DENVER — Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Art and Denver Art Museum announced on Thursday plans to merge.
Kirkland Museum, which is located just steps away from Denver Art Museum in downtown Denver, will become the Kirkland Institute of Fine & Decorative Art at the Denver Art Museum.
The merger will see Kirkland's collection of decorative arts and extensive holdings of artist Vance Kirkland join the Denver Art Museum's world art collection.
The process of aligning the museums will begin immediately, with museum services and programs being merged fully over the next 12 to 18 months.
"This alliance was born out of a shared commitment to enriching the cultural experience for visitors and the community at larger," the museums announced in a news release. "Combining the unique strengths of both institutions will amplify the positive impact on artistic exploration, scholarship and engagement."
The announcement said Vance Kirkland's three-room studio building in downtown Denver will continue to be a hallmark of the merged organizations.
"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. Kirkland Museum stands in excellent shape, a testament to the dedication and passion of our incredible team," said Hugh A. Grant, Kirkland Museum's recently retired founding director and curator. "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 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. "Together, we are charting a course toward a more dynamic cultural future."
"Our strategic alignment of missions and values sets the stage for new opportunities in artistic programming and education," said Christoph Heinrich, Frederick and Jan Mayer Director of the Denver Art Museum. "The vision that Merle Chambers and Hugh Grant have realized at Kirkland Museum is significant and together with the [Denver Art Museum], we are poised to curate one of the nation’s most extensive collections of decorative arts, further enhancing the cultural vibrancy of our city."
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