another building and even in the FG house they had a scavenger hunt for kids and curators there couldnt have been nicer and more accommodating to my over excited girls in search of old golf clubs. Wonderful. read more

This was one of the coolest things on our trip to the East Coast. This beautiful house and museum used to be an artists colony for several artists, and "Miss Florence" the woman who hosted them and squeaked by a meager income, was loved by all. Currently, the museum consists of of American Impressionism works, a nice little giftshop, and there is a set of gardens and the house itself to tour. When you walk in, there is a great guide in each room with fun stories and history, (and some great dinner recomendations!) My favorite part was that the artists that were "invited to" would paint a panel of the dining room, right onto the wood. I especially liked it when more than one artist worked together. Wooddrow Wilson had come here with his wife-(she was the artist, not him!) just a tidbit of info. The upstairs is also a museum of the work the artists did of the house and area. They paid seven dollars a month for room, two meals a day, and studio space. I think they drank a lot too. It sounded like they had a great time :) read more

A wonderful small museum, with a historic house, recently renovated, with glorious American Impressionist paintings everywhere, plus a modern gallery with changing exhibitions that are always fascinating. I'm a Lyme native who doesn't get back to visit that much, but when I do, I always try to stop by the Flo Gris for a visit. Recently the museum has been adding some interesting outdoors installations, often very kid-friendly. Weekends also usually include special kids activities in the Education Center, esp. around the holidays. My daughters and nieces and nephews have spent some stimulating times working on projects here - that are fun for grown-ups too. read more

This museum is exactly what other reviwers described. Warm, welcoming and intimate. This is a very unique and well maintained museum, all the staff there were so attentive and informative. It is truly a hidden treasure that people should definitely visit. The tour was worth taking and I recommend people to sit for a short 10 minutes of introdcution before you start the tour of the museum, it defeinitly helps you get more involved and understanding the story of the house. read more

Visited yesterday and enjoyed it. My wife is an art person (me, not so much) but the museum is a worthwhile activity as an alternative to an otherwise boring Saturday or Sunday. If you love art you'll enjoy it even more. read more