Children’s Museum of Manhattan Announces Selection of FXCollaborative as Architect to Transform Its Historic Building at 361 Central Park West into a 21st Century Museum
Museum’s New Building Will Double Its Exhibition Space and Accommodate More Than Twice the Number of Visitors
After a careful selection process, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) today announced that FXCollaborative will lead the architectural design and planning process for its newly acquired building, an historic church at 361 Central Park West at 96th Street.
The 1903 building, designed by CarreÌre & Hastings to house the First Church of Christ, Scientist, will be adapted into a vibrant and engaging space for New York City’s children and families. The renovation is expected to double the amount of exhibition space while accommodating up to twice as many visitors a year. The Museum anticipates moving into the new building in late 2021.
“We are excited to begin the design process with FXCollaborative as we plan for a future where we can engage even more children and families across New York City,” said Laurie M. Tisch, Founding Board Chair and Co-chair, Capital Campaign, Children’s Museum of Manhattan.
“FXCollaborative has the experience and creative vision that’s needed to work respectfully within a landmarked building, and a particular understanding of complex programs and designing spaces for children,” halley k harrisburg, Co-chair, Capital Campaign, Children’s Museum of Manhattan, noted.
With additional room, the Museum will be able to feature multiple exhibits and programs simultaneously. This will allow for cross-pollination between content areas— selected for their ability to benefit children throughout their young lives—such as the arts and creativity, early childhood, health and the environment, and world cultures.
“FXCollaborative is committed to designing environments that fulfill and uplift the human spirit,” said Sylvia Smith, Senior Partner, FXCollaborative. “We are looking forward to working with CMOM to transform 361 Central Park West into a national destination.”
The breadth and diversity of FXCollaborative’s experience were critical to the Children’s Museum’s selection of the firm. CMOM’s current Board Co-chairs Shannon Bauer Aronson and Matt Messinger agreed. “CMOM is an ever-evolving place for the most transformative and unpredictable people: children. FXCollaborative is not a rigid practice. It was clear that the desire for positive change and the constant search for new ideas are baked into its culture.” Aronson, harrisburg, and Messinger all served on the selection committee. The museum was supported in its selection process by Denham Wolf’s Project Management Services group.
FXCollaborative was also responsible for the renovation of the historic Lion House at the Bronx Zoo. The Lion House had been closed to visitors since the late 1970s. The structure’s landmark designation posed a challenge of how to maximize needed space while preserving the original structure.
“We were impressed with FXCollaborative’s initial thinking about the marriage of our program with a distinctive landmark building,” said Andy Ackerman, Executive Director, Children’s Museum of Manhattan. “In addition to providing us with more space, 361 Central Park West will serve as an extraordinary teaching tool to introduce children to the art of architecture.”
FXCollaborative’s cultural and educational projects include the new Statue of Liberty Museum, the Center for Global Conservation at the Bronx Zoo, the renovation and expansion of Alice Tully Hall and The Juilliard School, The Spence School, The Calhoun School, Ramaz Lower School, and Brooklyn Friends School.
In addition to dedicated performance areas, galleries, and studio workspaces, the new CMOM will offer visitors amenities targeted to the needs of families. These will include quiet spaces for nursing, stroller storage, and even a cafeì. The new building will be completed in late 2021. Until then, the Children’s Museum will continue operations at its 212 West 83rd Street home.
About Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The non-profit Children’s Museum of Manhattan—a citywide resource for children, families, and educators—creates experiences at the intersection of the arts, sciences, and humanities to help children thrive at home, at school, and in the community. Based on West 83rd Street, the Museum creates hands-on learning environments, programs, and curriculums built on evidence-based early research and the museum sciences. In addition to its commitment to delight and educate visitors, the Museum offers tools and strategies for parents, caregivers, and educators to help children become lifelong learners. Thousands more New Yorkers benefit from the Museum’s offerings through its outreach programs at schools, Head Start centers, homeless shelters, libraries, and hospitals. www.cmom.org
About FXCollaborative
FXCollaborative leverages broad expertise in architecture, interiors, and planning to enrich our world with responsible, intelligent, and beautiful design. The firm’s holistic approach integrates client aspirations, an urban sensibility, and a celebration of the craft of building. FXCollaborative’s work ranges from the scale of individual buildings and interiors— cultural facilities, K-12 and higher-education institutions, office towers, multi-family residences, workplaces—to the city as a whole, addressing infrastructure and transportation. www.fxcollaborative.com
