HARTFORD, CONN.- The Wadsworth today announced that it will restore its Wednesday hours for the first time since the pandemic, thanks to a $1 million grant from Travelers. The grant, which will span across five years, enables America’s oldest public art museum to expand from four to five days of public access each week.

“We are deeply grateful to Travelers for this transformational gift, allowing us to open our doors to the public one more day every week,” said Allison Blais, President and CEO of The Wadsworth. “An additional day means thousands more opportunities each year for students, families and community members to experience the museum’s renowned collections, exhibitions and programs.”

Like many cultural institutions, The Wadsworth was forced to restrict public hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a comprehensive rebrand and a renewed effort to reengage audiences and the local community, The Wadsworth has been steadily rebuilding and expanding programming for audiences to experience art together.

“We’ve been a longtime partner of The Wadsworth, and with our Hartford offices right across the street, we witness firsthand the incredible impact this treasured institution has on our community,” said Lisa B. Walker, President and CEO of the Travelers Foundation and Vice President of Community Relations at Travelers. “We’re thrilled that more people in the Hartford community and beyond will now be able to experience the museum’s world-class art and engaging cultural programs.”

The museum is now open to the public from Wednesday through Sunday. In addition to a year-round schedule of talks, performances, lectures and workshops, The Wadsworth offers multiple free admission opportunities.

Blais added, “This gift from Travelers is a powerful vote of confidence in our mission to spark curiosity and stir the creative spirit in our communities. Restoring these hours after several years of limited access is an important moment for the museum and for the community we serve.”