Collection

Founded by Daniel Wadsworth in 1842, the Wadsworth Atheneum opened two years later with just seventy-nine paintings and three sculptures. Today the collection exceeds 50,000 works of art – the result of active acquisitions by patrons, directors, and curators who continue Wadsworth’s dedication to collecting and supporting the work of living artists.

Search the Collection
Use this link to search for objects in the permanent collection. Please note: digitizing artworks is an ongoing process, so this search is not representative of the museum’s entire collection. You can identify objects that are currently on view via the Object Description box, in the “Currently on view?” field.

Updates to our database are made weekly, so if you plan to visit the museum to see a specific work of art please call the Information Desk in advance of your visit at (860) 838-4100, Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm to ensure availability.

The Auerbach Art Library and Museum Archives support research of the museum’s collections, exhibition activities, and institutional history. The library is open Friday, 10am–5pm, by appointment only. Use this link to search the catalogue.