Welcome to the world of The Currier Art Museum, where history and art gracefully blend together. The Currier Art Museum is an incredible museum located in Manchester, New Hampshire, that showcases art, artifacts, and photographs dating back over 300 years. The museum’s unique collection features works by renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse, and Monet, making it a must-visit place for art enthusiasts. What makes The Currier Art Museum so intriguing is its rich history and the artifacts that have been preserved throughout the years. Let’s take a closer look at this museum’s fascinating history and the many treasures that await visitors.
The History of Currier Art Museum
Origin of the Museum
The Currier Art Museum, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, was founded in 1919 by a wealthy benefactor, Moody Currier. It began as a tribute to his parents, who were ardent art collectors. When in 1909, after retiring from a successful legal career, Moody moved back to Manchester, he embarked on a mission to promote the arts which he considered a vital component of civilization. He started buying art works for himself and eventually decided to share them with the public.
As such, Moody Currier’s bequest to establish an art museum in Manchester was a logical and natural progression of his philanthropic pursuits. He left a generous endowment with instructions to construct a museum, acquire art, and provide education and facilities to house and display the collections.
Evolution of the Museum
The initial bequest was modest, and the first museum building was a Georgian-style mansion in Manchester, which opened its doors to the public in 1929. The museum’s collection was not large, but it included a range of works of art, such as European and American paintings, porcelain, and period furniture.
Over the years, the museum saw many changes. In 1982, the Zimmerman House, a unique example of architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, was gifted to the museum. In 2008, a new contemporary art museum building was constructed, expanding the exhibition space to approximately 33,000 square feet.
Since its inception, the Currier Art Museum has had several curators in charge of expanding and refining the collection. The current collection consists of over 15,000 objects and artworks, including European and American paintings and sculptures, decorative arts, photographs, and contemporary art.
The Museum’s Contribution to Art
The preservation of art and culture of New Hampshire and New England has always been a primary goal for the Currier Art Museum. Over the years, the museum has played an active role in promoting the arts and aesthetics, which helped Manchester become a cultural hub of Northern New England.
The museum’s contribution to art extends beyond its community. The Currier Art Museum has lent works of art to major exhibitions organized by reputable institutions throughout the country. Additionally, since the 1970s, the museum has organized traveling exhibitions, which have toured nationally and internationally.
Moreover, the Currier Art Museum has a reputation for promoting contemporary art as well. In 2008, the museum opened the contemporary building, which features changing exhibitions of contemporary art from around the world.
Finally, the museum provides robust educational programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. The programs include lectures, workshops, and hands-on activities, providing an excellent opportunity for visitors to engage with the arts personally.
The Currier Art Museum has played a vital role in the community of Manchester, New Hampshire, and beyond, fostering an appreciation for art and culture in people’s lives. Visitors can explore over one hundred years of art in the museum’s collection, take part in dynamic educational programs, and enjoy the temporary exhibits on display throughout the year.
Exploring the Exhibits at Currier Art Museum
If you’re an art lover, a visit to the Currier Art Museum in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a must. Here, you can immerse yourself in over 15,000 pieces of paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative arts across different time periods. The museum is a hub of creative inspiration and a place where visitors can experience the beauty of art in different forms and mediums.
Fine Art Collection
The fine arts collection is one of the highlights of the Currier Museum. The museum houses an eclectic mix of artwork that spans from colonial times to contemporary art. The fine art collection includes paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, and photographs from celebrated artists such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Georgia O’Keefe, and Pablo Picasso. Many other artists’ works are on display, including contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley and Yayoi Kusama.
The paintings exhibition is wide-ranging, presenting large-scale American landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. All these are carefully selected by the curator to show off the best of the museum’s extensive collections. The collection of sculptures is equally impressive and includes works by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Hiram Powers, and Daniel Chester French.
The Zimmerman House
The Zimmerman house is undoubtedly one of the unique features of the Currier Art Museum, and it’s a must-visit when touring the museum. The house was designed by the famed American architect Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1950s. The house’s architectural design features Wright’s signature style, with an emphasis on simplicity, unity with nature, and use of natural materials. Upon your visit, you’ll get a chance to explore the interiors of the house, which are furnished with Wright’s iconic touch, including examples of his unique built-in furniture.
