Best Museums in Maine
Explore art, history, maritime heritage, and unique collections at Maine's diverse museums.
Maine’s museums offer a rich tapestry of art, history, and unique collections, reflecting the state’s diverse heritage. From world-class art institutions and maritime museums celebrating the coast to quirky historical societies and specialized exhibits, this guide helps you discover the best cultural experiences across Maine. Delve into the past, admire creative works, and learn something new on your next visit.
World-Class Art Museums
Portland Museum of Art
The Portland Museum of Art stands as Maine’s largest and oldest public art institution, and it punches well above its weight for a city of Portland’s size. The collection spans European and American art from the 18th century to contemporary works, with a particular strength in artists connected to Maine. You’ll find works by Winslow Homer, who spent summers at Prouts Neck, alongside Edward Hopper, Marsden Hartley, and Andrew Wyeth.
The museum’s contemporary wing showcases rotating exhibitions that often feature cutting-edge installations and Maine-based artists. Don’t miss the Joan Whitney Payson Collection, which includes works by Renoir, Monet, and Picasso. The museum has recently expanded, adding more gallery space and a beautiful new entrance.
Visiting tips: Free admission Friday evenings 4-8pm. The museum cafe serves excellent lunches with local ingredients. Plan for 2-3 hours to see everything comfortably.
Farnsworth Art Museum (Rockland)
Located in the heart of Rockland’s downtown, the Farnsworth has earned international recognition for its collection of Maine-related American art. The museum is perhaps best known as the keeper of the Wyeth legacy, with an extensive collection of works by N.C., Andrew, and Jamie Wyeth. The Olson House, immortalized in Andrew Wyeth’s “Christina’s World,” is part of the museum and open for tours in summer.
Beyond the Wyeths, the Farnsworth celebrates Maine’s artistic heritage through 19th and early 20th-century American art, contemporary Maine artists, and rotating special exhibitions. The museum has transformed Rockland into a serious art destination, anchoring the town’s identity as a cultural hub on the Midcoast.
Visiting tips: Combination tickets include the Wyeth Center and Olson House. Visit during the Rockland summer festivals when the town comes alive. The museum store has excellent Maine-made crafts and art books.
Colby College Museum of Art (Waterville)
Don’t let its small-town location fool you. The Colby College Museum of Art houses one of the finest collections in New England, with over 9,000 objects ranging from ancient Chinese artifacts to contemporary installations. The museum gained national attention with its acquisition of major works by Alex Katz, a summer resident of Maine, and the entire contents of artist Marsden Hartley’s estate.
The museum building itself is worth the visit, a stunning modern facility with soaring galleries and natural light. The permanent collection includes American art from the 18th century forward, with particular depth in American modernism and contemporary art. The Lunder Collection adds works by John Marin, Winslow Homer, and other American masters.
Visiting tips: Free admission always. The campus setting means free parking and a peaceful visit. Combine with a walk around Johnson Pond on campus. Open limited hours, so check ahead.
Maritime Heritage Museums
Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)
Located on the banks of the Kennebec River in Bath, the Maine Maritime Museum tells the story of Maine’s 400-year relationship with the sea. The museum sits on the historic Percy & Small Shipyard, once the largest wooden shipbuilding yard in America. The centerpiece is the Wyoming, a full-size sculpture of the largest wooden schooner ever built.
Indoor galleries explore Maine’s fishing heritage, the age of sail, lobstering traditions, and the Navy’s relationship with Bath. The museum does an excellent job explaining how maritime industries shaped Maine’s economy and culture. In summer, boat tours on the Kennebec offer views of Bath Iron Works, where Navy destroyers are still built today.
Visiting tips: Plan for a half-day visit. The museum sprawls across 20 acres of waterfront. Summer boat tours book up quickly. The museum store has excellent maritime history books and nautical gifts. Discounted admission after 3pm.
Penobscot Marine Museum (Searsport)
This sprawling complex of historic buildings in Searsport preserves the story of Penobscot Bay’s maritime heritage. Searsport was once home to more sea captains per capita than any town in America, and the museum captures that legacy through ship models, navigation instruments, paintings, and personal artifacts from seafaring families.
