Partnership with Portland Public School System

We are very pleased to share that a collaboration with the Portland Public School system has been an initiative that allows us to continue to use the Free Street building which has remained closed to the public since March 13, 2020. The Museum & Theatre was invited to serve as one of the Portland Public School’s “trusted community partners” who could provide a childcare hub after school.

The Free Street building is currently hosting two pods of children who alternate their days spent in discovery and play with Museum & Theatre educators in the afternoons.

Supported by over $25,000 in CARES ACT funding, this will continue until mid-December, contingent upon the course of the pandemic. At that time, we must shift to decommissioning 142 Free Street. This will involve removing exhibits and office equipment, packing, and preparing to vacate the building for the new owner - the Portland Museum of Art.