Beloved Children's Museum In West Hartford Closes Indefinitely Amid Uncertainty

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A beloved children's museum that was home to an iconic whale statue for generations at its old site has now closed indefinitely at its temporary one.

And when The Children's Museum in West Hartford will reopen is not known.

Museum officials issued a somber alert about the museum's closure on Wednesday, citing flooding at its temporary home at the Emanuel Synagogue, 180 Mohegan Drive.

According to the museum, bad flooding on Nov. 13, 2025, damaged the museum space significantly, and it has been quietly closed since then.

"Our team worked closely with Emanuel Synagogue to carefully evaluate the damage to the lower-level museum space and the extensive repairs required to safely reopen," wrote The Children's Museum.

"After months of assessment and thoughtful discussion, our board of directors and leadership made the very difficult decision not to reopen the physical museum in our current West Hartford location."

Once located at 950 Trout Brook Drive, it moved out of that location in 2022 as a precursor to the site's owner building a 172-unit luxury apartment building there.

When it moved to the synagogue space later that year, museum officials said the location was temporary as the nonprofit museum organization looked for a permanent site.

Meanwhile, the iconic "Connie the Whale" statue was taken down, with only Connie's tail being utilized in a subsequent piece of artwork at a nearby trailhead.

But no progress regarding a new, permanent site has been announced in recent years, making the closure of the temporary location a bittersweet announcement for the museum.

"This decision was not made lightly. For nearly 100 years, the museum’s walls have held the laughter, curiosity, and learning of generations of children and the families, educators, and supporters who stood beside them," wrote the museum in a statement.

"We understand how meaningful this space has been to our community and share in the sense of loss this news brings."

In a bit of good news, the museum said the preschool program space operated by the museum was unaffected by the flood, and it will continue operating at Emanuel Synagogue.

"Our staff has embraced this moment with creativity and care, enriching our preschool classroom and community spaces with museum-inspired elements," wrote the museum.

While the physical museum is closed indefinitely, the museum organization is still operating, with a new site in mind.

"While we actively explore possibilities for a new permanent home, our mission remains strong," wrote the museum.

"Our team is continuing to bring the joy, curiosity, and hands-on learning The Children’s Museum is known for into the community through mobile museum programs, outreach experiences, and partnerships—ensuring that children can continue to learn and play wherever they are."

The museum also had a message to supporters.

"We are profoundly thankful for your support, partnership, and belief in our work. Your commitment helps sustain our mission during this transition, and we look forward to sharing updates as the next chapter of The Children’s Museum takes shape," wrote the museum.

For more information, visit www.thechildrensmuseumct.org or contact marketing@thechildrensmuseumct.org.

From May 30, 2024: 'Whale Of A Tale About Whale's Tail Ends In West Hartford'

From Aug. 22, 2022: 'West Hartford Children's Museum's Future Slowly Evolves'

From July 6, 2022: 'West Hartford's Children's Museum Seeks Temporary Site'