The Zimmerman house is a living example of Wright’s ‘Usonian’ architecture, a concept he developed in the post-war period of the 1950s. The house was purchased by the Currier museum in 1988 and opened as a museum in the 1990s, attracting visitors worldwide. The Zimmerman house offers visitors a rare opportunity to see a well-preserved Wright-designed interior and grounds specially landscaped by Wright himself.
Ongoing Shows and Events
The Currier Art Museum hosts several exhibitions throughout the year, including temporary exhibits. This makes the museum a lively and ever-changing space for art enthusiasts. Visitors have a chance to experience art in new ways through the diverse exhibitions, open to all ages and backgrounds.
The museum hosts a range of events varying from occasional performances to lectures and talks from notable figures in the art world. Some ongoing temporary exhibits include ‘New England Modern,’ which features paintings and sculptures from mid-twentieth century New England artists searching for their unique voices amidst the tumultuous art upheavals of the time. Visitors can also experience ‘A Space for Spirit: Loss and Transcendence,’ featuring a contemporary take on mourning and remembrance.
In conclusion, a trip to the Currier Art Museum offers a rare experience combining classic art collections and new exhibits that capture the essence of contemporary creativity. It provides visitors with a powerful insight into art and design through architecture, paintings, sculpture, and other contemporary art media. If you have a passion for art, the Currier Art Museum should be at the top of your list of places to visit.
Facilities and Services Offered at Currier Art Museum
Currier Art Museum, located in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a nationally recognized museum that houses a vast collection of American and European art. The museum was founded in 1910 by Moody and Hannah Currier as a tribute to the community of Manchester, which was a hub for the textile industry. The museum building, which opened in 1929, was designed by the renowned architect Edward L. Tilton and features a striking Neoclassical design.
The Currier Art Museum provides numerous facilities and services aimed at enhancing the art and culture education experience for visitors. Here are some of the notable features:
Educational Programs
One of the primary goals of the Currier Art Museum is to foster creativity and passion for art across all ages. To achieve this objective, the museum offers an array of educational programs that cater to diverse interests and learning levels.
The museum’s educational offerings include gallery talks, workshops, lectures, and studio art classes. These programs are designed to cater to everyone, from pre-schoolers to adults, with different levels of art education. The museum has programs that feature opportunities for special needs populations, English language learners, and seniors.
In addition to general programs, the Currier Art Museum frequently hosts specialized exhibitions and events. These events, designed to engage visitors, bring unique perspectives, and spark conversations about different aspects of the art world. These programs include art-themed tours, community days, and educational programs that directly relate to an exhibition.
Facility Rental and Event Hosting
The Currier Art Museum’s state-of-the-art facilities are perfect for events and functions of every variety. The museum building offers several spaces that are adaptable to various functions, from weddings to corporate events. Guests can choose from the 230-seat auditorium, the elegant Winter Garden Café, the contemporary North Gallery, or the tranquil Sculpture Courtyard.
The museum is fully equipped to cater to every requirement guests might have, all while providing a beautiful and unique environment. The museum also has an experienced event team that can assist with arrangements, and an in-house caterer that can provide a delicious culinary experience.
Dining and Museum Shop
Visitors can relax and relish the museum’s setting over a lovely meal at the Winter Garden Café. The restaurant features a contemporary and inviting design with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the museum’s grounds. Guests can also stop in for lunch, brunch, or afternoon tea.
The museum shop offers an extensive collection of items, including museum-branded merchandise, jewelry, gifts, and art books. Visitors can shop for books, posters, and other art-related items relating to the collections.
In conclusion, the Currier Art Museum is an excellent destination for anyone seeking an immersive experience with art and culture. The facility and services offered by the museum are designed with visitors in mind, providing a seamless art-related experience, from education and appreciation to event hosting and gift shopping.
Membership at Currier Art Museum
The Currier Art Museum in Manchester, New Hampshire, is a renowned art museum that boasts remarkable art collections from various periods. Its collection includes European, American, and decorative art, as well as photographs, modern and contemporary art, and much more. To sustain and support the museum’s operations and growth, the Currier Art Museum offers membership benefits to individuals and groups. With the membership, you can enjoy exclusive access to the museum’s programs, exhibits, and events.
Membership Benefits
Joining the Currier Art Museum gives you access to a range of benefits that’ll keep you indulged in the world of art. One of the significant advantages of joining is free admission. Members can visit the museum any time they want without having to pay a cent. That means you can immerse yourself in the museum’s world-class collection of art all year round, as often as you’d like, without worrying about paying the entrance fee.
