Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art

Larry Aldrich was a fashion designer who used his superb collection of paintings and sculptures from the second half of the 20th century to establish this museum. The original 18th-century clapboard structure in which he housed his collection soon doubled in size. But when Aldrich died in 2001, the museum took a sharp turn in another direction. It was decided that it would now be devoted exclusively to "emerging and midcareer artists" and to work no more than 5 years old. To that end, the original collection was almost completely sold off, and the museum was closed for the construction of yet another building. The angular copper-roofed new structure opened in summer 2004. Set back from the road, it contains 12 galleries on two floors, a screening room, and performance spaces, and is a singular contribution to the cultural life of western Connecticut.

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