Since it opened to the public in Williamstown in 1955, displaying the magnificent art collections of Sterling and Francine Clark, the Institute has grown to become one of the most beloved and respected art museums in the world. The collection focuses almost exclusively on European and American art from the Renaissance to the early twentieth century and reflects the tastes and interests of the Clarks themselves. The collection's greatest strength is in 19th century art and in particular the French Impressionists, including more than thirty works by Renoir. The Clark is also a centre for research and higher education, supported by one of the foremost art research libraries in the United States.