The Mattatuck is open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. with additional hours on Thursday nights until 7:00 p.m. Walk-in visitors are welcome! Visitors who prefer contactless payment may call and reserve their ticket ahead of time.
The safety and health of visitors and staff is the highest priority at the Mattatuck Museum. With the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within the United States, the Museum is keeping up to date with all CDC health-related plans and procedures.
Although the CDC and CT have dropped the mask mandate for fully vaccinated people, those not yet fully vaccinated and children under 5 are required to wear masks while visiting the Museum. Mattatuck staff will continue to wear masks to protect themselves and those not yet vaccinated for the foreseeable future. Free, disposable masks are available at the Welcome Desk. We invite you to keep your mask on during your visit for your comfort and the comfort of others.
The Museum’s website, mattmuseum.org, outlines updated guidelines for visitors, including what to expect on your visit, cleaning and safety protocols, and frequently asked questions. Follow The MATT on Facebook and Instagram for more updates and content.
Tai Chi
Every Wednesday, 10:00–11:00 AM Price: $8 Museum Members | $12 General
Improve your energy and stamina as you move to the music at the Mattatuck Museum with certified Tai Chi instructor Joe Atkins. Joe will teach gentle movements that improves balance, flexibility, and mobility, and reduce stiffness and soreness. Wear comfortable clothes. All levels welcome!
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Yoga
Every Thursday, 5:30–6:30 PM Price: $8 Museum Members | $12 General
Meet the new instructor @ The MATT, Michele Carella, as she helps your body to release tension, calm your nervous system, and restore an overall sense of balance to your body, mind, and soul. This style of yoga will focus most on alignment of basic yoga poses, as well as breathing techniques which will link movement with breath. There will be an emphasis on slow movements to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility with guided meditation during savasana, or resting pose. Pose modifications will always be shared so that everyone, regardless of fitness level, will feel safe and comfortable participating in the class.
Michele is a 2013 graduate of The Crossroads 200-hour teacher training program out of Soul Space Yoga Studio in Plantsville, CT. Over the past eight years she has taught Gentle Yoga, All Levels Flow, Chair Yoga, and Kids Yoga. Her love of yoga started in 2008, when she took her first class with a friend to add something extra to her daily running regimen. As her yoga practice continued, it became less about the physical benefits and more about the mind/body/spirit connection, which has transcended off of the mat and into her daily life. She enjoys bringing that connection to her yoga students through gentle movement and mindful breathing. Michele is also a Registered Nurse of twenty-seven years, a Certified Shamballa Reiki Master/Practitioner of four years, and an avid animal lover. She enjoys running and hiking with her fifteen-year-old son, caring for her six rescue cats, and spending time with family and friends
Support provided by the Connecticut Community Foundation and Drew International.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Midday Mindfulness Mondays and Fridays, 12:00–1:00 PM
Price: $5 Museum Members | $8 General
Join mindfulness meditation teacher Ranji Latchmansingh for this weekly two-part class on your lunch break. On Mondays, during Foundations of Mindfulness class, Ranji will offer guidance to participants on cultivating different mindful practices using clear, precise, and accurate language. Mindfulness practices explored and embodied will include Focused Attention, Open Awareness, Loving Kindness practice and Mindful Yoga. Participants will experience and develop a sense of awareness with these various practices and can use these as a foundation for continuing their own practice getting whatever benefits are being realized.
On Fridays, Ranji will lead Appreciating Art Using a Mindfulness Practice, and offer guidance to participants on developing a Focused attention mindfulness practice. This practice will allow participants to look at art with a calm and focused attention, allowing them to see what is visually present and not what they would like it to be. Participants often develop a keen sense of awareness when visually observing an object.
During each session Ranji will lead participants in an experiential Focused Attention guided meditation.
Support provided by the Connecticut Community Foundation and Drew International.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Saturday Docent Guided Tours Saturdays in January, 1:00–1:30 PM (No tour January 1)
Price: Included with admission
Looking for a more detailed exploration of the Mattatuck Museum’s exhibits? Join a free (with admission) docent-guided Saturday Drop-In Tour. Our staff will guide patrons through a highlights tour or the museum’s current special exhibition.
Senior’s Only Special Exhibition Tour Wednesday, January 19, 10:00-11:00 AM: Tour of Focus on the Makers: Samplers, Needlework, and Quilts
Price: $5 Museum Member | $12 BRASS Member | $17 Senior | $20 Adult
The Mattatuck Museum has reserved special tour times on the 3rd Wednesday of each month for seniors and immunocompromised visitors to enjoy the Museum’s collection and special changing exhibitions in a safe and comfortable environment.
