Bruce Toll proposes art museum and sculpture garden in Abington

The Abington Township Board of Commissioners held a working session on April 10, 2025, where significant discussions centered around a proposed art museum initiative by local resident Bruce Toll. Represented by his business partner, the proposal aims to establish a museum in Abington to showcase Toll's extensive art collection, which includes paintings and sculptures.

During the session, it was highlighted that Toll, a long-time resident of Abington, wishes to create a cultural asset for the community rather than donating his collection to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The proposed museum would be managed by a foundation established by Toll, allowing residents to enjoy the art locally. The site under consideration is a large property that could potentially be subdivided for housing, but Toll's vision is to transform it into a museum and sculpture garden, enhancing the township's cultural landscape.

Commissioner Knacker raised questions regarding the zoning implications of the proposal, noting that similar uses are already permitted in twelve other districts within the township. The discussion also touched on parking requirements, emphasizing that the burden would be on the applicant to demonstrate any need for reduced parking based on operational hours or appointment-only visits.

The board acknowledged the historical significance of the property, which has ties to the founding of Abington Township. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to retain and celebrate a cultural asset within the community, with the potential to attract visitors and enhance local engagement with the arts.

As the meeting progressed, the board opened the floor for further comments and questions, indicating a collaborative approach to evaluating the proposal. The discussions underscored the importance of community input and the potential benefits of establishing a museum that reflects the township's cultural heritage. The board plans to continue deliberations on this initiative, considering its implications for Abington's future.