by Mary Macary
Whether you live in Maine or you’re just visiting, one way to enrich yourself with art, culture, history, and new experiences is to visit some of the excellent museums of Maine.
- Portland Museum of Art
With a rich history of over 140 years, the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is one of the oldest museums in the United States. This magnificent museum has permanent historical pieces inside, but it is also the host of exhibits and collections that come and go, guaranteeing that you’ll see something new and exciting with every visit. This museum is family-friendly, with Family Days that offer opportunities for kids to experience and experiment with art-making and films. The hands-on interaction doesn’t stop with Family Day though, because PMA also has workshop days to help guide visitors through unique spaces and allow them to participate through hands-on activities or prompts to immerse themselves into the experience. For a wide variety of art from both artists of the past and artists of today, and for immersive interactions with opportunities to meet some of the artists showcased in the museum, if you have any interest in art, Portland Museum of Art is the place for you and your family.
- Maine Maritime Museum
As a history museum that offers specialized interest in Maine and the sea, the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath, Maine is an excellent place for people interested in history and the maritime environments of Maine. This museum offers glimpses of the past with exhibits showcasing historical artifacts such as the contents of their historic boat collection. Not only does it have historical offers, but it also allows marine biologists to showcase replicas and discoveries of things in Maine’s very oceans. For maritime enthusiasts and history lovers, Maine Maritime Museum is a pot of gold waiting to be discovered.
- Farnsworth Art Museum
If you’re looking for a more culturally relevant and diverse museum, Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland, Maine is hard to overlook. With lots of diversity and inclusion, the museum offers a broad look at Maine’s art and culture, showing who the people of Maine truly are. Along with ever-changing exhibits, this museum also has permanent exhibits from many influential artists such as sculptor Louise Nevelson, painter Gilbert Stewart, and impressionist painter Childe Hassam. When it comes to Maine’s historical and modern influences in America, the Farnsworth Art Museum has it all.