The Bergstrom-Mahler Museum in Neenah announced that it will shift its mission to glass.The announcement was made to patrons and supporters last night at an event to kick off a four-day art fair, which starts today and runs through Sunday.
The museum opened in 1959 and has what it calls the most representative collection of glass paperweights in the world. Since then, the museum has continued to acquire works in glass for its permanent collection, including Germanic drinking vessels, Victorian-era glass baskets and contemporary sculpture.
The idea is for the museum, which attracts more than 22,000 visitors a year, to differentiate itself from other visual arts venues and to gain a national profile. All programming will be glass related going forward, and the museum is updating its technology to provide an enhanced visitor experience, museum officials said in a statement.