In addition to free admission, members can also enjoy discounts on select services and programs, such as museum store purchases, art classes, lectures, and events. Members can also get a discount when they organize private events at the museum, making it an ideal location for business meetings, weddings, and other special occasions.
Furthermore, members gain exclusive access to members-only events and exhibitions. These exclusive events are tailored to members’ interests and tastes and give them the opportunity to connect with other members who share their love of art. Members enjoy cocktail hours, guided tours, exhibition previews, and other events that are not open to the general public.
Membership Levels and Rates
Currier Art Museum offers various membership levels to suit different interests and budgets. The levels range from Individual membership to Family membership, Patron Circle, and Corporate membership.
The Individual membership includes one adult, and it costs $50 annually. For dual membership where two adults can visit together, the fee is $85 annually. This level is perfect for couples, friends, or family members who enjoy experiencing art together. The Family membership includes two adults and all children under 18 in the same household and costs $90 annually. The Patron Circle offers higher-level members exclusive benefits, such as private tours, receptions with curators, and VIP passes to events. The Corporate membership offers local businesses and organizations opportunities for corporate involvement, such as rental space for events or offsite team-building activities.
How to Become a Member
Becoming a Currier Art Museum member is a breeze and doesn’t require much effort. You can sign up for your membership online, over the phone, or in person at the museum’s front desk during business hours. Online registration involves filling out an online form with your personal information and payment option. Once your membership application is reviewed and processed, you’ll receive a membership card with your name and membership level. Your membership validity period is one year from the date of purchase, and the museum will notify you when it’s time to renew your membership.
Becoming a member of the Currier Art Museum is an excellent way to support the museum’s mission to enrich their community through art. Beyond that, members can take advantage of a range of exclusive perks and benefits that make their visit to the museum more exciting and enjoyable. With different membership levels, anyone interested in arts can find something suitable for their interests and budget.
Why You Should Visit Currier Art Museum
The Currier Art Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves art and culture. This museum has a rich history and a diverse collection of art that will take your breath away. In this article, we will discuss why you should visit the Currier Art Museum.
The Rich Artistic Experience
The Currier Art Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 15,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and decorative arts. Visitors can immerse themselves in the different galleries and experience different art movements such as Impressionism and Modernism. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits that showcase contemporary artists and their works.
The museum’s collection includes pieces from renowned artists such as Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, and Edward Hopper. Visitors can see the famous “Water Lilies” painting by Monet, which is one of the museum’s most popular pieces. The sculpture garden outside the museum is also a must-see attraction, featuring works by Auguste Rodin and Henry Moore.
The Currier Art Museum offers a rich artistic experience that will inspire visitors of all ages. Whether you are an art enthusiast or a casual observer, the museum has something for everyone.
The Historical Significance
The Currier Art Museum has a rich history that speaks to the enduring legacy of art and culture in New Hampshire and beyond. The museum was founded in 1909 by local industrialist, Frank Gay, as a way to give back to the community. The original building, designed by architect Edward Lippincott Tilton, is an example of the Georgian Revival style of architecture.
Over the years, the museum has undergone several renovations and expansions to accommodate its growing collection. The most recent expansion, completed in 2008, added a new wing and doubled the museum’s exhibition space.
Visitors to the Currier Art Museum can learn about the museum’s history and its connection to the community through exhibitions and tours. The museum has also collaborated with local organizations to offer educational programs that promote art and culture in the community.
The Sense of Community
Joining the Currier Art Museum community gives you a chance to share in the passion for art and connect with like-minded individuals. The museum offers various membership programs that provide exclusive benefits such as free admission, discounts, and invitations to special events.
The museum also hosts community events throughout the year that bring people together in celebration of art and culture. These events include the annual “Winter Garden Party,” which features live music, food, and cocktails, and “Art After Dark,” a monthly event that features gallery talks, music, and wine.
The Currier Art Museum is committed to promoting art and culture in the community and provides opportunities for people to get involved and share their passion for art.
In conclusion, the Currier Art Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves art and culture. The museum offers a rich artistic experience, a glimpse into the past through its rich history, and a sense of community that connects people through their passion for art. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor to New Hampshire, a trip to the Currier Art Museum is an experience you will never forget.