Art Tours

The Griswold Inn houses a most impressive marine art collection displayed throughout its public spaces, the largest such collection in private hands today. A significant part of the collection was amassed during the 100-year tenure of the Ladd/Lovell Family. The Paul Family, now stewards of the “Gris” for over 28 years, continues to expand the collection with important and historically significant works of art.

At the suggestion of many patrons of The Griswold Inn who, over the years, have inquired about the various paintings and artifacts throughout, an art tour has been added to the list of special events hosted by the Inn. The tours are led by co-owner Geoffrey Paul, expert on the Inn’s museum-quality collection, and typically take place once a month mid-winter and early spring.  This event is open to the public and free of charge, though reservations are required as space is limited.

Art tour dates are as follows:

Sunday, January 28th  –   Sunday, March 10th  –  Sunday, April 7th

All begin promptly at 3:30 pm and last approximately 90 minutes. We ask that you gather in our Wine Bar beginning at 3:00 pm where you may enjoy a beverage and a complimentary snack. Reservations for the tour, and dinner afterwards, are made through our Front Desk, 860.767.1776.

The response to the art tour has been overwhelmingly positive. Many tour-goers have come back more than once. Just a few of the many plaudits…

“You don’t need to love art, you don’t need to love history, you do need to love a good story!”

“It is one of the most informative and entertaining programs our group (historic society) has attended.”

“I came to see the paintings and just loved the stories behind them.”

“It was a fascinating way to learn some interesting tidbits of history.”

“Geoff (tour-giver) is so passionate about the collection and really knows his stuff. He is a wonderful storyteller!”