CMTM Artist Request for Proposals: Aquarium Signage Illustrations

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) seeks an artist to make drawings of all of the species that live in the aquarium at CMTM. These species illustrations will go on new aquarium signage with updated information. The goal of the new illustrations is to accurately depict the species on exhibit and support visitors in identifying the animals and plants they are seeing. The illustrations must be realistic. This project will include illustrations for approximately 40-45 species. These will include illustrations of freshwater species such as crayfish, musk turtles, painted turtles, and trout, and saltwater species such as sea stars, anemones, macroalgae, and sea urchins. Ideally, the artist would be open to contracting with CMTM in the future for additional illustrations as new species come onboard.

Request for ProposalsHannah DalyMarch 9, 2026Request for Proposals, Aquarium

Klaus' Incredible Growth Spurt: A Guest Blog from CMTM's Live Exhibits Coordinator Colin Marshall

If your kids seem like they’re growing overnight, wait until you meet Klaus! Our Atlantic Rock Crab recently surprised the CMTM team with a dramatic molt — emerging from his old shell nearly twice his original size. Like all crustaceans, Klaus sheds his exoskeleton to grow, revealing a soft new shell that hardens over time. You can find Klaus in From the Mountains to the Sea on the 3rd Floor — come say hi and see his impressive new look for yourself!

Live AnimalsHannah DalyApril 9, 2025Aquarium, From the Mountains to the Sea, Klaus

Gary the Eel Swims into the Spotlight at CMTM

Discover the incredible journey of Gary the American Eel and explore stories of science, culture, and conservation at the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine.

Exhibits, Live AnimalsHannah DalyJanuary 9, 2025From the Mountains to the Sea, Aquarium, Gary the Eel

What's New at CMTM!

At the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, we’re always looking for new ways to play and create. You may have noticed some fun new additions popping up around the building, from our new Visitor’s Store to our latest friends in From The Mountains to the Sea, CMTM’s aquarium! Every day is a new adventure, with so many stories ready to unfold. And we can’t wait to share our latest stories with you! Read on to see what’s new and how your family can explore what’s new at CMTM!

Improvements, Updates, ExhibitsGuest UserSeptember 24, 2024Aquarium, New at CMTM, CMTM Store, Outreach, MakerSpace

Surrounded by Salamanders: A Guest Blog from CMTM's Live Exhibits Coordinator Colin Marshall

As winter overstays its welcome, I find solace in the anticipation of spring and summer, eagerly awaiting the signs of their arrival. For some, spring announces its presence with the melodious chirping of birds or the sight of fresh leaves adorning trees. However, for me, the true harbinger of spring is the deafening chorus of Maine's tiniest frogs, the spring peepers, and The Big Night.

Events, Live AnimalsHannah DalyMarch 4, 2024Big Night, Aquarium, Live Exhibits

A Match for Morty! Celebrating TOGETHERNESS in the CMTM Aquarium

When the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine relocated from Free Street to Thompson’s Point and built “From the Mountains to the Sea”, one of the first animals to move in was Morty, our resident Musk Turtle. Several months later, Henry the Painted Turtle arrived, and while they seemed to get along at first, it quickly became clear that the two turtles had incompatible personalities and could not live in the same tank long term. Morty was moved to a different tank and introduced to Sappy, a young Spotted Turtle. Unfortunately this match too, was not meant to be. It became clear that Morty did not like other turtles.

Live Animals, ExhibitsHannah DalyFebruary 9, 2024Love Weekend, From the Mountains to the Sea, Aquarium

Exhibit Feature Friday: From the Mountains to the Sea: Saltwater

It’s Exhibit Feature Friday! Our team at CMTM decided to give each exhibit the spotlight it deserves, and is dedicating Fridays to highlighting a new exhibit, diving a little deeper into the WHY and HOW behind each playful space and experience. This week’s featured exhibit is From the Mountains to the Sea: Saltwater!

Exhibit Feature Friday: From the Mountains to the Sea: Freshwater

It’s Exhibit Feature Friday! Our team at CMTM decided to give each exhibit the spotlight it deserves, and is dedicating Fridays to highlighting a new exhibit, diving a little deeper into the WHY and HOW behind each playful space and experience. This week’s featured exhibit is From the Mountains to the Sea: Freshwater!

Blog: New at CMTM

The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to inspire discovery and imagination through exploration and play.