Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine Advances Plan, Sells Building to Portland Museum of Art
October 15, 2019
Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine’s Executive Director Julie Butcher Pezzino stands with Mark Bessire the Judy and Leonard Lauder Director of the Portland Museum of Art. The CMTM building (foreground) was sold this afternoon to PMA (background). The move is slated for late 2020 or early 2021.
Portland, Maine - Executing its strategic plan to serve twice as many children and families and to expand programming to a more diverse community by moving to a new facility at Thompson’s Point, the Children’s Museum & Theatre closed on the sale of its 142 Free Street building to the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) on October 15, 2019. Thompson’s Point is the newly-developing public-transportation friendly destination and hub of creative activity on the Fore River. Proceeds from the sale of 142 Free Street are contributing to the Museum & Theatre’s construction of the new building and its exhibits; a capital campaign for the balance needed will be announced in the coming months.
The Children’s Museum & Theatre will remain open in its current Free Street location throughout the construction phase of the new building and until the move, which is projected for late 2020 or early 2021. Its exhibits, performances, classes, workshops, and community events will continue to welcome visitors at 142 Free Street until that time.
Chris Dougherty, President of the Board of the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine and Principal of 44 North Financial Partners of Portland, said, “Led by new Executive Director Julie Butcher Pezzino, we are taking this next step in our strategic plan to expand and to have greater impact as we relocate to Thompson’s Point. We are delighted that 142 Free Street will become a part of the PMA’s campus. This is an exciting and generational change for both organizations.”
Architectural rendering of how the new Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine facility will appear at Thompson’s Point by the time of its move in late 2020 or early 2021.
“We are thrilled to be in a position to support the Children’s Museum & Theatre’s strategic plan to relocate to Thompson’s Point, while ensuring arts and culture remain the heart of downtown Portland through the Portland Museum of Art,” says Mark Bessire, the Judy and Leonard Lauder Director of the Portland Museum of Art. “It’s more important than ever to guarantee cultural institutions are a major part of our city’s, state’s, and region’s identity, and this is a wonderful day for the arts.”
The PMA currently has no specific redevelopment plans for the property, which is located directly adjacent to the PMA’s Payson Building at 7 Congress Square. However, the purchase provides the museum with flexibility for future opportunities in a highly developed urban area, and enables the PMA to secure the area around Congress Square as a center for arts and culture.
About the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine: The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine exists to inspire discovery and imagination through exploration and play with a focus on science learning, community engagement, performing and visual arts, and early childhood education. The museum & theatre serves as an indispensable resource for families of all economic means, as well as caregivers and educators, by helping to create an inclusive community devoted to children's development and learning. With hundreds of educational programs, nearly a century of children’s theatre history and nearly fifty years as a children’s museum, the award-winning organization is considered one of the top children’s museums in the country. See kitetails.org for more information.
About the Portland Museum of Art: With an extensive collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is the cultural heart of Portland, Maine. The PMA boasts significant holdings of American, European, and contemporary art, as well as iconic works from Maine—highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The museum brings it all to life with unparalleled programming. From special members-only events, Free School Tours, and a commitment to family activities, to PMA Films, curator talks, and exclusive tours of the Winslow Homer Studio—it's all happening at the PMA. See portlandmuseum.org for more information.