A preservation group is opposing a move to demolish the former Children’s Museum of Maine in Portland.
Last month, the Portland Museum of Art, which bought the property back in 2019, asked city officials to remove the building’s historic designation, protecting it from demolition.
The Portland Museum of Art wants to expand the space on Free Street, a project that’s expected to more than double the museum’s current visitation, according to the Portland Press Herald.
However, Greater Portland Landmarks, a nonprofit group dedicated to preserving historic architecture in the city, is opposing the demolition, saying it would destroy an important part of Portland’s history.
It all comes ahead of a meeting on Wednesday, which is being held by the city’s Historic Preservation Board where the project is expected to be discussed.
The new Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine opened at Thompson’s Point in Portland in 2021.
