Among Manitowoc's top attractions is the Rahr-West Art Museum, and for good reason! This year marks 75 years since the inception of the museum. The Rahr-West is celebrating all year long, and here's a little history that shows how they got where they are today. 

 

History

The museum is housed in the Vilas-Rahr Mansion, a Queen Anne-style home built by Joseph Vilas in 1891. The mansion was then purchased in 1910 by John Rahr of the Rahr Malting family, and eventually donated to the City of Manitowoc by his daughter Ruth West in 1941, with the condition that it would become a public museum. This donation from Ruth West, along with fine art from her own collection, kick-started the museum. In 1950, the Rahr-West formed its first board of directors. The latter half of the century was spent developing the art collection, including acquiring art by noteworthy artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Georgia O'Keeffe. 

In September of 1962, the Rahr-West Art Museum made a name for itself after it was plastered in newspapers all over the world. A 20-pound chunk of Russian Sputnik IV crash-landed in the middle of 8th Street (one of Manitowoc's busiest roads) in front of the museum. The piece of spacecraft was handed over to United States authorities and later to the Soviets. The story lives on as a permanent exhibit with a life-size replica and as a large, wacky festival called "Sputnikfest," annually the Saturday after Labor Day. 

Rahr 2020 Roemer

 

Present Day

The Rahr-West Art Museum continues to serve as a cultural cornerstone for the community. Showcasing both regional and national artists in a series of rotating exhibits, there's always something new to see at the museum. The Vilas-Rahr Mansion is carefully maintained to its original glory, complete with furnishings of the time. There are several rooms on display with hanging artwork and exhibits detailing the mansion and Manitowoc history. In late 2022, an elevator was installed to allow accessibility for all who want to check out the other floors of the mansion. 

Apart from the mansion, the Rahr-West Art Museum is comprised of large gallery areas for fine art and exhibits, and meeting spaces available for parties. There's even a dedicated youth art room for the littlest creatives. Before heading out, don't forget to pick up a souvenir from the gift shop. 

This dedication to making fine art accessible to all earned the Rahr-West a spot on the Wisconsin Art Destinations trail and named it one of the "Best Places to See Art in a Small City" by USA Today. 

Exhibit at the Rahr-West Art Museum

 

Programs & Events

While there's plenty of beautiful creations on display, the Rahr-West also encourages its visitors to pick up a brush and become artists themselves! There are many programs throughout the year, including adult classes and figure drawing, youth classes from preschool to teenagers, and classes centered around specific topics such as grief or the current exhibits on display. Some of the can't-miss events include Plein Air Paint Out, museum tours, opening exhibit receptions, and the aforementioned Sputnikfest. As for exhibits, make plans to attend during the "Art of Tablesettings" (Ruth West's personal favorite!), and "Christmas in the Mansion." 

Tablesettings exhibits at the Rahr-West Art Museum in Manitowoc

 

There's so much more history to talk about and upcoming events to share, but the best way to get to know the museum is to see it for yourself. Make plans to visit the Rahr-West Art Museum during its 75th year!