Located in the Merrimack Valley Region of New Hampshire, the cities of Concord and Manchester are home to a number of attractions that make them an ideal vacation spot for those seeking a relaxing and enriching vacation in the Northeast. Whether one is interested in state history, the arts, or the entertainment of children, Concord and its surrounding city have something to offer everyone.
Currier Museum of Art
Featuring a number of pieces from both American and European artists, as well as pieces from the decorative arts, the Currier Museum of Art is the ideal Manchester attraction for those seeking to immerse themselves in the art world. The permanent collections in the museum are divided into several sections: American (with such artists as Will Barnet and William Holbrook Beard,) European (including works by several Dutch masters and an early piece by Monet,) Contemporary (including pieces by Adolph Gottlieb and Jennifer Bartlett,) as well as several other categories.
The museum also hosts a number of traveling exhibits, which in the past have included “Brett Weston: Out of the Shadow” and “Andy Warhol: Pop Politics.” The Currier Museum of Art is open on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 A.M. to 5 P.M. and on Saturdays from 10 A.M. to 5 P.M. Admission rates are $10 for adults, with decreasing rates for children and seniors. Those wishing to contact them may do so at the information below:
150 Ash Street
Manchester, NH 01304
(603)-669-6144
Kaleidoscope Children’s Museum
Designed for children up to the age of five, the Kaleidoscope Children’s Museum is the perfect attraction for those with children in tow. Their numerous exhibits are designed are to stimulate independent thought and creativity among children. Exhibits on display include Mini-Main Street (which allows kids to interact with a variety of professions,) Let the Show Begin (which allows kids to put on their own puppet show,) and Dino Discovery (which allows children to put together a dinosaur skeleton puzzle.) The Kaleidoscope are open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.; Fridays and Saturdays from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.; and on Sundays from 12 P.M. to 5 P.M. Admission for children ages one and up is $9.99, while children under one and adults are free. They can be contacted at the information below:
250 Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603)-606-3381
Museum of New Hampshire History
Offering both numerous exhibits and educational programs for adults and children, the Museum of New Hampshire History is an ideal Concord attraction interested in the state’s history. The museum hosts a number of exhibits, which in the past have included “Abraham Lincoln and New Hampshire,” “Consuming Views: Art and Tourism in the White Mountains, 1850-1900,” and “ Mapping New Hampshire Through Three Centuries.”
The museum is also home to both a library and an extensive collection of artifacts related to the history of the state of New Hampshire. The hours for both the museum and the library vary seasonally, so it is best to check their website before planning a visit. Admission to the museum is $5.50, with decreasing rates for children and seniors. Their contact information is available below:
30 Park Street
Concord, NH 03301
(603)-228-8688
