Mindport began in downtown Bellingham as an experimental project of three friends, and it has continued for almost 30 years under the guidance of a small number of dedicated staff. Kevin Jones, the museum’s founding director, retired in 2019, and funding from a generous donor who has been financially supporting the museum for decades is coming to an end, so we feel the business is at a natural stopping point.

Sharing this space—providing a place for countless visitors to slow down, look, think, experiment, play and spend time with one another—has been an amazing journey!

The museum’s exact closing date will be announced as soon as it is determined. We are, however, committed to remaining open into fall.

Mindport is a privately-owned business that has been reliant on substantial financial assistance from a donor. That funding, which supported operations and programs here, is coming to an end and won’t be available to a new owner. Thus, due to financial considerations, new ownership is a path that could not be pursued.

That is an option that we explored in recent years with legal and nonprofit consultants. To be successful and sustainable, Mindport would need to be set up, managed and funded as a nonprofit. This means creating and sustaining a nonprofit structure capable of continually raising the substantial sum of money needed to support exhibits, programs and other operations.

There are already more than 120 arts, culture and humanities nonprofits in the Bellingham area doing important work here. Mindport is choosing to close instead of entering that market and competing for limited funds with our museum friends and other vital organizations.

Mindport Exhibit staff have been integral to each visitor’s experience over the years! We value their contributions and want to make sure they are acknowledged and taken care of during this time.

Staff have been given a timeline they can depend on, and supplemental pay and paid transition time have been offered to those working during this period. We remain hopeful that staff and docents will be able to continue their work here—interacting with museum visitors, curating exhibits, fulfilling community projects that are positive and rewarding—through the summer and fall.

The building at 210 West Holly Street should not be vacant for long. It is located in a prime location in the Arts District. Conversations are underway, and we hope to be able to announce the new building owners soon.

Mindport’s custom-made, interactive exhibits are best suited for an environment where they can be enjoyed by many and maintained by experienced exhibit professionals. It is our hope that many of the interactive exhibits will find new homes where they can be cared for and enjoyed by the public.

Please direct inquiries to Tallie Jones, executive director of Mindport Exhibits, (360) 647-5614.

When Mindport closes to the public this fall, the Correspondence Club, which meets one Saturday per month, will transition to the Bellingham Public Library’s Skillshare space at 210 Central Avenue in Bellingham. People will still be able to learn the art of making snail mail collage, note cards and envelope assemblage in the company of mail art enthusiasts. All materials will continue to be provided.

We are planning a closing celebration, and the date will be announced as soon as it is set. Meanwhile, visitors are encouraged to explore the museum, play with your favorite exhibits and make fun memories with friends and family. For the latest operating hours, please refer to this page: https://www.mindport.org/visit/.

Occasional updates will be published in these places:

https://www.mindport.org/news/
https://www.facebook.com/MindportExhibits/
https://www.instagram.com/mindportexhibits/

You can also fill out the “Stay Connected” form located at the bottom of https://www.mindport.org/ to receive program information updates related to the closure.