The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum has been at the center of Ridgefield’s arts and culture scene for the past 61 years. An incubator for artists at critical creative junctures with internationally renowned exhibitions and acclaimed public programs, the Museum’s recent renovations to its Sculpture Garden and grounds have further increased its offerings to artists and the community.
Last November, The Aldrich re-opened its grounds and Sculpture Garden, making major improvements to the space, including increasing the areas where artwork can be exhibited outdoors, planting over 100 new trees, and installing an amphitheater. Designed by the Cambridge, MA-based landscape architecture firm STIMSON, the project prioritized universal pedestrian accessibility and an improved connection to Main Street.
“STIMSON Studio and The Aldrich engaged in a collaborative design process that resulted in a garden that is fully accessible and has a diversity of garden settings where art can be experienced, building the connection between nature, art, and each other. This was accomplished by designing a walking path, terraced seating, and a garden-within-a-garden to encourage museumgoers to slow down, sit, and converse with nature and art,” says Eddie Marshall, Principal at STIMSON.
The ability to enjoy works of art both in the galleries and on the grounds has been at the heart of The Aldrich’s mission since its founding in 1964 by fashion designer and art collector Larry Aldrich. This revitalization project has expanded the areas accessible to both artists to present work outdoors and to visitors to explore campus and extend their visit to the Museum or simply add on a loop to their walk down Main Street with their friends, family, or dog.
“Since re-opening the Sculpture Garden, we’ve noticed increased foot traffic around our campus. We’re delighted the community is utilizing this space and hope they will continue to do so, especially as the weather improves and the Garden comes to life. We also hope people will join us for expanded programming in the Garden this summer and fall, including the Aldrich Box and a major commissioned performance,” says Cybele Maylone, Aldrich’s Executive Director.
An intergenerational group show, A Garden of Promise and Dissent, inaugurates The Aldrich’s newly renovated campus, with the outdoor portion of the exhibition on view through November 2025. The works of art on view as part of this exhibition radicalize the garden as a theme to tackle the moral, social, economic, and ecological afflictions that trouble our planet.
The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 12 noon to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, and closed on Tuesday. Admission is free the third Saturday of every month. Access to the Museum’s Sculpture Garden and grounds is free and open to the public daily from dawn until dusk. For more information, visit thealdrich.org •
