The Maine Art Museum Trail

Maine’s landscapes have long captivated artists—its silvery coastal light, weathered harbors and pine-covered hills appearing in paintings for generations. Today, you can follow that inspiration yourself along The Maine Art Museum Trail, a 350-mile journey linking 10 museums and more than 80,000 works of art across the state.

The trail connects coastal villages, lively cities and historic college towns where art thrives year-round. Along the way, you’ll encounter places that have shaped American art history—from the storied artist colonies of Monhegan Island and Ogunquit to the galleries and campuses that continue to nurture new generations of artists.

It’s easy to visit a few museums in a single day, or turn the entire route into a leisurely road trip over several days. Each stop comes with its own local flavor: welcoming inns, great restaurants, festivals and charming downtowns filled with galleries and shops. Just beyond the museum doors are the very landscapes that inspired so many artists in the first place—from rocky shorelines and working harbors to quiet forests and mountain vistas.

Museums Along the Maine Art Museum Trail

Abbe Museum

Bar Harbor
Seasonal: May–Oct.
Dedicated to the art, culture and history of the Wabanaki people, the Abbe Museum offers an essential perspective on Maine’s Indigenous heritage. Each summer, the museum hosts the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas, a multi-day celebration of Wabanaki voices through performances, panels and a Native arts market. (Seasonal)

Bates College Museum of Art

Lewiston
This free-admission teaching museum pairs Maine-focused collections with modern and contemporary works from around the world. Highlights include the Marsden Hartley Memorial Collection, honoring one of Maine’s most celebrated artists.

Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Brunswick
Among the nation’s finest college art museums, Bowdoin’s collection spans more than 5,000 years of creativity and includes over 25,000 objects from cultures around the globe. Check the events calendar for artists talks and guided tours. Admission is free.

Center for Maine Contemporary Art

Rockland
In downtown Rockland, just steps from the Farnsworth Art Museum and the historic Strand Theatre, CMCA showcases cutting-edge contemporary art in three gallery spaces, hands-on learning in its ArtLab and creative gifts, art supplies and merchandise in its shop.

Colby College Museum of Art

Waterville
With five interconnected wings and nearly 10,000 works, Colby’s museum is a cornerstone of Waterville’s cultural scene. Its galleries emphasize American and contemporary art, offering expansive exhibitions in more than 38,000 square feet of space. Also part of the museum is its downtown satellite locations: the Joan Dignam Schmaltz Gallery of Art and Greene Block + Studios.

Farnsworth Art Museum

Rockland
A must-visit for fans of American art, the Farnsworth houses more than 15,000 works and a renowned collection devoted to three generations of the Wyeth family: N.C., Andrew and Jamie.

Trip Tip: Just across the street, The Farnsworth’s 365 Gallery & Design Store showcases handcrafted pieces by artisans from Maine and across New England. Browse limited-edition prints, distinctive home goods and thoughtful designs inspired by the Farnsworth’s collection and coastal Maine.

Monhegan Museum of Art & History

Seasonal: June – Sept.
Monhegan Island
Set on a small island that has drawn artists for over 150 years, this museum preserves the creative legacy of Monhegan through more than 1,300 works created by painters who found inspiration on its dramatic cliffs and quiet coves.

Ogunquit Museum of American Art

Seasonal: Apr.–Nov.
Ogunquit
Surrounded by sweeping sculpture gardens overlooking the Atlantic, this museum celebrates artists connected to Ogunquit’s influential early-20th-century art colony. Get a sneak peek with its free digital guide.

Portland Museum of Art

Portland
Maine’s largest art museum features major collections of American, European and contemporary art alongside iconic Maine works. A highlight experience is the Winslow Homer Studio Tour, where visitors can step inside the Prouts Neck studio where the legendary painter created many of his masterpieces. Before you leave, stop by the PMA Store for handcrafted jewelry, glassware, art books and creative gifts by Maine makers.

Zillman Art Museum

Bangor
Part of the University of Maine, this free museum focuses on modern and contemporary art with a strong permanent collection and rotating exhibitions that spotlight innovative artists.

While these museums form the backbone of the trail, art in Maine doesn’t stop at their doors. Small galleries, artist studios and creative spaces appear in nearly every coastal town and inland village.

Because in Maine, inspiration is everywhere—and whether you’re driving the coast or standing before a canvas, you’ll quickly discover that there’s an art to everything here.