The museum includes 13 historic buildings, including sea captains’ homes furnished in period style. The collection of marine paintings is exceptional, documenting the ships and maritime commerce of the 19th century. You’ll learn about the China trade, packet ships, and the families who made their fortunes from the sea.
Visiting tips: This is an outdoor museum, so dress for the weather. Plan for 2-3 hours. The museum hosts excellent lecture series and special events in summer. Great for maritime history buffs and genealogy researchers.
Specialized & Unique Museums
Abbe Museum (Bar Harbor)
The Abbe Museum is the only Smithsonian-affiliated museum in Maine and the premier institution dedicated to Wabanaki culture and history. With locations in downtown Bar Harbor and at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park, the museum presents both contemporary and historical perspectives on the Native peoples of Maine.
The museum’s strength lies in its collaborative approach, working directly with Wabanaki communities to tell their stories authentically. Rotating exhibitions explore traditional crafts, contemporary art, historical trauma, and cultural resilience. The basketry collection is world-class, showcasing the extraordinary artistry of Wabanaki basket makers.
Visiting tips: The downtown location is open year-round; the Acadia location is seasonal. Attend the Native American Festival in July for demonstrations, music, and food. Support the museum store, which sells authentic Wabanaki crafts with proceeds going to artists.
Owls Head Transportation Museum (Owls Head)
This remarkable museum celebrates the pioneer era of transportation through an extraordinary collection of aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, bicycles, and engines. What sets Owls Head apart is that most vehicles still run. Weekend demonstrations feature vintage planes taking flight and antique cars cruising around the grounds.
The collection includes rare vehicles like a 1903 Cadillac, WWI-era aircraft, and motorcycles from the dawn of the 20th century. The museum hosts major events including aerobatic shows, auto auctions, and the famous Wings & Wheels spectacular. Restoration workshops allow visitors to see craftspeople bringing these machines back to life.
Visiting tips: Special event weekends are the best time to visit when vehicles are in action. Regular admission includes two consecutive days. The museum is family-friendly with programs for kids. Check the demonstration schedule before visiting.
What Makes Maine Museums Unique
Maine museums reflect the state’s character: independent, creative, and deeply connected to place. Unlike encyclopedic urban museums trying to cover everything, Maine institutions dig deep into specific stories—the relationship with the sea, the artistic tradition inspired by the landscape, the preservation of Native heritage.
Many museums occupy historic buildings that are attractions in their own right. Funding often comes from local families and communities rather than large endowments, creating intimate, personal institutions. Staff are passionate and knowledgeable, often happy to share stories beyond the exhibits.
The museum experience in Maine tends to be unhurried. You won’t fight crowds at most institutions, allowing time to actually look at objects and read labels. Many museums integrate outdoor components—sculpture gardens, historic houses, waterfront access—that extend the visit beyond gallery walls.
Planning Your Museum Visits
Seasonal considerations: Major museums remain open year-round, though smaller institutions and historic houses often close from October/November through April/May. Summer brings special exhibitions and extended hours. Fall offers pleasant visiting conditions without peak crowds.
Admission strategies: Many museums offer free or discounted admission one evening per week. Several belong to reciprocal networks—check if your home museum membership provides benefits. Maine residents often receive discounted admission.
Timing your visit: Most museums are quietest weekday mornings. Summer weekends can be busy at popular destinations like the Farnsworth or Abbe Museum. Rainy days bring crowds seeking indoor activities.
Combining museums with other activities: Portland’s Museum District puts the PMA near Victoria Mansion and other historic sites. Rockland’s museums anchor a town with excellent restaurants and galleries. Bath combines the Maritime Museum with downtown shopping and nearby beaches.
Beyond the big names: Don’t overlook smaller museums like the Seashore Trolley Museum (Kennebunkport), Telephone Museum (Ellsworth), or local historical societies. These quirky institutions often provide the most memorable experiences and personal interactions.
Maine’s museums preserve and celebrate what makes this state distinctive—the artistic tradition, maritime heritage, Native culture, and independent spirit. Whether you’re drawn to fine art, working boats, or antique automobiles, you’ll find museums that reflect genuine passion for their subjects and deep knowledge of their place.