Maine Museum of Photographic Arts Set to Move to New Portland Location

The Maine Museum of Photographic Arts is relocating to a larger space on Commercial Street in Portland, a move that will more than double its current exhibition area. The nonprofit organization is in the process of acquiring a ground-level suite at Hobson’s Landing, where it intends to enhance its offerings significantly. Director Denise Froelich confirmed that the museum must raise $130,000 within the next 90 days to cover necessary renovations.

Froelich expressed enthusiasm about the transition, stating, “It’s a game changer for us. This is something we’ve needed for so many years.” The museum has been operational for 15 years, initially based at the University of Southern Maine’s Portland campus. Its recent location on Middle Street, spanning approximately 600 square feet, had limited the scope of exhibitions and visitor engagement.

Expanding Opportunities for Artists and Visitors

The new site at 387 Commercial St. will provide nearly 1,500 square feet of space, featuring two galleries—one larger and one smaller. Froelich envisions a wide range of potential exhibitions, including longer displays, niche retrospectives, and shows dedicated to individual collectors. Additionally, the museum plans to incorporate digital and video installations, expand school tours, and increase its inventory of artworks.

“A little more space or a little more inventory means more artists are included,” Froelich noted, highlighting the benefits of the new location. The museum’s current operating budget is nearly $200,000, and it plans to launch a yearlong campaign to raise $4 million in funds for future initiatives.

This goal reflects the museum’s commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of Portland and expanding its reach within the community. The ongoing campaign aims to foster collaborations that could enhance the museum’s offerings and community engagement.

Transitioning and Looking Ahead

The Middle Street location has been closed since October 2023, but the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts continues to sell artwork and publications through its website, mainemuseumofphotographicarts.org. Froelich anticipates that the new space will be operational by February 2024, with an upcoming inaugural exhibition themed “Home and Place.” Notably, the museum received over 100 applications for this first show, signifying strong interest from the artistic community.

As the Maine Museum of Photographic Arts prepares for this pivotal move, it looks forward to becoming a vibrant hub for photographic arts in Portland, fostering creativity and engagement through its expanded facilities and programs.