The Building

Located at 250 Thompson’s Point Road, Portland, ME 04102.

 
 

About Our New Location

Founded in 1923, the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine had most recently been located on Free Street in Portland's Art District. As one of largest visitor attractions in the state, CMTM was quickly outgrowing its space. We launched a fundraising campaign in 2016 that raised over $15 million and enabled the organization to buy a 1.12-acre property on Thompson's Point in 2017 and eventually build our new state-of-the-art Museum & Theatre.

After closing for a year and a half during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Children's Museum &Theatre of Maine officially re-opened on June 24, 2021. The new 30,000-square-foot location is now home to the oldest continuously operating children's theatre in the country, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023. The museum's interactive exhibits reflect the culture and natural environment of Maine, while also highlighting diversity and exploration. Sitting close the Portland International Jetport and the Downeaster train station, the museum draws over 200,000 visitors a year.

  • Location:

    The new facility is located on Thompson's Point in Portland, along the Fore River. 

  • Design:

    The building's design incorporates visual and programmatic connections to Maine culture, aiming for a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for visitors of all ages. 

  • Features:

    • Maddy's Theatre: A state-of-the-art 89-seat theatre. 

    • STEM Science Floor: A dedicated space for science education. 

    • Arts, Culture, and Community Floor: A floor dedicated to exploring these themes. 

    • Outdoor Play Area: A large outdoor space with various features, including a climbing structure, sand play area, and a garden classroom. 

    • Flexible Exhibits: The museum features interactive exhibits designed to create experiential learning and fun. 

  • Accessibility:

    CMTM is designed to be accessible to people of all abilities, with universal design principles implemented throughout. 

  • History:

    CMTM is the oldest continuously operating children's theatre in the country, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. 

  • Capital Campaign:

    The new facility was made possible through a successful $15 million capital campaign. 

  • Architects:

    Bruner/Cott Architects designed the new building. 

  • Construction:

    Zachau Construction completed the project.