Children's Museum of Manhattan Expands to Upper West Side

The Children's Museum of Manhattan (CMOM)—a hub for education for families throughout NYC since 1973—is officially expanding to a new home in a historic former church at 361 Central Park West. The expansion team will work with the museum to create innovative, family-friendly experiences that tap into the key pillars of CMOM which include art and creativity, wellness and the environment, science, and world cultures.

The need for CMOM's programs has grown since it was founded, and it now offers online and offsite programs at learning hubs in community centers and shelters throughout NYC. The new building is CMOM's first expansion in 40 years and aims to help the museum meet the increasing public demand for its programs. The museum's space will triple , dedicating 41,300 feet to exhibits and programs.

The museum won't be too far from the American Museum of Natural History and New-York Historical Society, helping to further establish the "museum mile" on Manhattan's Upper West Side.

“CMOM’s expansion reflects the institutional transformation that the museum has undergone over the past decades and growing role that we play within the changing cultural, educational, and social fabric of our city. Our expansion responds directly to the increasing demand for the experiences we foster and resources we provide to all New York families, a public need that has grown more urgent over the past year with the resounding impact of the pandemic,” said Aileen Hefferren, CMOM’s CEO and director. “We look forward to partnering with Local Projects and to continuing our work with FXCollaborative, to create a museum experience that respects our COVID and post-COVID realities as it inspires and engages all New York City children to learn through play.”