A Smithsonian-affiliated museum dedicated to the pre-European inhabitants of this region. Highlights include exhibits about the last ice age, what a caribou hunt looked like 11,000 years ago, a walk-through a 16th-century woodland Pequot village, a 17th-century Pequot fort, and an outdoor 18th-century farmstead set on two acres with orchards and gardens. A 185-foot stone and glass observation tower provides visitors with sweeping views of the swamp and woodlands.
The architecture of the facility is reason enough to visit. Designed by the famous firm Polshek & Partners, the museum received recognition by the American Institute of Architects National Honor Awards for Design Excellence. The building has a 65,000 square foot green (living) roof. Two of the five floors are underground. Total project cost for creating this museum was $193.4 million.
Throughout the year, there are changing exhibits and performances and presentations by contemporary Native American artists. You probably will want to allot 3 hours to explore the exhibits. Although you can walk through in less time, it is not uncommon for visitors to spend a full day here.
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, last admission at 3 pm.
Admission: Adults (age 16 to 54) - $15.00, Seniors (55 & Older) - $13.00, Children (6-15) - $10.00, Children under 6 - Free
Address: 110 Pequot Trail, Mashantucket, CT 06338
Phone: (860) 396-6800
Website: www.pequotmuseum.org/
