Art Museums

Cool fact: Viewing world-class art in Maine lets you see it at its source. The state has been an artist magnet since the mid-19th century. They came—and continue to come—to capture Maine's  headlands and surf, peaks and lakes, fish shacks and lighthouses. Visit an art museum here, and often you can view a painting's inspiration nearby.

The Maine Art Museum Trail, comprising seven museums, is remarkable for the breadth and depth of its offerings. Many museums are themselves architectural treasures. Exhibited within them are additional treasures: works spanning Abyssinian reliefs to Alex Katz paintings, including prints, sculptures, photographs, works of craft and fiber art, furniture and installations.

Follow the trail to view significant collections and outstanding works, including pieces from every period of American art. A particular focus are Maine artists. See works by icons such as Andrew Wyeth, John Marin, Marsden Hartley, Winslow Homer and Rockwell Kent; giants such as Louise Nevelson, Yvonne Jacquette, Beverly Hallam, Lois Dodd and Neil Welliver; and contemporary artists including Jamie Wyeth, Eric Hopkins, Nancy Wissemann-Widrig, Robert Indiana and Dahlov Ipcar.

Maine's art museums also offer complementary programming including films, lectures, tours, classes and special events that provide context to the artistic works. Another plus: Viewing world-class art in Maine isn't a budget breaker. Some museums are free; others have at least one free afternoon or evening weekly.