History
Rahr Civic Center (1941-1975) The Rahr Civic Center, with the aid of a grant from the Rahr family, was able to hire a professional director in 1950. The City of Manitowoc appointed a Board of Directors and proceeded to repair and remodel the house for a modest program of changing exhibitions and displays. Rahr-West Art Museum (1975-Present) By the 1970s, the Rahr Civic Center had outgrown its quarters and faced abandonment. John and Ruth West became interested and offered their assistance. With gifts from both the Rahr and West Foundations, land was purchased and an exhibition wing was opened in November of 1975. The mansion was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. The brick front porch and entrance area was restored in 1979-80. They had been metal and glass from the 1953 remodeling. In 1986, John and Ruth West added an additional gallery space for a rotating display of the permanent collection.
Specialties
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