The Clark Museum traces its origins to the married couple Robert Sterling Clark (1877–1956) and Francine Clark (1876–1960), who were great art lovers. Their commitment to philanthropy inspired them to share their collection with the public, and in 1950 they founded the museum, construction of which began just two years later. Finally, on May 17, 1955, the institution opened its doors. In addition to the acquisition of new pieces by the museum’s directors, they received significant donations: Sir Edwin Alfred Grenville Manton donated more than 300 works in 2007, and the Aso O. Tavitian Foundation recently (2025) bequeathed 331 pieces.