The Whistler House Museum of Art, birthplace of the artist James McNeill Whistler, was established in 1908 as the permanent home of the Lowell Art Association, Inc. Founded in 1878, the Lowell Art Association owns and operates the Museum as an historic site. Built in 1823, the Whistler House represents the richness of the history and the art of Lowell. The museum maintains its permanent art collection and organizes contemporary and historical fine arts exhibitions in the adjacent Parker Gallery. It also sponsors varied educational and community oriented cultural programs.