Museums & Cultural Attractions
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library presents a two-year pilot program (started in January 2023) offering Fairfield University students, faculty, and staff free or discounted admission to various museums and cultural attractions.
This pilot program was inspired by student feedback and conceived as a way to help students take advantage of the cultural opportunities in the surrounding area. Generous donations to the Library make this program possible. In addition we are promoting several organizations that provide free or “pay as you wish” admission.
Policies for Pass Lending
- Fairfield University students, faculty, and staff can borrow the pass for a 5 day period.
- Patrons can borrow one pass at a time.
- Late fees of $.50/day apply and anyone who fails to return the pass will be billed for the full amount of a replacement.
Passes to Borrow
Borrow passes from the Library Services & Information Desk. Please note that the Library only has one pass per organization (some passes may provide more than one free admission). Passes are first come first served, however you can call in advance to reserve it for up to 3 hours before you arrive to pick it up. See additional lending policies on this page. Please be sure to visit these organization’s websites to verify their hours and visiting information in advance of your visit.
| Pass | Location | Pass Details |
|---|---|---|
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Greenwich, CT | Provides free admission for 2 adults and up to 10 children (under 18 yrs old) per day. One pass available. |
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New York, NY | Provides free admission for up to 4 people per pass. Two passes are available. |
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Hartford, CT | Pass provides free admission for 2 adults per day. One pass available. |
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Bridgeport, CT | Provides a discount for $10 admission (regularly $19) per person for up to 6 people. One pass will be available. [Coming in January 2025] |
Free or "Pay as you Wish" Admission
This list of organizations that provide free or "pay as you wish" admission is not meant to be comprehensive. There are also additional museums that offer free admission on particular date and times. Be sure to check their calendars and visitor information webpages in advance of planning your trip.
| Museum/Attraction | Location | Free for students | Free for public | "Pay as you wish" | Additional information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Center for Contemporary Printmaking | Norwalk, CT | ||||
| Fairfield Museum & History Center | Fairfield, CT | x | Fairfield Museum has offered free admission to Fairfield University students through May 2024. Must show StagCard. | ||
| Fairfield University Art Museum | Fairfield, CT | x | x | FUAM also has a free membership program that you can sign up for. https://www.fairfield.edu/museum/membership-and-support/index.html?scrollto=membership | |
| Housatonic Museum | Bridgeport, CT | x | x | ||
| Metropolitan Museum of Art | New York, NY | x (students only) | The Met's website currently states "For any New York State residents as well as New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut students, the amount you pay for admission is up to you." | ||
| Silvermine Arts Center | New Caanan, CT | x | x | ||
| Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian | New York, NY | x | x | ||
| University of Saint Joseph’s Art Museum | West Hartford, CT | x | x | ||
| William Benton Museum of Art | Storrs, CT | x | x | Operated by the University of Connecticut | |
| Yale Center for British Art | New Haven, CT | x | x | Free membership program available for additional benefits: https://britishart.yale.edu/free-membership | |
| Yale University Art Gallery | New Haven, CT | x | x | Free membership program available for additional benefits: https://artgallery.yale.edu/join-and-support/free-membership |
Arts & Culture on Campus
The Fairfield University Art Museum operates both the Bellarmine Hall Galleries and the Walsh Gallery (within the Quick Center for the Arts building). Admission is free and they also offer a free membership program. Events are held frequently both in-person and virtually.
Also on the Fairfield University Campus, The Quick Center for the Arts is a vibrant hub of creative and educational events and programs for both the University and the surrounding community. Offers both in-person and virtual programming. Fairfield University and Fairfield Prep staff/faculty can enjoy one complimentary ticket and up to two tickets at half-off for Quick Center performances and OVF lecture series. Fairfield University students can purchase tickets to Quick events for just $5 with their Stag ID. Quantities of available $5 student tickets will be limited on an event-by-event basis. Limit 1 ticket per valid Stag ID. Subject to availability.
