VISUAL ARTS AT THE BUSHNELL
The Bushnell's growing number of visual art exhibitions and installations greatly enrich The Bushnell experience. Demonstrating the parallels between the performing and visual arts allows patrons to witness --in one setting-- the wonders of world-class architecture, visual art, and live performance. Look for these special treasures on your next Bushnell visit!
"Ode To Joy"
DALE CHIHULY
2002
The greatest glass artist of modern times, fashioned this extraordinary piece. Composed of over 600 individual glass elements and weighing over a ton, this stunning sculpture is entitled "Ode to Joy," a tribute to the first musical composition ever performed on The Bushnell's stage. This so-called "chandelier" is the centerpiece of the Autorino Great Hall.
Fanfare
JOHN VON BERGEN
2001
Located in the Clinton Street Garden, this lyrical contemporary sculpture was a gift from the Greater Hartford Arts Council on the occasion of the opening of the Belding Theater.
Confucius
Did you know that the largest work of art ever gifted by the Chinese government stands on the The Bushnell's west lawn?
Roman Goddess
In 1973, an expansion to The Bushnell's Mortensen stage required the removal of this extraordinary stone statuary, carved in 1928. It has found a new home at the administrative entrance on Clinton Street.
Circle to Line
OTTO B. RIGAN
1998
This large-scale sandstone and cast glass artwork, donated in 2011 by Accenture, provides a dramatic welcome in The Bushnell's administrative lobby.
In addition to The Bushnell's permanent collection, rotating exhibits provide additional delights:
The New Britain Museum of American Art
A valued Bushnell partner for over 15 years, NBMAA is one of our nation's greatest museums and the first to be exclusively dedicated to American art. Each season, the museum generously provides a diverse selection from its outstanding collection to be displayed throughout The Bushnell's public spaces. Learn more about this outstanding Connecticut cultural treasure here.
Promenade Gallery
Established in 1974, the Promenade Gallery has presented hundreds of exhibits, ranging from student art competitions to groundbreaking shows featuring well-known professional New England artists. Artists interested in displaying their work should contact Kristin Davis at kdavis@bushnell.org.