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New Britain is a city of about 74,000 people in central Connecticut, about ten miles southwest of Hartford. Known as the Hardware City, it was a world center of tool and hardware making, home of the Stanley Works and many other manufacturers, and its industrial jobs drew large waves of immigrants, especially from Poland.
The city's cultural highlight is the New Britain Museum of American Art, founded in 1903 as the first museum dedicated solely to American art, with works spanning three centuries including Thomas Hart Benton's murals. Next to it, Walnut Hill Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, offers lawns, a rose garden and a hilltop World War I memorial with views across the city. The New Britain Industrial Museum tells the story of local manufacturing.
Broad Street is the heart of Little Poland, with Polish bakeries, delis and churches. Central Connecticut State University, its planetarium, summer baseball at New Britain Stadium and Stanley Quarter Park round out a visit.
Founded in 1903 as the first museum devoted solely to American art, it holds thousands of works from colonial portraits to contemporary pieces, including Thomas Hart Benton's mural series The Arts of Life in America. Plan two to three hours and have lunch at the museum cafe overlooking Walnut Hill Park.
A small downtown museum showcasing the products and history of New Britain's manufacturers, from Stanley tools and locks to bearings and household goods. Displays explain how the city became the Hardware City. Admission is free or by donation, and an hour is plenty.
A large historic park designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, with rolling lawns, a rose garden, walking paths and a band shell for summer concerts. A tall World War I memorial crowns the hilltop and offers views over the city. It sits right next to the art museum, so combine the two.
A large city park near Central Connecticut State University with a pond, walking paths, playing fields and picnic areas. It is a pleasant place for a walk, jog or family picnic, and the pond attracts ducks and other waterbirds. Paths are mostly flat and easy for strollers.
A small downtown museum for children with exhibits on toys, dolls, cultures from around the world and local history, along with hands-on activities. It is a gentle, inexpensive outing for young kids. Check opening days before visiting, as hours are limited.
A planetarium and observatory at Central Connecticut State University that offers public shows under the dome and, on clear nights, viewing sessions through its telescope. It is a popular family outing. Check the schedule online, since shows run on set evenings and weekends.
The Broad Street area is the center of one of the largest Polish communities in the United States, with Polish bakeries, delis, restaurants, shops and churches. Stop for pierogi, kielbasa and fresh paczki, and listen for Polish on the street. Many businesses close early on Sundays.
The historic center around Main Street and West Main Street, with 19th-century commercial buildings, the ornate City Hall, small restaurants and the CTfastrak busway station. It is compact and easy to explore on foot. Look up the city's summer events and farmers markets.
Founded in 1849 as a school for training teachers, it is the oldest public university in Connecticut. The campus has brick academic buildings, green quads, a gallery and venues for concerts and theater. Visitors can walk the grounds and check the events calendar for public performances.
A ballpark in Willow Brook Park that is home to the New Britain Bees summer collegiate baseball team, with affordable seats and a friendly small-town atmosphere. Games often include promotions and fireworks nights. Buy tickets at the gate and arrive early for easy parking.
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