Pre-registration for this tour is recommended. Register at mattmuseum.com/calendar. To book a private senior group tour, please contact Angel Bleggi at angel@mattmuseum.org or (203) 753-0381 x118.
Story Time @ The MATT Saturday, January 8, 11:00–11:15 AM
Price: Included with Museum admission.
Join a Mattatuck Museum Educator for a reading of Willie Was Different, Norman Rockwell’s only storybook for children. The story follows a young bird who discovers that he has a special talent, but the consequences of it aren’t quite what he expects. Children and parents alike will enjoy his beautiful illustrations and meaningful story.
After the story, explore the Museum on your own including the special exhibition Norman Rockwell: Behind the Camera on view through January 16th. Gain an understanding of the working methods of America’s best-known illustrator in this exhibition of more than 70 working photos, paintings, and tear sheets. These pieces offer insight into how Rockwell chose to create his unique composites and the finished work, the “Rockwell moments” have become symbolic of American culture.
Support provided by the American Savings Foundation and David T. Langrock Foundation.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Storybook Making Kids Art Workshop (ages 5+) Saturday, January 8, 11:15 AM–1:15 PM
Price: $10 per Museum Member Child | $15 per Child
Got a future writer or illustrator in your family? Bring your children to the Storybook Making Workshop at the Mattatuck Museum, where pre-made booklets are waiting to be transformed into your child’s own story book filled with their wildest and most fantastical tales! Draw, decorate, and illustrate these story pages using the variety of art materials provided.
Support provided by the American Savings Foundation.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Paint with Artist Janet Maya Kids Art Workshop (ages 5+) Saturday, January 15, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
Price: $10 per Museum Member Child | $15 per Child
Bring your children to this exclusive art workshop at the Mattatuck Museum led by artist Janet Maya, whose paintings are currently on view in Janet Maya: Women/Strength/Beauty @ The MATT. Janet will discuss her artistic process with the children and teach them how to paint in her style.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Share Your Story: LGBTQIA+ Storytelling Workshop (ages 16+)
Part One: Saturday, January 15, 3:00–4:30 PM / Part Two: Saturday, January 29, 3:00–4:30 PM / Part Three: Thursday, February 17, 6:00–8:00 PM
Price: FREE (Limited space available)
This Storytelling Workshop at the Mattatuck Museum is an opportunity for members of the LGBTQIA+ community to get together with likeminded individuals to create, workshop, and share stories relating to their experiences, from light-hearted anecdotes to heart-rending accounts. Workshop participants will spend two 1.5-hour sessions in a safe and inclusive environment learning about the elements of a good story, writing their piece, and engaging in creative dialogue with others, and ultimately creating a story that they will share with an audience at the “My LGBTQIA+ Story” event on Thursday, February 17 from 6:00-8:00pm.
Support provided by Drew International.
To register please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
For questions please contact Manager of Public Programs, Elise Vanase, at elise@mattmuseum.org or call (203) 753-0381 x117.
School’s Out: Celebrate MLK Monday, January 17, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM
Price: $35 Museum Members | $40 General
School might be out for the day, but the fun is still IN @ The MATT! Drop-off your child for these fun-filled single-day experiences. Children will be immersed in the Museum’s galleries and special exhibitions while learning about history and developing their art skills with unique materials and techniques. Join us for this fun, safe, and educational childcare offering on days you might not get off!
On Monday, January 17th celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Mattatuck Museum. Kids will participate in different activities that explore ideas around peace, empathy, and community. They will also look at work by African American artists in the gallery, highlighting the various messages that can be told through art.
All supplies provided. Bring a bagged lunch. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Full and partial scholarships are available. For more information contact Jason Foberg at x114 or jason@mattmuseum.org
Support provided by Ion Bank and American Savings Foundation.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Cocktails and Curators with Assistant Curator Natalie DeQuarto
Thursday, January 20, 5:30–7:00 PM
Price: $30 Museum Members | $35 General
Enjoy an evening of cocktails and history at the Mattatuck Museum. Sample cocktails created by the Cocktail Chemist, Dimitrios Zahariadias as Assistant Curator Natalie DeQuarto delves into the fascinating history of needlework and quilts of the nineteenth century. Explore beautiful examples of local samplers, needlework, quilts, and hand-sewn ephemera from the nineteenth century on view in the Museum’s exhibit, Focus on the Makers. Natalie DeQuarto will further discuss the exhibition, responding to any questions or comments along the way. Drink samples will be provided along with a take-home cocktail recipe sheet.
