Bellarmine Museum of Art in Fairfield, Connecticut: A Welcoming Treasure Trove of Artistic Wonders

The Bellarmine Museum of Art is a hidden gem located on the beautiful campus of Fairfield University in Connecticut. Now known as the Fairfield University Art Museum, this cultural treasure offers visitors an intimate setting to enjoy diverse collections spanning Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Celtic, and Asian art. You’ll find this artistic haven nestled in the lower level of the university’s signature Bellarmine Hall.

When you visit the museum, you can explore current exhibitions like “Dawn & Dusk: Tonalism in Connecticut” running until April 12, 2025, which showcases the rich artistic heritage of the region. The museum’s compact yet thoughtfully designed 2,700 square feet of gallery space creates a perfect atmosphere for an afternoon of art appreciation. As you wander through the galleries, you’ll discover everything from Italian Renaissance paintings to fascinating artifacts that tell stories of diverse cultures and historical periods.

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Fairfield University Art Museum

Fairfield University Art Museum is a charming destination on the Fairfield University campus. You can explore its two main spaces: the Bellarmine Hall Galleries and the Walsh Gallery. Both offer a rich variety of art experiences in an intimate setting.

The museum houses an eclectic collection of European fine art, sculptures, and decorative objects. You’ll find stunning works that span different periods and styles. The Kress Collection is one of the highlights that you won’t want to miss during your visit.

Currently, you can enjoy two exhibitions: “Dawn & Dusk: Tonalism in Connecticut” at the Bellarmine Hall Galleries and “To See This Place: Awakening to Our Common Home” at the Walsh Gallery. The museum regularly offers engaging programs like meditation sessions, workshops, and artist talks to enhance your experience.

You’ll appreciate the generous opening hours, as both galleries are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. This makes it easy to fit a visit into your Connecticut travel plans.

Rating: 4.6 (52 reviews)
Location: 200 Barlow Rd, Fairfield, CT 06824
Contact: (203) 254-4046
Website: Visit Website

History of the Bellarmine Museum of Art

The Bellarmine Museum of Art, now known as the Fairfield University Art Museum, has a rich history rooted in educational excellence and artistic appreciation.

Founding and Mission

The Bellarmine Museum of Art opened in October 2010 on the lower level of Bellarmine Hall at Fairfield University. It was built at a cost of $3.2 million and designed by the renowned Centerbrook Architects & Planners. The museum’s main exhibition space, The Frank and Clara Meditz Gallery, was named to honor the parents of John Meditz, a university trustee and alumnus who served as the lead donor for this exciting project.

When you visit, you’ll find that the museum was created with a clear educational mission. It offers students and visitors a chance to engage with various art forms including Classical, Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Celtic, and Asian pieces. The intimate setting of the 2,700 square foot space allows you to get up close to important works of art that enhance your understanding of diverse cultures and historical periods.

Significant Milestones

In 2024, the museum achieved a major milestone when it received accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, marking its importance in the cultural landscape. Before this, the institution underwent a name change, transitioning from the Bellarmine Museum of Art to the Fairfield University Art Museum, reflecting its growth and expanded scope.

You’ll be interested to know that the museum now operates in two distinct spaces on campus. The original location in Bellarmine Hall houses the permanent collection alongside rotating exhibitions. The Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Arts hosts larger special exhibitions, giving you more to explore during your visit.

Throughout its history, the museum has hosted numerous exhibitions highlighting diverse artistic traditions. Currently, you can experience “Dawn & Dusk: Tonalism in Connecticut” running from January 17 to April 12, 2025, in the Bellarmine Hall Galleries.

Key Exhibits and Collections

The Bellarmine Museum of Art houses an impressive array of artwork spanning different time periods and cultures. The museum features both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions that provide fresh perspectives throughout the year.

Permanent Collections

The museum’s permanent collection showcases European and American paintings, with a special emphasis on Renaissance and Baroque works. You’ll find these treasures thoughtfully displayed in the intimate Bellarmine Hall Galleries. The collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts that offer a glimpse into various artistic traditions.

When visiting, don’t miss the model of the Antikythera Mechanism on loan from the Herakleidon Museum. This fascinating ancient Greek device shows early mechanical engineering brilliance and adds depth to the museum’s historical offerings.

The outdoor sculpture collection extends beyond the gallery walls. Currently, you can see beautiful artistic leaves installed on the Bellarmine lawn, on loan from an American artist for the next year.

Notable Temporary Exhibitions

The Bellarmine Museum presents four to six special exhibitions annually, rotating between the Bellarmine Hall Galleries and the more spacious Walsh Gallery in the Quick Center for the Arts.

Currently, you can explore “Dawn & Dusk: Tonalism in Connecticut” in the Bellarmine Hall Galleries, running from January 17 to April 12, 2025. This exhibition celebrates the atmospheric painting style that captured Connecticut’s unique light and landscapes.

Looking ahead, the museum will feature a special exhibition running from September 12, 2024, to June 20, 2025, showcasing items on loan from private Connecticut collections.

These temporary exhibits often include educational programming for visitors of all ages, making each visit a new learning experience.