A Truly Unique Building You’ll Only Find in New Hampshire

One of my favorite things about New England is the great history of the region. I love that I am able to witness centuries of our country’s remarkable architecture right here in my own backyard. I am just a short drive from historic homes dating way back before the birth of our nation, to recent modern architectural marvels, and everything in between. In my hometown of Manchester, there is one special house that stands out from the rest. Many people might consider it to be one of the strangest buildings in New Hampshire, but I consider the Zimmerman House to be one of the most fascinating.

The Story Behind One of the Strangest Buildings in New Hampshire

The Zimmerman House is certainly not one of the earliest homes in Manchester, but the story behind it is quite remarkable. The home is less than a century old, dating back to the year 1949. It was at this time that a couple named Isadore and Lucille Zimmerman decided to commission the house. They wanted a home that reflected their unique personalities and one that was highly distinguishable from others in the area. They made this dream into a reality by contacting none other than renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. While he designed only a few buildings in New England, Wright's works span the country and include the highly recognizable Guggenheim Museum in New York City.

Wright is known for his Usonian style of architecture, typically displayed in single-story buildings designed to be functional, middle-class homes. Many feature built-in furniture, radiant-floor heating, concrete slab roofs, and local materials. The Zimmerman House is such a wonderful example of this style because the architect had a hand in all aspects of its design, including the gardens, furnishings, and other architectural details.

This beloved home remained privately occupied by the Zimmermans for 32 years. In 1979, the structure was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1988, it was donated to the local Currier Art Museum. It has since been lovingly restored and is currently part of the museum’s permanent collection. 

Why This Building Stands Out from the Rest

The Zimmerman home is only one of two New Hampshire homes designed by Wright. Interestingly enough, the other is located on the very same Manchester street. It seems as though the Zimmerman House was so impressive that Isadore and Lucille's friends, the Kalils, decided to commission their very own neighborhood Wright House. Built just years later in 1955, the Toufic H. Kalil House is also now a part of the Currier’s collection.

Visiting This Unique Home

If you are interested in architectural history, you definitely don’t want to miss taking a tour of the Zimmerman House. Tickets can be reserved and purchased through the Currier Museum website. The price includes general admission to the museum as well as a tour of the nearby Kalil house. The Currier provides transportation by van to and from the main museum to the Wright houses. Please note that the museum does not run tours during the winter months. If you are looking to visit even more weird architecture in New Hampshire, I suggest visiting this Gothic castle in Fitzwilliam.

Have you toured the Zimmerman House? If so, please tell us all about the experience. Find out more about visiting this iconic house at the Currier Museum of Art website and the Currier Museum of Art Facebook page. While you are in Manchester, be sure to stop by my favorite local restaurant, The Puritan Backroom, and treat yourself to some of the best chicken tenders in the state. Before you visit, customize your trip with our handy AI Travel Planner.