The Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire, US, has announced it will be closing for 18 months while it undergoes an US$20m (16.5m euro, £11.4m) expansion programme.

The 30,000sq ft (2,800sq m) extension, designed by Boston-based Ann Beha Architects, will include additional galleries for both travelling and permanent exhibitions, new classrooms and a larger auditorium for educational programmes.

There will also be a new winter garden for special events and informal community programmes and a more spacious north entrance and plaza adjacent to a fully landscaped parking area.

The museum will close on 27 June 2006. Details: www.currier.org