An Art Museum for Worcester, 125 Years Later
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ew York had one. So did Philadelphia and Boston. Worcester’s Stephen Salisbury III believed his hometown deserved an art museum, too. In 1896 the philanthropist and art collector joined forces with other community leaders to build one for their city. Theirs was a bold vision. Worcester’s museum would not be a repository of a rich man's treasures, but rather an institution created “for the benefit of all.” People of all ages, walks of life, and backgrounds would view masterpieces from around the world and learn—as never before—about art and the world in which it was created. This year we celebrate the 125th anniversary of the realization of Salisbury’s vision: the opening in 1898 of the brand-new Worcester Art Museum. It was the beginning of a remarkable journey for a fledgling institution with big ideas, forward-thinking leadership, and a generous community. While initially WAM's collections were modest (many of the pieces on display were loans), the collection steadily grew over the decades through thoughtful purchases and the munificence of collectors and supporters. Family portraits by Gilbert Stuart, silver by Paul Revere, and America's first public collection of Japanese prints soon went on display. The Museum bought works by Impressionists, fresh from their studios. Just over a decade after opening, WAM had established a fine arts library and founded a progressive art education program that continues to this day. Strategic initiatives, such as co-sponsoring the first major excavation at Antioch and purchasing a medieval Chapter House in the 1930s, were impressive for a museum in a city of Worcester’s size. But WAM is not an institution that is satisfied looking back. It is one that looks forward, seeking ever new opportunities to deliver Stephen Salisbury’s original vision. Thus, after 125 years—and five additions to the original building—the Worcester Art
G.C. Halcott, The Worcester Art Museum, about 1898, watercolor over graphite on medium, smooth cream wove paper, Bequest of Stephen Salisbury III, 1907.86
Museum now stands as one of our nation’s finest encyclopedic art collections, one that is sought after throughout the world for scholarship, loans, and traveling exhibitions. And through innovative programming, transformative education, and wide-ranging outreach, WAM benefits more people and has a greater impact than could ever have been imagined in 1898. We celebrate this anniversary by honoring Salisbury’s dream—and the many who also believed in it—with a bold campaign to ensure that the Museum’s collection and historic building will enrich lives for generations to come. This campaign will raise $125 million to fund major capital projects, strengthen the endowment, and provide important operational and programming support. When completed, the Worcester Art Museum will have a historic building meeting 21st-century standards to safeguard the collection, including a state-ofthe-art arms and armor gallery; strong, sustainable finances to carry the organization forward with confidence; and robust, creative programming to engage and inspire both new and existing audiences.
It is time for WAM to build a solid foundation for a future that both honors its distinguished history and realizes its tremendous potential. Museum Members will learn more about “The Campaign for Worcester Art Museum” in the coming months. In the meantime, please join us for our Spring Community Day on Sunday, May 7, to celebrate WAM's birthday! Admission will be free to all.
The Worcester Art Museum is 125 years old! Learn how the Museum came to be what it is today—including curious facts, notable moments, and important milestones along the way— in an updated historical timeline on our website. Access the timeline here:
Left: The new Lancaster Plaza, opened in December 2021.
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