The Maine Museum of Photographic Arts is set to relocate to a larger space on Commercial Street in Portland, marking a significant expansion for the nonprofit organization. This new location, situated at 387 Commercial St., will more than double the museum’s square footage, increasing it to nearly 1,500 square feet. The museum aims to raise $130,000 within the next 90 days to fund renovations for its new ground-level suite at Hobson’s Landing.
Director Denise Froelich is currently finalizing the details of the purchase and expressed enthusiasm about the move. “It’s a game changer for us,” Froelich stated. “This is something we’ve needed for so many years.” The museum, which began operations 15 years ago, previously occupied a modest 600-square-foot storefront on Middle Street for nearly three years before closing its doors in October 2023.
The new space will allow for a more versatile exhibition setup, featuring two galleries, one larger and one smaller. Froelich envisions a variety of programming possibilities, including longer exhibitions, niche retrospectives, and digital installations. “A little more space or a little more inventory means more artists are included,” she noted, highlighting the expanded opportunities for showcasing artistic work.
As part of their initial fundraising efforts, the museum has set an ambitious goal of raising $4 million over the next year to support this expansion. Currently, the museum operates with an annual budget of nearly $200,000. Froelich is optimistic about the future and believes that the new location will enhance collaborative efforts within the arts community. “The way that we’re going to be able to collaborate is going to be really, really cool,” she added.
Despite the closure of the Middle Street location, the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts continues to sell artwork and books online through its website, mainemuseumofphotographicarts.org. The director anticipates that the new space will open in February 2024, with plans for the inaugural exhibition already underway. Froelich has received over 100 applications for the first show, themed “Home and Place,” reflecting the community’s interest in the museum’s new chapter.
This transition represents a pivotal moment for the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts, offering a fresh opportunity to engage with both artists and the public. As the museum prepares for its reopening, it signals a renewed commitment to the arts in Portland and a desire to foster a vibrant cultural environment.
