15 Best Things To Do in Waterbury, CT

Top Five Attractions in Waterbury

• Mattatuck Museum: The Mattatuck Museum is a major museum and arts center showcasing Waterbury’s history, culture, and surrounding towns. It offers fascinating exhibits on various topics, including mystery and benevolence in folk artwork and the Italian-American immigrant experience.
• Palace Theater: The Palace Theater is a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.
• Brass Works Brewing Company: This local brewery offers a wide selection of craft beers and frequently hosts brewery tours and tasting events.
• Fascia’s Chocolates: Chocolate lovers will enjoy a visit to Fascia’s Chocolates, a family-owned chocolate factory that offers tours and a wide range of handmade chocolates.
• Seven Angels Theatre: This regional theater presents a variety of live performances, including musicals, plays, and concerts.

These attractions are just a few examples of the many things to do and see in Waterbury, Connecticut. Whether you’re interested in history, arts and culture, live performances, or delicious food and drinks, Waterbury has something to offer for everyone.

Holy Land USA

Located in Waterbury, Connecticut, Holy Land USA is a religious-themed park with a rich history and great significance in the community. It was first opened in 1958 and has since become a cornerstone attraction for visitors from all over. The park was designed to unite the community through peaceful reflection and worship, offering a place to behold the land’s beauty and learn about the stories of the Christian faith.

The most prominent feature of Holy Land USA is its lighted cross that crowns the city, providing one of the best views of the Waterbury area. The park initially attracted around 50,000 visitors per year in the 1960s, offering recreations of the Garden of Eden, biblical-themed dioramas, and tributes to the life and work of Jesus Christ. Its Hollywood-style sign reading “Holy Land USA” and the 56-foot steel cross became iconic symbols of the park.

After its closure for renovation in 1984, the park faced challenges in maintaining its glory. Despite efforts by a group of nuns who took over its responsibility, the park fell into disrepair, facing vandalism and neglect. However, in recent years, there have been extensive efforts to refurbish Holy Land USA and restore its former grandeur. The park has been cleaned, and a larger, lit-up cross has replaced the old one.

Holy Land USA is an intriguing destination for those interested in quirky attractions, abandoned places, or religious sites. While it may not be pristine, visiting Holy Land USA can be a unique and thought-provoking experience. The park allows visitors to explore the ruins of its former theme park and witness the ongoing restoration efforts.

If you are planning to visit Holy Land USA, remember that it is important to be cautious as some areas may still be under renovation and pose potential hazards. Nevertheless, tours are available, allowing you to learn about the park’s history, explore the land, and attend upcoming fundraisers.

Overall, Holy Land USA holds a special place in Waterbury’s history and is gradually being revived to continue bringing the stories of the Christian faith to its visitors. It is a testament to the community’s preservation of its religious landmark.

Timexpo Museum

The Timexpo Museum, located in Waterbury, Connecticut, is a unique attraction that traces the history of clocks and watches from the 1850s to the latest technology. The museum is presented by the Timex company, one of the leading brands in the timepiece industry. It offers visitors a fascinating journey through time, exploring the evolution of timekeeping devices and the impact of Timex on the industry.

The museum building holds historical significance, as it was the former executive office of the Scovill Manufacturing Company and Century Brass Company. It is the only remaining building of the 44-acre Timex Group site. The museum covers 14,000 square feet and is divided into two main exhibits: the company’s history of timepieces and archaeology.

At Timexpo Museum, visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits and attractions that bring the history of Timex and its predecessors to life. Some of the highlights include:

• Timeline of Timekeeping: A chronological display showcasing the evolution of clocks and watches throughout history. From ancient sundials to modern smartwatches, visitors can appreciate the advancements in timekeeping technology.
• Military Timekeepers: An exhibit dedicated to the commissioned military timekeepers created by the Waterbury Clock Company during World War I. Learn about the important role timekeeping played in wartime efforts.
• Mickey Mouse Watches: Discover the fascinating story behind Timex’s collaboration with Disney to create the iconic Mickey Mouse watches. This exhibit explores the popularity and cultural impact of these timepieces.
• Archaeological Exhibit: Delve into archaeology and uncover artifacts and findings related to the history of timekeeping. From ancient timepieces to early mechanical devices, this exhibit offers a unique perspective on the origins of timekeeping.

Visiting Timexpo Museum is a must for history buffs, horology enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich heritage of timekeeping. The museum provides a captivating experience that showcases the innovation, craftsmanship, and cultural significance of timepieces throughout history.

Palace Theater

The Palace Theater in Waterbury, Connecticut, holds a rich history and is a significant part of the city’s cultural scene. Built in the early 1920s, the theater was known as Poli’s Palace, named after the renowned theater impresario Sylvester Z. Poli and designed in the Renaissance Revival theme by theater architect Thomas W. Lamb, the venue showcased quality vaudeville shows and silent movies accompanied by the Palace Symphony Orchestra.

Over the years, the theater changed ownership a few times. In 1928, Sylvester Poli sold all of his theaters to William Fox, only to repurchase them in 1929. After this sale, the theater became known as Loew’s Poli Palace. It continued to attract big-name performers and became one of the few theaters in the area to feature the revolutionary Cinerama movie system.

Like many regional theaters, the Palace Theater experienced a decline as the brass industries in Waterbury started to close, and the city’s economy suffered. Domenic Temporale eventually purchased the theater and the adjacent hotel to save the historic building from demolition. After some renovations, the Palace Theater was brought back to life and continues to be a beloved venue in Waterbury.

The Palace Theater offers diverse live performances and events for residents and visitors. Some notable events at the Palace Theater include shows by Bob Dylan, Bobby Weir, and Kenny Loggins. The theater also hosts fundraising events, trivia nights, parties, speakers, jazz performers, and author talks.

If you’re interested in attending an event or hosting your own, the Palace Theater has various spaces available. From Webster Hall, where touring productions take center stage, to the intimate Poli Club, perfect for smaller private events, the theater offers a range of options to cater to different needs.

What is Waterbury, Connecticut, Known For?

Waterbury, Connecticut, also known as the “Brass City,” has a rich history and offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors. Located at the intersection of Interstate 84 and Route 8, Waterbury is a city that celebrates and preserves its historic past. From the early 1800s to the 1970s, Waterbury was home to several brass manufacturers, making goods ranging from buttons to coins to munitions casings. The city’s factories also manufactured clocks, watches, and silverware.

Today, Waterbury is known for its historic landmarks and monuments, as many buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. The city has thriving neighborhoods formed by the immigrants who worked in the brass, clock, and silver factories. Waterbury’s downtown area is vibrant and bustling, with many attractions and activities for visitors.