New renderings have been revealed for Children’s Museum of Manhattan at 361 Central Park West on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Designed by FXCollaborative, the $300 million project involves the repurposing of a century-old church overlooking Central Park, and will yield 80,000 square feet of exhibit space across seven stories, more than doubling the visitor capacity of its current location on West 83rd Street. The property is located at the corner of West 96th Street and Central Park West.
Rendering of cross section of Children’s Museum Of Manhattan, by FXCollaborative
The expansion plans to feature new exhibitions and experiences aimed at children from infants to ten years old. In addition, the new space will enable CMOM to enhance its partnerships with various city organizations, including shelters, Head Start programs, settlement houses, hospitals, and the Department of Correction.
Rendering of interior space at Children’s Museum Of Manhattan, by FXCollaborative
Rendering of interior space at Children’s Museum Of Manhattan, by FXCollaborative
The project has received support from a variety of donors, including the City of New York, which has allocated $46.1 million to date, the Bezos Family Foundation, which has provided gifts totaling $30 million, and Founding Board chair Laurie M. Tisch, who has donated approximately $50 million. To date, the museum has raised $200 million of its $300 projected budget.
Rendering of Children’s Museum Of Manhattan, by FXCollaborative
“Every child deserves access to amazing cultural institutions, and since 1973 the Children’s Museum of Manhattan has provided young New Yorkers and their families with remarkable cultural programming that helps their imaginations to grow and their creativity to flourish,” said NYC cultural affairs commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “This state-of-the-art new home will mark a new chapter for the museum and give them the capacity to engage more young people from across the city with the incredible benefits of the arts.”
The museum is expected to open in 2028.
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The new Children’s Museum of Manhattan at 361 Central Park West, designed by FXCollaborative, will transform a century-old church into an 80,000-square-foot, seven-story museum, more than doubling its current visitor capacity. This $300 million project, which has already raised $200 million, will feature new exhibitions and enhance partnerships with city organizations like shelters and hospitals.
In addition to its expanded exhibit space and enhanced partnerships, the new Children’s Museum of Manhattan will also include state-of-the-art facilities designed to engage children in interactive learning experiences. The museum’s design will incorporate sustainable building practices, ensuring it is environmentally friendly. Moreover, the new location’s proximity to Central Park will provide additional outdoor educational opportunities, making it a vibrant hub for families and educators alike.
Excellent project that saves a remarkable, historic building.
Great project.
Perfect. I wished other historic churches and synagogues were likewise repurposed and saved. A huge and magnificent synagogue, all its elaborate stonework and beauty, was pulled down across the street from me in Upper West Side on the Westside Museums Block, replaced by a total insult (a drab apartment building. I am still in shock that such a grand building and a legacy could be so unceremoniously pulled down after having been there for a century. Not even the delicately carved stone façade with its Star of David motif and stained glass windows were saved….
Yes, a great re-use!
I will miss the Carrere & Hastings interior with its elaborate plasterwork. At least the Hawksmooresque exterior will remain.