NEWS CENTER Maine gets an exclusive firsthand look at the new facility under construction at Thompson’s Point in Portland. Officials say it is 85-90% complete.
PORTLAND, Maine – Maine’s Children’s Museum was closed during most of the pandemic, but museum officials were still busy this year.
They are just moving from their old home next to the Portland Museum of Art to a brand new building across town at Thompson’s Point.
The groundbreaking took place in November 2019. Today the new Maine Children’s Museum and Theater is almost complete.
The museum’s executive director, Julie Butcher Pezzino, said, “We’re 85 to 90 percent complete by this point, but the last 10 to 15 percent of any project can take a long time.”
Construction is now well advanced that they are installing exhibits.
Once it’s open, visitors can see classic favorites from the old museum, like the lobster boat and fish market. You’ll also see new exhibits like a state-of-the-art 100-seat theater, science center, an entire floor dedicated to art, culture, and community, and over half an acre outdoor play area.
“We’ve put Maine into every facet of this museum. We’re the Maine Children’s Museum and Theater and we’ve taken it really seriously. You’ll see that in the lobster boat, the new chowder cabin. I don’t want to give too much away because of it will be even more in the coming months. ”
The new museum will end up costing about $ 14 million. The fundraising campaign, which is raising money to pay for the museum, is approximately $ 200,000 away from that mark.
Barbee Gilman, chairman of the capital campaign, said they had been backed by companies across the state.
“The support from the state of Maine and the corporate division has been amazing,” said Gilman. “We are so proud to have sponsors for the various exhibition areas.”
Gilman said getting Maine companies on this project is not a difficult sale.
“Who doesn’t want to support children and education ?!”
The museum is due to be completed in spring 2021. However, amid the ongoing pandemic, things will gradually open up, with precautionary measures being taken.
Butcher Pezzino said: “We want to open up to the public when we are ready, but also when it is safe.”
When it’s open, museum officials say they can comply with COVID-19 guidelines.
“This will likely mean limited numbers and a lot of social distancing and of course masking at first, but we’ll be ready,” said Butcher Bezzino.
RELATED: Construction underway on New Maine Children’s Museum and Theater
RELATED: Museums are increasing their presence online, making art available to everyone
The museum’s policy is not to turn away anyone who cannot afford entry.
Here is the information about the entrance fee that we received from the museum:
Memberships: A full year of general admission starts at $ 100 for an adult and a child.
One-time tickets: 15 USD per person for people over 17 months.
Scholarships and discounted admissions:
- Member discounts: Entrance for museum and theater members is FREE all year round! Members also receive 10% off theater performances, in-store purchases, workshops and events.
- First Friday: The Museum & Theater is open every first Friday of the month from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is $ 2 per person during this time.
- Group rate (advance booking required): $ 8.50 to $ 9.50. For details on group visits, please click here.
- Military and Veterans Discount: $ 3 per person with valid military, military family, or veteran ID.
- Senior discount: Good for a 10% discount on entry for the senior citizens concerned
- Two day ticket: 18 USD per person. Contact reception to purchase.
- Library discount: Check with your library to see if they are a member and learn how to take advantage of this discount on a discounted entry fee!
- Non-profit discount: Check with your nonprofit to see if they are a member and learn how to take advantage of this discount!
- Scholarships: Click here to apply for free entry and free or reduced memberships.
- Partner discount programs:
AAA discount: Good for a 10% discount on entry with a current AAA card
ACM Reciprocal Network Admission: Half of the regular entry fee for up to 6 people; A member named on the card must be present. Membership card and ID should be presented.
Reduced, affordable museum admission for everyone: If you have an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, simply show it on arrival to pay for $ 3 entry per person (save $ 8.50). Through Museums for All, we partner with museums across the country to ensure everyone can experience the best that museums have to offer. You can find more participating museums under Museums for Everyone.
Comments are closed.