Take a Look Inside This Abandoned Connecticut Children’s Museum

Over the last few decades, children’s museums have become increasingly popular.  Unless you live in a very rural area, there is a good chance that you have at least one in your community.

These museums are an amazing way for the kids to learn about the world through kid-friendly lectures and by playing with interactive exhibits.

I have always felt their designation is a little misleading.  They are not museums, as we know them.

The official definition of 'museum' is:

A building in which objects of historical, scientific, artistic, or cultural interest are stored and exhibited.

While they may showcase fossils or old artifacts, those items are not the focus of these museums.  They are meant to teach kids through play.  Most are filled with exhibits that teach through a hands-on approach.

Wouldn’t it make much more sense to call them “learning centers” or “educational adventure centers”?

Regardless of what we call them, they are a great resource for families with younger children.

A look inside an abandoned Connecticut children’s museum

Recently, the Hartford area children’s museum opened a brand-new facility, leaving the old facility abandoned.

A video by urban explorer Triangle of Mass explains that the old facility will soon be torn down, and the space will be used to construct apartments.

Before entering and exploring the old museum, Triangle of Mass checked out the museum’s mascot, Connie the Sperm Whale.  In the video, he explains that at one time, you used to be able to go inside the whale.  After the museum closed, the whale was closed up.

Inside, he was able to wander through the old exhibit spaces.  While much of the building had been stripped, there were a few interesting things left behind.  For example, he wandered through several rooms lined with aquariums.  At one time, these aquariums were probably home to lizards, bugs, and fish.

The space area was still lined with murals depicted Mars missions.  He also found what he called a “space theater”.  We’re pretty sure that when the place was operational, is was used as a planetarium.

Outside, he found the remains of a butterfly sanctuary.

WARNING: Under no circumstances should you enter this property. By doing so you risk bodily harm and/or prosecution for trespassing on private property.

Take a look:

Here’s the complete video of his exploration:

Here's what the old museum looked like when it was in operation:

Planning a trip to Hartford?  You can visit the new museum.  It is located at 180 Mohegan Drive in West Hartford, Connecticut.  Check out their website for more information.