A new public art installation titled “Uniquely Worcester: Celebrating Worcester’s Past & Present” has opened in the windows of the Denholm Building in Worcester, Massachusetts. The exhibition features work from 10 local artists across eight front windows, highlighting the city’s history through themes such as sports, the arts, and notable figures like rocket pioneer Robert Goddard, Valentine card popularizer Esther Howland, and smiley face creator Harvey Ball. One window showcases Abu Mwenye’s vibrant paintings inspired by his Kenyan and Tanzanian heritage, while another displays musical instruments spanning 250 years, including a rope drum from the American Revolution and a guitar made at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. The installation runs throughout 2026 and was organized by project manager Melissa Mattson.
The installation matters because it repurposes the historic department store windows of the Denholm Building—a rare architectural feature in an era of online shopping—to celebrate local identity and community history. Coming after the popular “The Heart of Art & Fashion” exhibition, the project responds to public demand for accessible public art in downtown Worcester. By blending diverse artistic perspectives with historical artifacts, the exhibition strengthens civic pride and underscores the role of public art in preserving and sharing a city’s heritage.