FXCollaborative to Transform Beaux Arts Church Into the New Children’s Museum of Manhattan

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) announced that they have selected FXCollaborative, formerly FXFowle Architects, to convert the First Church of Christ, Scientist into the museum’s new headquarters. CMOM acquired the building early this year for $45 million and anticipates moving into its new home in late 2021. The museum was supported in its selection process by Denham Wolf’s Project Management Services group.

According to FXCollaborative, the new building will double the amount of exhibition space the museum currently has at their 212 West 83^rd address and will accommodate more than twice the numbers of visitors. New galleries, classrooms, and studio workspaces will bolster the museum’s educational mission, while stroller storage spaces and nursing rooms will keep things convenient for families. The design process will begin later this year, with FXCollaborative senior partner and head of the firm’s culture and education studio Sylvia Smith acting as partner-in-charge.

“We are looking forward to working with CMOM to transform 361 Central Park West into a national destination,” Smith says.

In addition to the regular programs and activities that museum currently hosts, the new headquarters will “serve as an extraordinary teaching tool to introduce children to the art of architecture”, said CMOM executive director Andy Ackerman in a statement.

FXCollaborative boasts several top-notch educational and cultural projects across New York City, like the Center for Global Conservation at the Bronx Zoo’s historic Lion House and the renovation and expansion of Alice Tully Hall and the Julliard School.