Support provided by the Coby Foundation, Ltd. And Drew International.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
In-Gallery Weaving Experience
Sunday, January 23, 1:00–4:00 PM
Price: Included with Museum admission.
Come watch weaving artist Krista Clark as she works on a current fiber project in the gallery at the Mattatuck Museum. Surrounded by examples of samplers, needlework, quilts, and hand-sewn ephemera created locally in the nineteenth century, Krista will answer questions about her work and visitors will even have the opportunity to try weaving themselves. Museum Educators will be in the gallery offering half-hour drop-in tours of the Focus on the Makers exhibition, which is on view through February 28, 2022.
Krista Clark graduated from Rivier College (now University) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus on textile arts. Today, she weaves rugs, create quilts, re-upholsters furniture, and other projects for friends and family members. She is also an avid baker and enjoys painting and other arts as well as visiting museums throughout New England. Follow her on Instagram @KristaKreates.
Support provided by the Coby Foundation, Ltd.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Hidden Within: X-Ray Technology as a Tool to Examine Antique Quilts and Textiles
Thursday, January 27, 5:30–6:30 PM
Price: $5 Museum Members | $10 General
Join radiographer Nicholas Jannetty, RT(R) (CT) at the Mattatuck Museum and explore how x-rays (like those performed in a hospital or imaging center) are used to uncover hidden details in the construction of antique quilts and textiles. Selected items from the Museum’s textile collection will be displayed and discussed, with a question-and-answer period to follow.
After the talk, explore the Museum on your own including the special exhibition Focus on the Makers: Samplers, Needlework, and Quilts on view through February 28, 2022. The forty hand-sewn items in this exhibition allow visitors to “read” material objects bringing to light the social experience and cultural practices of our 19th c. Naugatuck Valley region. Learn the stories behind both decorative and utilitarian objects including quilts, samplers, homespun textiles for bed and bath, and personal items such as beaded purses.
Support provided by Drew International.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
Museum Minis (ages 0-3)
Mondays, starting January 31, 10:00–11:00 AM (No class President’s Day)
Price: $8 Museum Members | $12 General
The Mattatuck Museum invites our youngest explorers and their caregivers to meet up in the Museum galleries for some art and history fun while practicing developmental, social, and mobility skills. A Museum Educator will facilitate 30-minutes of playtime in the galleries with an opportunity to mingle with other parents and caregivers, followed by a 15-minute themed story, and a small art activity in the classroom that can be taken home.
To purchase tickets please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
ABOUT THE MATTATUCK MUSEUM
Located in the heart of downtown Waterbury’s architectural district, the Mattatuck Museum is a vibrant destination, known locally and regionally as a community-centered institution of American art and history. The collections at The MATT span the history of American art from the colonial era to the present day with special strengths in Naugatuck Valley history and Connecticut artists, as well as artists from around the world representing the diversity of our community. The collection includes more than 8,000 objects including paintings, unique works on paper, photography, and sculpture.
Over the past two years, the Mattatuck has undergone a $9 million renovation project to reimagine the Museum while continuing to be a welcoming, inclusive, stimulating, and enriching community anchor. The “new” Mattatuck Museum, designed by Ann Beha Architects, includes an extensive 14,000 square foot renovation to the existing space and an addition of almost 7,000 square feet to enhance public access, educational programming, collections storage, and exhibitions.
The Museum is operated with support from the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development/CT Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The Museum is a founding member of the Consortium of Connecticut Art Museums and is a member of the Connecticut Art Trail, a group of 21 world-class museums and historic sites (ctarttrail.org).
The Mattatuck is open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. with additional hours on Thursday nights until 7:00 p.m. Walk-in visitors are welcome! Visitors who prefer contactless payment may call and reserve their ticket ahead of time.
The safety and health of visitors and staff is the highest priority at the Mattatuck Museum. With the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) within the United States, the Museum is keeping up to date with all CDC health-related plans and procedures.
Although the CDC and CT have dropped the mask mandate for fully vaccinated people, those not yet fully vaccinated and children under 12 are required to wear masks while visiting the Museum. Mattatuck staff will continue to wear masks to protect themselves and those not yet vaccinated for the foreseeable future. Free, disposable masks are available at the Welcome Desk. We invite you to keep your mask on during your visit for your comfort and the comfort of others.
The website outlines the Museum’s updated guidelines for visitors, including what to expect on your visit, cleaning and safety protocols, and frequently asked questions. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more updates and content.