Muse Paintbar

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Muse Paintbar is an American chain of paint and sip studios offering guided painting classes with on-site beer, wine, and light fare. Founded in 2012, it operates studios along the East Coast, from Maine to Georgia, and also offers online virtual options. Muse owns and operates all locations and is the largest corporate-owned (not franchised) paint-and-sip operator in the United States. Its growth and concept have been covered by regional and national news, including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and The Washington Post.

Founding and Rapid Expansion (2012–2020)

Muse was started by Stan Finch, who served as the company president until 2020. The business plan was finalized while Finch was still at Harvard Business School, where he received funding from his marketing professor and several fellow students. The first studio opened in Manchester, New Hampshire in 2012.

Early expansion efforts added West Hartford, Connecticut (2013), Providence, Rhode Island (2014), and Portland, Maine (2014). The first New York City studio opened in Tribeca (2015).

Additional studios followed as Muse opened multiple locations each in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Maryland, and Virginia from 2016 to 2019. In 2018, The Wall Street Journal reported a $9 million investment to support continued growth. By 2019, press described the brand as operating more than 30 locations.

COVID and Restructuring (2020–2022)

The onset of COVID-19 in March 2020 brought a suspension of in-studio events across Muse’s markets, followed by phased re-openings as local guidelines allowed. During the pandemic period, the company entered a federal receivership. Municipal records and local permitting minutes reflect a court-approved sale of assets to EAD Entertainment, LLC, and federal docket entries show the receivership concluded in 2022.

Muse also introduced virtual experiences during the pandemic. By February 2021, USA Today recommended their Valentine’s Day “Paint at Home Kit” as its first suggestion for “Valentine's Day date night ideas you can do at home.” Muse continues to offer virtual paint parties even as in-studio traffic has returned post-pandemic.

Resumed Growth and New Markets (2022–Present)

Muse emerged from COVID with a smaller footprint but an eye toward expansion. As of 2025, coverage described the chain as operating about two dozen East Coast studios and hosting roughly 15,000 events annually. Mentions in publications like The Boston Globe (2022), Newsday (2023), and The Washington Post (2025) underscore the brand’s continued presence on local entertainment calendars.

Muse opened two additional locations in Virginia—Arlington and Ashburn—and opened its first Georgia location at The Battery in Atlanta (2025). The company has also announced planned new studios in Tennessee, at River North in Nashville, and Florida, at Downtown Palm Beach Gardens.

References

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