Elegant Historical Home

Built between 1891 and 1893 at the cost of $35,000, this 13 bedroom Victorian mansion was the home of Joseph and Mary Vilas, one of Manitowoc's pioneer families. The Rahr Malting Company president, Reinhardt Rahr, purchased the estate in 1910. Rahr and his family lived in the mansion until 1941 when his widow donated the house to the City of Manitowoc for use as a museum and civic center. The Rahr Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the museum is affiliated with the American Association of Museums.

A Modern exhibition wing was added with donations by John D. and Ruth West of Manitowoc and the Rahr Foundation. Again in 1986 the Wests donated funds for the construction and an additional wing for exhibition and storage of the museum's collection of American art.

Interior Rooms Include:

PorteCochere - This former carriageway provides a pleasant transition between the old and new areas of the museum. The coach port was enclosed during the construction of the exhibition wing in 1975. The brick arches and other architectural design original to the Victorian mansion serves as an entranceway to visitors proceeding up the stairs to the first floor of the mansion.

Central Gallery - Now used as a 19th century painting gallery, this area was originally 2 rooms - a reception hall and dining room. Decorative woodwork and stained glass doors adorn this area restored in 1979.

Rahr Parlor - This room was restored to its 1910 appearance through a gift from Mrs. John (Margaret Rahr) Hamilton, under the direction of Mrs. Guido R. Rahr. Visitors will find original furniture, a bronze bust sculpted by Reinhardt Rahr, and a family photograph. Silk wall coverings recreate the Rahr period of the house. The fireplace is one of six originally in the house.

The Victorian Rooms - Renovated in 1994 these separate but adjacent spaces compliment the collection of 19th century paintings. Victorian cabinets were purchased by the museum from Edith Tadych collections. The small plant conservatory is an original feature of this area.

Second Floor Rooms Include:

John P. Nash Memorial Library - Renovated also in 1995 with donations from the family of John P. Nash, a prominent Manitowoc attorney. Books and periodicals about art and history are available to the public in this quiet Victorian setting.

Schwartz Ivories Room - The area houses the Simon Schwartz Collection of Chinese Ivories. The former dressing or servant's room now contains over three hundred years of ivory carvings including more than forty rare pieces.

Second Floor Hall - The hall features a magnificent view of the curved stair banister and leaded-glass windows. Additionally, this former passageway between bedchambers has a 1910 art glass "shower'' light fixture with gold tone shades.

Porcelain Room - Containing a collection of porcelain sculptures, this former bedchamber was created by Boehm Studios from private gifts and memorials.

Doll Room - Mrs. Guido Rahr donated her extensive collection of dolls accumulated through her travels around the world. The room has on display a furnished doll house with 1930 furnishings.

Kamagawa Room - This room features a collection of exchange gifts from Manitowoc's Sister City in Japan, Kamogawa. This relationship was established to foster understanding of cultural, educational and economic policies between the two cities.