City of Cambridge ends Fashion History Museum lease

The Bead Goes On at the Fashion History Museum in 2023. (Submitted/museum staff)

The City of Cambridge has terminated the lease of the Fashion History Museum (FHM) at 74 Queen Street East due to what they say was because of “significant unpaid rent” totaling approximately $140,000 since June 2023.

The decision, announced on March 14, follows extensive engagement and negotiation efforts since last year.

The museum operates on the main floor under a commercial lease, while its curators reside in a second-floor apartment suite. According to the city, no rent has been paid for the residential space, and the city is not in a position to provide rent-free accommodation.

“Ending a lease is always a last resort,” the city stated in a press release, adding that attempts were made to resolve the issue, including offering reduced rent payments, partial forgiveness, and a repayment plan. However, no resolution was reached.

The statement went on to say in part: "The city acknowledges the contributions that arts and culture organizations make to our community but feel it would be unjust to continue to accumulate arrears and undue expenses to the community. While we understand that this news will be disappointing to some, we want to assure the community that the City continues to invest in arts and culture. The funding process is competitive, the demand is high, and we must balance the needs of many groups and organizations with the financial realities of the city’s budget. While we regret that a resolution could not be met, we will turn our attention to how to best utilize the space in the future."

The museum is currently selling items, including two 1912 mahogany glass cases from a Galt jewelry store.

In a social media post over the weekend, the FHM expressed gratitude to its supporters and disappointment in the city’s decision.

“...We appreciate all the praise, support, and recognition you have given us over the past ten years,” the museum stated. “We are shocked the City of Cambridge terminated our lease on March 14, preceding our planned closure for the season on April 20. We want to assure everyone that the Fashion History Museum and its collection are fine and will continue, it is only our home that will change.”

The lease termination follows a funding request by the museum in February 2024 for just under $98,000 for the year and $293,000 over three years.

The city stated in May that the museum did not meet the requirements for funding amid high demand from other organizations.