The Children’s Museum of Manhattan has announced plans to open in its new home, a historic church at Central Park West and 96th Street, in 2028.
The museum, which remains open in its current home, said its new 80,000-square-foot building will be a “hub of learning and joy for all New York City families”.
In a statement, the museum’s CEO Dava Schub said: “This historic structure will be transformed into a dynamic seven-story magical castle on the park for all our city’s children, as [the Children’s Museum of Manhattan] invests in setting every child up to thrive.”
Designed by the architects FXCollaborative and exhibit designers THG Creative, the new space will more than double the museum‘s current visitor capacity. It will include immersive exhibits on science and the environment, interactive experiences like painting and writing, and facilities including a cafe and shop.
THG Creative to lead creative development and exhibit design
Highlights will also include an “interactive, large-scale water and sound experience”, the museum said.
THG Creative is one of the world’s leading designers of groundbreaking visitor experiences. From building the world’s tallest observation wheel to telling the story of World War II like never before, THG Creative has consistently transported visitors to new levels of awe and understanding.
Phil Hettema, CEO and Founder of THG Creative said that the firm is, “honoured to be a part of shaping CMOM’s future. Working closely with CMOM we are creating a unique and hands on world which will inspire agency among kids to see the limitless nature of their futures as they explore the Museum. We cannot wait for the world to see the new Children’s Museum of Manhattan.”
In collaboration with childhood education experts, THG Creative and CMOM have ensured that this new space promotes inclusivity and accessibility for all children. It will do this by incorporating diverse perspectives and inclusive design principles, creating an environment where every child can feel welcome and empowered.
“As we bring new life to a neglected landmark, we balance the desire to honor, expose, and converse with this historic building to create something new,” Sylvia Smith, FXCollaborative partner emerita, said in a statement.
“The Children’s Museum of Manhattan will come alive through the intermixing of the new and vital with the historic and venerated.”
Immersive exhibits, interactive experiences
So far, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan has raised $200 million of its $300m goal. Laurie Tisch, the museum’s founding board chair, has donated a total of $50m to the capital campaign.
“It’s the most I’ve given to one particular institution,” Tisch told the New York Times.
Laurie Cumbo, New York’s commissioner of cultural affairs, said the new building “will mark a new chapter for the museum and give them the capacity to engage more young people from across the city”.
Across the pond in London, Young V&A opened last year after an extensive £13 million, three-year redevelopment.
Previously the V&A Museum of Childhood, the new museum is designed with and for children and young people.
Images courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and FXCollaborative
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