The Denver Art Museum and the Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art announced a merger Thursday that their leadership says will align the neighboring art institutions to focus on shared visitor engagement and educational programming.
“This merger represents a bold step forward in our collective mission to honor our shared heritage, foster creativity and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the arts,” said Merle Chambers, Kirkland Museum co-founder and board chair, in a news release. “Together, we are charting a course toward a more dynamic cultural future.”
The Kirkland Museum, located down the street from the Denver Art Museum at 1201 Bannock St., will be renamed the Kirkland Institute of Fine & Decorative Art at the Denver Art Museum. The new art institution will contribute its commitment to uplifting Colorado artists along with displaying its extensive collection of distinguished Colorado painter and namesake Vance Kirkland, who died in 1981.
“This alliance was born out of a shared commitment to enriching the cultural experience for visitors and the community at large,” the news release read. “Combining the unique strengths of both institutions will amplify the positive impact on artistic exploration, scholarship and engagement.”
Kirkland’s three-room studio building will remain as a highlight of the museum experience, and the institution intends to preserve its “intimate atmosphere” and vignette-style exhibitions, according to the news release.
The organizations will merge over the next 12 to 18 months, according to the announcement.
Members of both organizations can take advantage of reciprocal access starting this summer, the news release said.
Kirkland Museum made its public debut in 2003. The majority of Kirkland’s estate — and his art — was willed to family friend Hugh Grant, who curated Kirkland’s exhibitions.
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By the late 1990s, Grant worried Colorado artists were not appreciated enough and got to work orchestrating a museum to show off the work of local artisans.
Grant is recently retired as the founding director and curator of Kirkland Museum.
“As we celebrate the 21st anniversary of Kirkland Museum and reflect on our thriving presence in this new building for the past six years, I believe it’s the opportune moment to gracefully pass the torch of leadership,” Grant said in a news release. “Kirkland Museum stands in excellent shape, a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team. Now, it’s time to entrust fresh minds and innovative perspectives with the task of charting a new path for the next vibrant chapter in our journey. I have every confidence in the bright future that lies ahead.”
This is a developing story and will be updated.