Children’s Museum of Manhattan transforms abandoned NYC church into ‘magical castle’ with 7 stories of fun for kids — here’s a look inside
It’s something out of a fantasy book – turret and all.
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan unveiled a mesmerizing first look at its plans for an 80,000-square-foot abandoned church on Central Park West, which will become a seven-story “magical castle.”
The landmarked building at 361 Central Park West – formerly the century-old First Church of Christ, Scientist – will include a teaching kitchen, performance venue, STEAM makerspace and a reading-and-writing lab for kids up to age 10 when it opens in 2028, museum officials said.
“This historic structure will be transformed into a dynamic seven-story magical castle on the park for all our city’s children, as CMOM invests in setting every child up to thrive,” Dava Schub, CMOM’s CEO and museum director, said in a statement.
“Over the years, CMOM has brought research-based learning experiences to millions of children at our museum and to children where they live and learn, in partnership with city shelters, Head Start programs, settlement houses, hospitals, the Department of Correction and beyond,” Schub added.
“With our new home, we will be able to do even more to nourish the whole child through play, artmaking and exploration.”
The building – which was purchased in 2017 from condo developers for $45 million – is also poised to feature large-scale artworks designed by youngsters, a water-and-sound music experience, a great hall with 22-foot-high ceilings, a health-conscious cafe and a gift shop full of curated toys.
The gargantuan learning environment will also offer daily “enrichment” classes in art, science, music and movement, museum officials said — as well as a terrace at the base of the church’s spire for families to take in Central Park views.
Tuesday marked the museum’s announcement of having raised $200 million for the last phase of its $300 million funding campaign for new site.
A $50 million donation from founding board chair Laurie M. Tisch and $30 million from the Bezos Family Foundation brings the museum even closer to its goal, a spokesperson for the project told The Post.
The city of New York – including the mayor’s office, City Council and Manhattan Borough President’s Office – has chipped in $46.1 million to the project to date, officials said.
Since its founding on 83rd Street in 1973, the museum has welcomed about 350,000 visitors annually – and will finally be able to double its capacity in its new home.
In honor of the funding announcement, CMOM will be offering free admission to its current location on 83rd Street on Oct. 5 and 6.
In a Tuesday statement, Tisch called the project the “single most important project for the future of New York.”
“Too many children in our city enter school without the foundational skills and experiences they need to thrive in the classroom,” Tisch said. “The new CMOM will be committed to giving parents and caregivers tools to help set up children for success in school, in life and in their communities.”
