The Benton Museum's 60th Anniversary

Art has the power to inspire, educate, and bring our community together. For six decades, The William Benton Museum of Art has been doing just that right here in the heart of Connecticut. This year, we are thrilled to invite you to celebrate a monumental milestone: The Benton Museum's 60th Anniversary!  

To mark this special occasion, we are launching our most important fundraiser of the year-a spectacular Online Silent Auction running from September 10 to September 27, 2026.  Whether you are looking to acquire stunning original artwork, secure an unforgettable experience, or discover unique treasures, this is your chance to bring something extraordinary home while making a profound difference.

Your Participation Matters Now More Than Ever  As Connecticut's State Art Museum, located on the UConn Storrs campus, we proudly serve over 77,000 students, K-12 children, and community from all over New England each year. In addition we do not charge admission and are accessible to all. All proceeds from this auction will directly fund our vital education and exhibition programs through the Benton Museum Fund. Your bids will ensure that we can keep our doors open FREE to the local community, our galleries vibrant, and our educational tours accessible to thousands of local students.

How to Participate
You may participate in the on-line auction remotely anytime between September 10 - September 27, 2026.

Register now using the registration button above, so you can preview the items. Registration is FREE.  You can also choose to make a donation of any amount.

Online Auction PREVIEW starts Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 4 pm EST. 
Online Auction BIDDING opens Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 4 pm EST and closes Monday, September 27, 2026 at 4 pm EST.

In-person celebratory events are:

• September 10, 2026 - The Benton Opening Reception & launch of the silent auction
• September 26, 2026 - Family Weekend at the Benton
• September 27, 2026 - Benton Community Day with Birthday Cake
  
  

How to Register for FREE and Bid on Items
1. Click on the "Register Here" button above to register for a free access to the Auction.
2. After completing your complimentary purchase scroll to the bottom of the receipt and click on "Sign In." If you have an existing account, please enter your username and password. Be sure to opt-in to email and texting to have the most responsive auction experience.
3. Once you complete your registration you will be notified when items are available to preview and bid on.
 

60 Years of The Benton

Visit, Learn, Get Involved, Support

Thank you!

Acknowledgement of Risk and Release of Claims: 

Auction donors and participants acknowledge and agree that by voluntarily participating in the Benton Museum Auction and successfully bidding on and accepting any goods or services, the participants (i) knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks associated with such participation, (ii) accept the items in "as is" condition with no representations or warranties, express or implied, including without limitation any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, (iii) accept any and all risks related to such goods and services (including, without limitation, risks related to physical activity (e.g., walking, running, golfing, playing tennis, etc.), travel, food consumption, alcohol consumption, transportation, weather conditions and contact with other auction donors and participants), and (iv) agree to the fullest extent permitted by law to release, indemnify and hold harmless the University of Connecticut and The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc., their officers, directors, trustees, employees, and agents from any and all liability, demands, claims and/or actions, including those arising from the negligence of the University or Foundation or any third party, that may arise from injury, illness, permanent disability, death or other harm related to the goods and services by whatever cause.  The UConn Foundation shall not be responsible for the acts, errors, omissions, or performance of any third-party donor, vendor, or service provider. Participant represents that they are at least 18 years of age. This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Connecticut, and any provision found to be invalid or unenforceable shall not affect the remaining provisions, which shall remain in full force and effect. All sales are final and binding.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 

The University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc. is a Connecticut nonprofit and tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization exclusively benefiting the University of Connecticut. Donors to the Foundation have the right to anonymity. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law and subject to certain UConn Foundation administrative fees. You may obtain more information and a copy of our financial report by writing to our office at 2390 Alumni Drive, Unit 3206, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, calling 800-269-9965, or visiting www.foundation.uconn.edu. The Foundation is registered to solicit charitable contributions with the appropriate governing authorities in all states requiring registration. For additional state solicitation disclosures visit https://www.foundation.uconn.edu/governance-disclosure.  REGISTRATION WITH A STATE AGENCY DOES NOT CONSTITUTE OR IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.