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, we are launching our most important fundraiser of the year—a spectacular Online Silent Auction running from September 10 to September 27, 2026.
Whether you are looking to acquire stunning original artwork, secure an unforgettable experience, or discover unique treasures, this is your chance to bring something extraordinary home while making a profound difference.
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 will directly fund our vital education and exhibition programs. Your bids will ensure that we can keep our doors open, our galleries vibrant, and our educational tours accessible to thousands of local students.
Save the Dates & Join the Celebration. The auction is happening entirely online, meaning you can browse and bid from anywhere! However, we invite you to join us in person for two incredible anchor events at the museum:
- The Bidding Begins | Thursday, September 10, 2026 (preview starts August 27)
The auction officially opens online during our autumn exhibitions’ opening reception. Come see selected auction items on public display in the museum galleries.
- The Final Bids & Birthday Cake | Sunday, September 27, 2026
As the virtual bidding comes to a close, join us at the museum for a celebratory 60th Birthday Cake Reception to toast to the next 60 years of art and community!
How to Get Ready for the silent auction:
- Mark Your Calendar: Set a reminder for September 10–27, 2026.
- Register HERE to Bid in the Online Auction: Registration is FREE
- Preview the items starting August 27. View auction Donors – This list is sill being built
- Watch for notification of when the auction goes live on September 10
- Have fun Bidding on over 60 experiences, art, dining, stays and services.
- Spread the Word: Share this with friends, family, and fellow art enthusiasts who believe in supporting the cultural fabric of Connecticut.
- Stay Tuned: Keep an eye on our website and social media as we get closer to September to preview the auction.
Thank you for standing with The Benton for 60 incredible years. We cannot wait to celebrate, bid, and make history with you this fall!
Sponsors:
