Art, history, lunch & a little retail therapy: Meet The MATT!
We spent a lovely afternoon exploring the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury (aka The MATT), and we’re adding it to our Unlocking CT list of places well worth a visit! There’s so much cool stuff going on here, we had no idea! Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, looking for a fun outing, or simply someone who enjoys a little culture with their lunch and shopping, there’s plenty to discover here!
The MATT is where it’s at!
Located in downtown Waterbury’s architectural district on the Green, The Matt has some serious history of its own. It started as a historical society in 1877, opened its first display hall in 1912, and moved into its current home in 1987.
Today it’s a fascinating museum celebrating the art, people, industries, and history of Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley alongside artists of Connecticut.
Before we show you around…
First things first! You know we love a museum gift shop, and The MATT delivers on the retail therapy front. Hello, unique gifts and perfect stocking stuffers!
We also tucked into a delicious lunch at Sweet Bella Café, serving Italian deli favorites with a Latin twist.
A little art, a little history, a little shopping, and a tasty lunch? That’s our kind of afternoon.
From old Masters to new talent
Art lovers, you’re in for a treat! The galleries feature everything from American masters and CT-connected artists to exciting contemporary talent. Anni Albers, Alexander Calder, and Frederic Church to name a few, alongside changing exhibitions showcasing artists from the past and present.
With more than a dozen changing exhibitions presented each year, this is going to be in our repeat-visit rotation!
Waterbury through the ages
We love an interactive history exhibit, don’t you?! The MATT makes local stories engaging rather than a stroll past a bunch of dusty displays. We left with a brand new appreciation for the people and places that helped shape our state!
We learned how Waterbury has continually reinvented itself, from its early colonial days and the displacement of Indigenous people to its rise as an industrial powerhouse and the later decline of the brass industry. Their thought-provoking exhibit connects the city’s past to its present and makes you see Waterbury’s story in a whole new light.
More than meets the eye!
The MATT is a whole lot more than a museum visit. Sign up for an art workshop, catch a lecture, join a wellness program, or explore the calendar for guided history hikes, day trips, and their monthly cocktails & conversations event. We can’t wait to try some out – we’ll report back!
There are activities for different ages and interests, so check the events calendar before visiting. You might discover your next favorite afternoon activity!
POV: You’re looking for a cool event space
Here’s a fun fact: you can rent The MATT for private events! The rooftop terrace overlooks the Waterbury Green, and the theater-style Performing Arts Center offers another fabulous space for gatherings and celebrations.
And don’t miss the button gallery, featuring 10,000 miniature works of art!
The Unlocking CT skinny:
The MATT is a brilliant way to explore a bit of Connecticut’s art, history, and culture, with something for all ages. Parking is convenient, too, with museum parking and additional parking options nearby. Let us know if you go!
The MATT (Mattatuck Museum) – 144 West Main Street, Waterbury, CT 06702