The Superb Bruce Museum; Free Admission on Tuesdays

Way back in the dark ages of the 1960′s, my Mom would take me to the “old” Bruce Museum to kill an hour or two. I went gladly; the black-light “Space” room was cool and cutting edge. And even the grandma’s-attic-stuffed third floor – an assortment of birds eggs in their nests, glow in the dark rocks and minerals- enticed me month after month.  In the early 1990′s, the Bruce went through extensive renovation, and remains a Fairfield County treasure. It’s been garnering increased recognition in the art world while maintaining it’s quirky “nature exhibit” side (the glow-in-the-dark rocks are still here.  And, as a tremendous bonus, one of the best and largest displays of huge minerals – such as a 4ft high hoodoo-shaped amethyst geode – I’ve ever seen).  The current exhibit – “The Mouse House; Art from the Olga Hirshhorn Collection” presents 201 tiny artworks in a space meant to replicate Hirshhorn’s 500 square foot apartment. The Bruce Musem is a bargain even with its modest $7 admission, but on Tuesdays, you can bring the next generation of Bruce appreciators for free.