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Longmont Museum set to break ground Friday

The museum launched an $8.1 million capital campaign to fund the expansion
Macie May
Macie May
20230824-longmont-museum
Longmont MuseumImage supplied by the City of Longmont

The Longmont Museum will host a groundbreaking celebration on Sept. 15 from 10-11 a.m. at the museum, located at 400 Quail Road. 

The public is invited to the groundbreaking ceremony. Light refreshments will be served and no registration is required to attend the ceremony.

The museum launched an $8.1 million capital campaign to fund the expansion which will include a dedicated children’s gallery, expanding the primary gallery and renovations to the outdoor courtyard. 

“The campaign launch follows multiple years of program growth, evaluation and community conversations about needs and priorities for the cultural facility,” a news release from the museum states.

“The expansion is about more than bricks and mortar,” said Erik Mason, museum director.  “It’s about making the Museum more responsive to our community.”

Around $5 million dollars has been raised due to a pledge by the Stewart Family Foundation. The foundation is in honor of Lila Jean Stewart who was instrumental in the construction of the museum’s 250-seat Stewart Auditorium. 

“Following her death in 2018, the Stewart Family Foundation continues to honor the priorities of Lila, as well as her husband Bill and daughter Linda,” the news release states.

"We are humbled to see Lila’s commitment to the Museum continue through this donation,” Mason said. “Her memory will very much live on through the expanded programs and exhibitions we will be able to present to the community thanks to her gift.”

The museum is currently in the permitting phase of the expansion process. The initial phases of construction will begin in the courtyard with the construction of a new stage. Those changes will take place over the winter, the news release states. 

The museum expects to complete the expansion in 2026.

“Our many additional generous supporters will be instrumental in helping us raise the remaining funds to make an expanded Longmont Museum a reality,” Mason said. “We are excited to share opportunities for naming rights, planned giving and more with both individuals and businesses.”