LONGMONT MUSEUM EXPANDS TO MEET COMMUNITY PRIORITIES

BY WILL MATUSKA

It started in a room. Then it moved to a basement. A few years later, to a converted garage and a renovated warehouse.

The Longmont Museum bounced around for nearly 60 years, from 1940 until 1999, until nearly 80% of city residents approved a $5 million bond to build a new museum.

Now, more than 80 years since its humble beginnings, the museum is launching a new $8.1 million capital campaign to expand its footprint and reach as one of the premiere cultural institutions in Northern Colorado.

Erik Mason, the museum’s director, says this growth exemplifies how Longmont supports the arts.

“It just shows that as the community grows and is able to support more amenities, it really improves the quality of life for everyone in the region, being able to have access to great cultural amenities like an expanded Longmont Museum,” he says.

The project has a laundry list of changes and additions, including expanding the primary gallery, renovating the outdoor courtyard and increasing office and support spaces — all outcomes Mason says are the product of engagement with community members about needs and priorities.

One of the most notable themes from those conversations was a desire for a dedicated children’s space. In the expansion, a hands-on kids’ exhibition will replace the current 2,500-squarefoot changing exhibit gallery and will feature numerous and rotating activities, according to Mason.

The community also wanted to see more exhibitions. To meet that

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