2025 is set to be a banner year at Manitowoc’s Rahr-West Art Museum.
Next year will mark 75 years as a public cultural institution for the iconic museum.
On September 19, 1950, the first official meeting of the Rahr Civic Center Board took place at the City of Manitowoc’s Office of the Clerk.
The City established a six-board member committee to oversee the “Museum and Civic Center.”
Nine years prior, Mrs. Clara Rahr donated her family home on the corner of North 8th and Park Streets to the City of Manitowoc for public use.
Among the original board members was her son Guido Rahr, who grew up in the house.
From 1950 to the present, the museum has been operated by the City of Manitowoc, first as a general public museum, then under the influence of patrons Ruth and John West, becoming a highly regarded visual art museum.
The Rahr-West Art Museum will initiate its yearlong 75th Anniversary as it opens its Historic Vilas-Rahr Mansion on Saturday, February 8th.
More events and commemorative activities will be announced throughout the year.
