The European and American paintings, sculpture, works on paper and decorative arts of the illustrious Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute were gathered by Robert Sterling Clark and his wife, Francine, during the years between World War I and 1956. The collection, worthy of being compared with those of some of the world's finest museums, reflects the Clarks' early taste for classical art and, later, 19C paintings. In recent years, the collection program has been expanded with the acquisition of early photographs related to the art holdings. The white marble building (1956), suggests a private residence and provides a splendid setting for the works. The red granite annex houses additional gallery space as well as the museum's auditorium.