Longmont Museum Completes $10.2M Expansion Campaign

The museum's expansion will bring new galleries, exhibits, and community spaces.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Longmont Museum has successfully completed a $10.2 million capital campaign to fund an expansion of its facilities. The campaign, which initially aimed to raise $8.1 million, exceeded its goal thanks to contributions from over 450 individuals, foundations, and corporations, including a major $6 million donation from the Stewart Family Foundation. The expanded museum, scheduled to open in October, will feature a new children's gallery, a larger feature gallery for adult-focused art exhibits, and a new permanent history gallery.

Why it matters

The Longmont Museum's expansion represents a significant investment in the city's cultural infrastructure and a commitment to providing enhanced educational and artistic experiences for the community. The new galleries and community spaces will help the museum better serve local residents and attract visitors, contributing to the overall vibrancy of Longmont.

The details

The Longmont Museum's capital campaign was launched in 2023 and has now raised $10.2 million, surpassing its initial $8.1 million goal. The expansion project will bring new features to the museum, including a children's gallery with interactive play spaces, a larger feature gallery for adult-focused art exhibits, and a new permanent history gallery. The museum's entrance will also be made larger and more accessible. Additionally, the museum's outdoor Stewart Family Courtyard was redeveloped as part of an earlier phase of the project and now features a new stage and twice as much space for concerts and events.

  • The capital campaign was launched in 2023.
  • The expanded museum is scheduled to open in October 2026.

The players

Longmont Museum

A cultural institution in Longmont, Colorado that serves the local community through exhibits, programs, and educational initiatives.

Stewart Family Foundation

A philanthropic organization that donated more than $6 million to support the Longmont Museum's expansion project, honoring the legacy of local business leaders Lila and Bill Stewart.

Erik Mason

The director of the Longmont Museum, who expressed gratitude for the community's support in completing the capital campaign.

Lila and Bill Stewart

Local business leaders who were strong supporters of the Longmont Museum during their lifetimes. Lila Jean Stewart was instrumental in the construction of the museum's 250-seat Stewart Auditorium.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Grateful doesn't even begin to cover how we feel to be at this moment in our fundraising and to call our capital campaign complete. Our heartfelt thanks go out to every one of the people who made a contribution toward the future of the museum.”

— Erik Mason, Museum Director

“I want to extend a special thank you to the Stewart Family Foundation, whose vision and commitment early in this project helped ensure its success. Your belief in what the Longmont Museum can be for our community has made this bold step forward a reality.”

— Erik Mason, Museum Director

What’s next

The expanded museum is scheduled to open in October 2026, bringing the new galleries, exhibits, and community spaces to the public.

The takeaway

The Longmont Museum's successful $10.2 million capital campaign demonstrates the community's strong support for investing in local cultural institutions. The expansion project will enhance the museum's ability to serve residents and visitors, contributing to Longmont's vibrant arts and cultural landscape.