Mattatuck Museum

The Mattatuck Museum, focused on the art of the Waterbury region, received an entirely new façade, entry area and updated galleries, making the visitor experience more lively and contemporary. Paying homage to the history of Waterbury and its brass manufacturing culture, the new entry building was sided in zinc, a material used in Waterbury’s brass factories. Downes worked with Museum staff, State Historic Preservation Office and the design team on the new 6,000 sf addition that included a new welcome area, classroom areas, expanded exhibition space, storage and its crown jewel, an outdoor terrace for events of up to 200 people. The 32,893 sf existing building received a full sprinkler system and additional areas received updated finishes.