On the impressive grounds of the Conyers Farm polo field in back country Greenwich, CT, is a contemporary art museum that’s free and open by appointment only.
Created to showcase the large collection of billionaire Peter Brant (and to no doubt act as a tax shelter), the Brant Foundation Art Study Center is housed in a turn-of-the-century stone barn beautifully renovated by Richard Gluckman.
As the name “Animal Farm” implies, the current exhibit displays art with animal subjects and also has political messages. Marquee names like Kenny Scharf, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring are represented on the top floor. In the lower level galleries see pieces like an enormous 3D guitar by guest curator Sadie Laska and playful paintings of horses’ rears and a faux Colonial portrait by William Copley.
With 50 works from 32 artists, “Animal Farm” is worth making the appointment and taking the trip. The docent I had was outstanding: She was able to briefly put each piece into context, greatly enhancing the experience.
The museum is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm and also on select Sundays in the summer when polo matches are scheduled. For a list of available tours, click Book a Tour on their website. “Animal Farm” is open through September 15, 2017.
Take the time to explore Greenwich while you’re here and, even better, spend the night and also visit the Philip Johnson Glass House and Grace Farms in nearby New Canaan.
Here’s a Town & Country article about Allison Brant and the Brant Foundation from March 2017.
Stasha's Travels 