Exhibit Accessibility: First Floor

CMTM is committed to closely following best practices in Universal Design. Our specifications follow the Consumer Product Safety Commission Handbook for Public Playground Safety standards. The exhibits were created using Universal Design Principles, and 70% of our exhibit experiences were designed to be universally accessible. We are working to increase this number with new additions and modifications to exhibit spaces. Examples of design elements that you’ll find in Museum & Theatre exhibits that increase usability include: 

• Knobs and buttons designed to be used with closed fists

• Flooring colors have high contrast and no sloping floors (other than access ramps)

• Transfer platforms 

• Large windows with natural lighting 

• Calm color palettes for non-signage exhibit components 

• Wheelchair clearance in all exhibit components for adults and children who use wheelchairs, not just main hallways

• Quiet spaces on each floor 

Learn more about the accessibility features in the exhibits on CMTM’s first floor!

Climb, Crawl, and Slide

Climb, Crawl, and Slide is a colorful multi-story climbing adventure that invites children to scramble, wiggle, and stretch through a vertical maze of platforms. A bird's nest viewing tower sits atop the structure, while a conveniently placed slide allows for an exciting exit. Climb, Crawl, and Slide also features a transfer platform and assistive pole for guests who use wheelchairs or mobility aids.  Noise-blocking headphones are available around the corner at the Welcome Desk. They are free to check out and can be used in any of CMTM’s exhibit spaces.

Dress Up Theatre 

The Dress Up Theatre is a miniature theatre space where families can put on their own original performances! Designed to encourage storytelling and roleplaying, the Dress Up Theatre allows children to develop their imaginations and communication skills through dramatic play. The Dress Up Theatre Stage is accessible by a ramp or small step up, and the dress up costumes and props were selected to fit a variety of body types.

Maddy’s Theatre

Maddy’s Theatre is a state-of-the-art 89-seat theatre with its own lobby space, a thrust stage, a teaching tech booth, and a sound-proof viewing gallery. This performance space, designed with family audiences in mind, produces world-class children’s theatre for all!

Maddy’s Theatre: Mobility

Audience: Maddy’s Theatre is fully wheelchair accessible with multiple locations for audience members who use wheelchairs to watch the performance with a non-obstructed view, including back row and front row seats. These locations are next to affixed theatre seats for friends and family who do not use wheelchairs to sit directly next to individuals who use wheelchairs. 

Actors & Crew: The stage is at ground level with ramp access from the Theatre Lobby. The backstage support spaces, including Green Room and Shop, are wheelchair accessible. Actors and crew of all mobility abilities can perform and offer a variety of supporting roles for performances. Designers work with the Maddy's Theatre team to create sets and costumes that match actors' needs.

Maddy’s Theatre Viewing Gallery

Maddy’s Theatre features a safe, welcoming, and soundproof room for children and adults at the back of the theatre with a large glass window and speakers that bring the action from the stage into a controlled space. The Viewing Gallery is the perfect place to continue to watch the show if you or your child needs a more curated viewing experience. This space is also a wonderful space to cry, nurse, rock, or wiggle.

Maddy’s Theatre: Assistive Listening Devices

A selection of assistive listening devices, including noise-blocking headphones, are available for all performances in Maddy’s Theatre. These devices are available at the Welcome Desk or with a Maddy’s Theatre Usher. Please reserve these when you purchase your ticket or by talking with a staff member when you arrive at the theatre.

Maddy’s Theatre: Seating

Maddy's Theatre features a variety of seat sizes ranging from 22'' to 28." Additionally, certain chairs have accessible armrests and can be raised and lowered. Please reserve these when you purchase a ticket or by talking to a staff member when you arrive.

Maddy’s Theatre: American Sign Language Interpretation

American Sign Language interpreters provide interpretation of certain shows during our theatre season. Contact theatre@kitetails.org to learn more about these performances. 

Maddy’s Theatre: Printed Materials 

Scripts of Maddy’s Theatre productions are available for all performances. Please email theatre@kitetails.org or boxoffice@kitetails.org to request a copy.

With Gratitude

Accessibility features throughout the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine were made possible through the generous support of Imagine Campaign donors Donorthy Suzi Osher, Madeleine G. Corson, L.L.Bean, The Pond Family Foundation, Unum, Shaw Brothers Family Foundation, Hussey Seating and Bill and Dana Poole.

We Are Here For You

If you have suggestions, questions, or need more information to make your visit successful, please contact Lily Gilbert, Director of Visitor Engagement, at lily@kitetails.org or call 207-828-1234.

Everyone belongs at CMTM. 🧡