Currier Museum of Art

The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, stands as both a cultural landmark and a community-centered institution with a mission to connect people through the power of art. Founded through the vision and generosity of Governor Moody Currier and his wife Hannah Slade in the late 19th century, the museum opened its doors in 1929. Despite arriving at the onset of the Great Depression, it quickly established itself as a place where art could provide inspiration and resilience in challenging times. Over the decades, thoughtful expansions and additions, including an art school launched in 1939 and new galleries completed in 2008, have allowed the Currier to grow into a vibrant museum of national recognition.

The museum’s collection is both diverse and distinctive, spanning European and American masterworks, modern and contemporary art, and decorative arts. Among its most treasured assets are two mid-century modern homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Zimmerman House and the Kalil House, which extend the museum’s reach beyond its main galleries and offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience architecture as living art.

The Currier is more than a place to view art; it is a space that actively engages with its community. Programs for people with memory loss, veterans, families facing the impact of substance-use disorder, and those with physical or cognitive challenges demonstrate the museum’s commitment to inclusivity and social connection. Its artist-in-residence program bridges local life with global creativity, linking the art of the past with contemporary voices shaping the future.

By fostering dialogue, teaching creativity, and embracing difference, the Currier Museum of Art continues to honor its founders’ vision. It remains a welcoming place where art is not only preserved and celebrated but also used to strengthen community and deepen understanding across generations.