First introduced in Nashua in 2016, the painted pianos quickly became a cherished seasonal tradition. Installed throughout downtown, each piano functioned as both a playable instrument and a vibrant work of art, transformed by local artists and supported by community sponsors. Sidewalks became stages. Strangers became audiences. Downtown felt a little more alive. From 2016 through 2019, the project became a beloved seasonal tradition, inviting residents, visitors, students, and professional musicians alike to sit down and play, turning sidewalks into stages and everyday moments into shared experiences.

During her first month with the organization in June 2025, our Executive Director noticed that someone moving out of an apartment had left an old upright piano in the Library Walk. It was not part of a program and it was not freshly painted. It was weathered and slightly out of tune, yet almost every day someone stopped to play it. That unexpected piano became a powerful reminder of how even the simplest invitation to create can transform a space. It inspired the effort to bring back one of Nashua’s most beloved seasonal traditions.

The Downtown Pianos embody the principles of creative placemaking by activating public spaces, supporting local artists, encouraging foot traffic, and strengthening the emotional connection people feel to their downtown. Generous sponsors, like Darrell’s Music Hall, help make the project possible by donating, storing, and supporting the preparation of the instruments while artists bring them to life with original designs.

Whether you play or simply pause to listen, we hope these pianos bring a little spontaneous joy to your day.