Exhibit Accessibility: Third 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 third floor!

From the Mountains to the Sea

From the Mountains to the Sea is an aquarium, science exhibit, and play space centered around Maine’s watersheds. Seven tanks housing live aquatic animals are the main feature of this exhibit. All species in From the Mountains to the Sea are native to Maine and serve as ambassadors for their respective ecosystems. The gallery is adorned with murals of Maine by author and illustrator Kevin Hawkes. Hawke’s sweeping landscapes transport visitors into the Maine wilderness, while a child-sized campsite and rowboat encourage imaginative play with an outdoor theme. The Mountain tank is designed with a transfer platform, while all other tanks are at ground level. The handwashing sinks are fully ADA compliant.

Go with the Flow

Go With the Flow is a dynamic, energetic play space centered around water. This exhibit features two water tables full of activities, and kinetic sculptures that encourage problem solving and experimentation. Visitors can participate independently, or work cooperatively to harness the power of water! Each water table features wheelchair accessible play stations. Water play toys include accessible toys for children and adults with limited fine motor skills.

Ramp Up

Ramp Up is an exhibit where design, engineering, and creative thinking converge! This is a high-energy, exciting play space where physics is the star. The central focus of Ramp Up is a brightly colored air-powered kinetic sculpture. This one-of-a-kind, six-sided, ten-foot-tall interactive allows visitors to launch and race balls while experimenting with speed, velocity, momentum, and energy. Guests can also work together or independently to build their own ball ramps. Connectable tracks feature miniature hills, loops, and baffles that change how far the balls can travel when dropped into each structure. This interactive allows visitors to create complex architectural creations while pushing the boundaries of possibility! The ball sculpture features ball blowers and tubes at low heights.

Pet Vet

Pet Vet is an interactive exhibit where visitors can act as veterinarians in a veterinary clinic. Guests meet stuffed animal patients and walk them through the many steps of veterinary care while practicing reading, observation, and communication skills. This exhibit encourages empathy, critical thinking, and decision-making through active roleplay. The exhibit and toy shelves are wheelchair accessible to those seated. Pet Vet includes accessible toys for children and adults with limited fine motor skills. Animal carrier doors have been modified for increased accessibility.

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. 🧡