Best Places to See Art in Maine

Lacey Flanagan

November 14, 2022

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a resident, there are many excellent places to see art in Maine. From the Ogunquit Museum of American Art to the Bowdoin College Museum of Art, there are many options to choose from. There are also several galleries in the smaller towns of Portland and Kennebunkport.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is a small art museum in Ogunquit, Maine, that features over 3,000 pieces of art in its permanent collection. The museum is a popular spot for families to visit during their vacations to Maine.

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art is a local treasure that showcases contemporary and American art. The museum opened in 1953 and focuses on American art, with an emphasis on contemporary works. The collection includes pieces by Yasuo Kuniyoshi, Walt Kuhn, and Frances Lamont. The museum also houses pieces from other local artists.

Bowdoin College Museum of Art

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art is an art museum in Brunswick, Maine. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is housed in a building on the campus of Bowdoin College. The architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White designed the building.

Founded in 1811, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art is one of the oldest collegiate art collections in the United States. Its collection features more than 20,000 works of art, including many from the Colonial era. Highlights of the museum’s permanent collection include works by John Sloan, Andrew Wyeth, and Mary Cassatt. There are also items from the studio of Winslow Homer and many other artists. In addition to the permanent collection, the museum also has exhibitions and free programs throughout the year.

Portland Museum of Art

The Portland Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the state, showcasing more than three centuries of American and European art. Located in the heart of the city, this museum is a must-see for art lovers, art history enthusiasts, and newbies alike. The galleries are home to works by local artists as well as world-renowned masters. Admission is free for people under 21 years of age.

The Portland Museum of Art contains an extensive collection of works by famous painters. The museum also features regional works and intricately carved furniture. Highlights of the museum’s permanent collection include works by Henri Matisse, David Driskell, and Richard Estes. The museum also frequently features works by local artists and has a special exhibition devoted to the history of art and identity in the early United States.

Kennebunkport

If you are a fan of art and culture, you’ll be delighted to know that there are several galleries in Kennebunkport. The Wright Gallery, located in a 19th-century post and beam building, showcases traditional New England art. It also features a concert guitarist and a stunning view of the harbour. African stone sculptures and ceramics are also on display.

Visitors to the area can also enjoy whale-watching tours, which go as far as Jeffrey’s Ledge. These tours are a great way to see the Maine coast. Another popular attraction in the town is the Seashore Trolley Museum, which is filled with old trolleys and provides information about their history. The museum also features a family-friendly area and a working trolley.

Wiscasset

For those interested in fine art, there are a number of fine art galleries to choose from in Wiscasset, Maine. One of these is the Wiscasset Bay Gallery, housed in the historic Wawenock Building on Main Street. This gallery displays fine artwork from American and European artists. Many of the works are inspired by the landscapes of the Maine coastline, and the gallery regularly hosts themed exhibitions.

Another place to see art is the Cushman Preserve, a 147-acre nature preserve with hiking trails and beautiful scenery. From here, you can see the picturesque Back River and Cushman Cove. Nearby is the Sylvan Gallery, one of the best contemporary art galleries in New England.

Boothbay Harbor

One of the top places to visit in Maine is Boothbay Harbor, a historic harbour town that has long been a gathering place for artists. This coastal town is home to an array of galleries, the Pythian Opera House, and other art institutions. It’s also known for its fine restaurants and unique shops.

Not only will you be able to see some beautiful artwork, but you’ll also enjoy the local culture. Whether you love flora and fauna or want to fill your home with beautiful works, you’ll find something you love at Boothbay Harbor’s art galleries. While you’re in town, you’ll also want to visit the small museum that tells the story of the town.

Landmark Gallery

If you’re looking for a great place to see art in Maine, you’ve come to the right place. In this 19th-century firehouse, the Landmark Gallery showcases the works of artists from classical oil painters to Plein air painters. Founded by David Fouts, the gallery is located just outside Portland.

While you’re in Portland, don’t miss the Institute of Contemporary Art. This Maine museum is home to more than 800 works by Alex Katz, including a retrospective exhibition of his work. In addition, the museum is the only repository of Terry Winters’ archive of prints. The museum has also hosted works by New York multimedia artist Kate Gilmore and New Jersey-born artist Brian Graf.