Portland Museum Fumbles, Sex Tattle Derails

A few end-of-month art news stories. The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in Maine is a lively expression of the best of Maine’s distinctive culture and displays wonderful art. I’ve written about its plans for a $100 million expansion doubling its size, focusing on more art space, more space for community gatherings, and an entirely new, captivating look. That story, now nearly a year old, raised a few red flags, some of which I’d like to revisit. No, not merely red but carmine or candy-apple or scarlet. Speaking of red, send fire engines to extinguish the dumpster fire that has been the project’s marketing. “It’s torn the community apart” isn’t a headline I want to read about a museum I like and a project that’s worthwhile, but that’s the take in Portland.

The good news, delivered last month, is City Hall’s approval of the museum’s plan to demolish the old carbuncle next door that once housed the children’s museum in Portland. The PMA owns it now.

About the Author

Brian T. Allen

Brian T. Allen is National Review’s art critic.

A few end-of-month art news stories. The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in Maine is a lively expression of the best of Maine’s distinctive culture and displays wonderful art. I’ve written about its plans for a $100 million expansion doubling its size, focusing on more art space, more space for community gatherings, and an entirely new, captivating look. That story, now nearly a year old, raised a few red flags, some of which I’d like to revisit. No, not merely red but carmine or candy-apple or scarlet. Speaking of red, send fire engines to extinguish the dumpster fire that has been the project’s marketing. “It’s torn the community apart” isn’t a headline I want to read about a museum I like and a project that’s worthwhile, but that’s the take in Portland.

The good news, delivered last month, is City Hall’s approval of the museum’s plan to demolish the old carbuncle next door that once housed the children’s museum in Portland. The PMA owns it now.