Martha Marx

Today, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed the Community Investment Fund’s announcement that it will provide New London’s Lyman Allyn Art Museum with $1,620,357 in grant funding supporting the Lyman Allyn Park project. This grant funding will help the transformation of the museum’s outdoor space into a 12-acre urban art park.

These funds, in addition to a previous $1.1 million grant from the CIF and $500,000 from the Good to Great program, both awarded in 2023, will support the development of the museum’s campus into a community space that will host gatherings, arts performances, educational programs and more. The park will have an eco-friendly waterfall, Great Lawn and sledding hill, pollinator meadow and more.

The park will also feature artistic installations, sculptures and interactive exhibits celebrating local talent and culture. The museum is working on a continued fundraising campaign to match public support with private resources.

“The Lyman Allyn Museum is a beautiful landmark in our local community and holds a dear place in my heart,” said Sen. Marx. “It is so exciting to know this funding will support its efforts to continue providing gorgeous and enriching resources for Southeastern Connecticut.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this very generous grant,” said Museum Director Sam Quigley. “These funds will enable the realization of our Founder’s farsighted vision by creating a Park as a splendid setting for the Museum. This support from the State of Connecticut is essential in our ongoing efforts to serve our community as a cultural institution that engages all visitors in new and meaningful ways. The Lyman Allyn Park will not only enrich the cultural landscape of New London but also provide a safe, inspiring, and educational space for people of all backgrounds to connect with the arts and nature.”

Nearing its 100^th anniversary, the Lyman Allyn Art Museum offers more than 18,000 objects on display as well as changing exhibitions, breathing culture and art into New London and surrounding communities.