The New Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine

Posted on December 10, 2020

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine’s (CMTM) new, state-of-the-art facility at Thompson’s Point in Portland is a landmark project that will allow expansion of all of CMTM’s educational work. It will contain twice the exhibit space and three times the classroom/programming spaces as in the current facility. Dedicated spaces for arts and music programming, a new theatre, large outdoor exhibit area and an entire floor devoted to science are among the key features. The building will be built to LEED silver standards and all exhibits have been designed to be fully inclusive to children of all abilities.

This move to a new space will bring significant expansion to many offerings at CMTM and, at the core of this move is a commitment to reaching significantly greater numbers of children and families from all walks of life. Market research projects that CMTM will double visitation in the new space to over 200,000 visitors per year with easier access, ample parking and greatly expanded programs and exhibits appealing to an older audience.

A multi-pronged approach to expanding access for all is a central component of CMTM’s mission; the goal is for all children to learn and play together, regardless of socioeconomic status or physical ability. Currently 25% of visitors come for free or at a reduced rate through various programs providing access for families with financial barriers, including: scholarship memberships, where qualified families gain free, unlimited access for a full year; discounted admission for families-in-need; passes through community partners serving at-risk youth; transportation outreach and more. CMTM also regularly provides programs designed for differently-abled children. Additional resources in the new facility will enable drastic expansion of all programs to ensure access for future generations of children from all backgrounds.

The $14 million Imagine Capital Campaign is funding construction costs. With strong support from foundations, corporations and individuals in the community, CMTM has raised just over $13.5M of the original $14M project budget since the campaign began in 2017. Construction is well underway with an opening planned for spring of 2021. Additionally, in August 2020, CMTM was fortunate to receive a $500,000 challenge grant from the Lunder Foundation whereby every dollar raised for the campaign will be matched by the Foundation with a gift to CMTM’s endowment. This match is helping to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the project, while also making a significant investment in the long-term sustainability of our new home and future.

Individuals or businesses interested in contributing to this once-in-a-generation project may visit CMTM’s campaign website for more information and donation links: https://www.kitetails.org/imagine-our-future. For a list of naming opportunities at all levels or other project-related questions, please contact Rose Splint, Capital Campaign Director, rose@kitetails.org.