On Feb. 23, the nonprofit Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) announced that New York City–based FXCollaborative will renovate the museum’s newly acquired venue, a historic church located at the corner of Central Park West and W. 96th St. in Manhattan. The church was designed by Beaux-Arts architecture firm Carrère & Hastings and was completed in 1903. According to a press release, the renovation project will double the museum’s exhibition space and will increase the number of visitors to twice the current capacity. The new addition will also feature a café, a nursing room, and a stroller storage. Until the project’s completion in late 2021, the museum will continue its activities at its current home located at 212 W. 83rd St.
We're transforming an historic building into a 21st century museum for the @cmomNYC. Our renovation is expected to double the amount of exhibition space while accommodating up to twice as many visitors a year. https://t.co/YK1Hr3WDs1 pic.twitter.com/r2EuWYu0I5
— FXCollaborative (@FXCollaborative) February 23, 2018
“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 Tisch, founding board chair and co-chair of CMOM’s Capital Campaign in the same news release.
“FXCollaborative is committed to designing environments that fulfill and uplift the human spirit,” said FXCollaborative senior partner Sylvia Smith, FAIA, in the same press release. “We are looking forward to working with CMOM to transform 361 Central Park West into a national destination.”
The firm has previously renovated the historic Lion House at the Bronx Zoo and Alice Tully Hall in New York City, and is currently designing the new 26,000-square-foot, LEED-Gold-anticipated Statue of Liberty Museum in Liberty Island, N.Y. (to be completed in 2019).
