Children's Museum and Theatre of Maine, Portland

The Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine (CMTM) is a vibrant hub for families, blending education, culture, and play. Established through a 2008 merger of two longstanding organizations founded by the Junior League of Portland, CMTM includes the nation’s oldest continuously operating children’s theatre, originally founded in 1923.

The museum focuses on children from six months to ten years old, emphasizing science, early childhood, and multicultural education through a variety of interactive exhibits. These exhibits range from a Maine Watershed Aquarium and a camera obscura to hands-on areas like Maddy's Theatre, an indoor climber, and an Outdoor Adventure space, designed to engage children and spark curiosity.

The facility itself reflects thoughtful design, featuring a spacious, light-filled lobby with floor-to-ceiling glass that connects indoor and outdoor play areas, creating a welcoming environment for both kids and adults.

Its architecture, inspired by the region’s industrial past, incorporates elements reminiscent of warehouses with modern touches and colors drawn from natural sources like water, butterfly wings, and tree bark.

The theatre program, housed in a 100-seat auditorium, continues a century-old tradition of shows performed for and by children. Recognized as one of the top 10 children’s museums in the country, CMTM remains a key cultural and educational institution in Maine, offering a rich blend of arts, science, and community engagement.