Day trips from Oxford: fascinating museums

OXFORD, CT — In the summer, most people enjoy spending time outdoors, but some days are just too hot, like the recent heat wave in Connecticut. In those cases, a trip to an interesting museum can keep visitors occupied for hours, and today we’re showcasing three great ones, each less than a 90-minute drive from Oxford.

American Museum of Natural History, New York City

The Big Apple is full of museums – the Met, the Guggenheim, Madame Tussaud’s and far too many others to mention. Our pick today is the Museum of Natural History, located on 79th Street, Central Park West.

The vast collection of artifacts and exhibits includes skeletons of dinosaurs and other extinct creatures, the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution, the Hall of Meteorites, numerous gemstones, and a planetarium.

Specially tailored guided tours for the public and groups can be organised, as well as educational programmes and excursions, allowing visitors to explore the exhibitions in depth.

From Oxford: 63 miles (83 minutes)

Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven

Founded in 1832, this treasure is the oldest university art museum in the Western Hemisphere, focusing on early Italian Renaissance painting, African sculpture, and modern art.

In 2012, an expansion to the fourth floor was completed, including space for a sculpture garden on the roof. Currently, over 200,000 objects are on display.

The gallery is located at 1111 Chapel Street, between York and High Street, and is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday. There is no admission charge.

From Oxford: 17 km (17 minutes)

Wonderful World of Dr. Seuss Museum, Springfield MA

Located in the heart of downtown Springfield, the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum is one of five adjacent world-class museums. The newest addition to the Quadrangle, it is dedicated to Springfield native and renowned children’s author Theodor Geisel, aka Dr. Seuss.

The second floor is a reconstruction of Geisel’s studio and living room, with the furniture and art materials he actually used. It includes art, family photos and letters never before seen by the public, and the original Geisel Grove sign that once hung in Forest Park.

New interactive stations that visitors can explore include the giant marble maze, the Seuss bakery, Whoville with a ball and light wall, and the Lorax recycling game.

From Oxford: 59 miles (76 minutes)