The Longmont Museum has announced a $5 million pledge from the Denver-based Stewart Family Foundation in support of the museum’s $8.1 million capital campaign to fund an expansion of the building and grounds.

The pledge, $1 million of which has already been donated, is the lead gift in the public phase of the campaign, which will fund projects such as building a dedicated children’s gallery for hands-on, year-round learning and play; expanding the primary gallery to feature more robust touring exhibits as well as local artists and historic collections; renovating the outdoor courtyard including the construction of a new stage; and increasing office and support spaces.

During her lifetime, local business leader and longtime museum benefactor Lila Jean Stewart was instrumental in the construction of the museum’s 250-seat Stewart Auditorium. Following her death in 2018, the Stewart Family Foundation has continued to honor the priorities of Stewart, as well as her husband, Bill, and daughter, Linda.

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

(Photo credit: Flickr/Matt Varner)