Art has the power to inspire, educate, and bring our community together. For six decades, The William Benton Museum of Art has been doing just that right here in the heart of Connecticut. This year, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate a monumental milestone: The Benton Museum’s 60th Anniversary!

To mark this special occasion, The Museum held an Online Silent Auction fundraiser from September 10 to September 27, 2026.
VIEW AUCTION DONORS

If you missed the auction, you still have a chance to help the Museum reach its fundraising goal.
Consider a donation of $60 towards our 60th anniversary, or any amount you would like to give.
You can make your donation HERE.

 

Why Your Participation Matters Now More Than Ever.  As Connecticut’s State Art Museum, located on the UConn Storrs campus, we proudly serve over 77,000 students, K-12 children, and residents each year. Recent dramatic state funding cuts have placed a heavy strain on our resources and your participation will help us keep the Museum FREE and accessible to all.

All proceeds from this auction and birthday donations will directly fund our vital education and exhibition programs. Your donation ensures that we can keep our doors open, our galleries vibrant, and our educational tours accessible to thousands of local students.

 

The Museum held two in person celebratory events.  

• Opening Reception | Thursday, September 10, 2026
  Opening Reception for three exhibitions on view and start of the fundraiser.
• Birthday Cake & Community Activities| Sunday, September 27, 2026
  A celebratory 60th Birthday Cake Reception to toast to the next 60 years of art and community.

Thank you for standing with The Benton for 60 incredible years!

 

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