The state of Maine features a thriving arts and culture scene, and this is especially true in the Midcoast region! One of the best ways to experience it is to plan a visit to the Farnsworth Museum in Maine. Also known as the Andrew Wyeth Museum, this intriguing spot is a testament to 20th-century American art and the impact it has made on life in Maine. Here’s everything you need to know about it!
The Farnsworth Museum in Maine is just one of many stops to make during a visit to this unique region. The town of Boothbay Harbor is conveniently located near all of coastal Maine’s best dining, local shopping, museums, and more. For a hand-picked list of the best attractions and activities available here, be sure to access our complimentary Vacation Guide!
What to Know Before Visiting the Museum
Located in Rockland, Maine, the Farnsworth Art Museum is just an hour away from Boothbay Harbor. The trip is worth making, since the drive is filled with beautiful views of the coast. Plus, an entire day can be spent browsing the museum’s fantastic exhibits and exploring the town of Rockland. We think strolling through the Farnsworth Art Museum is one of the best things to do in Maine when it rains!
Admission to the museum costs nothing for museum members, $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, $10 for students, and free for children or residents of Rockland. Before visiting, be sure to check the Farnsworth Museum’s seasonal hours!
Why You Need to Visit the Farnsworth Museum in Maine
To Learn About “America’s First Art Family”
The Andrew Wyeth Exhibit
One of the most popular exhibits at the Farnsworth Museum in Maine is focused on the Wyeths, deemed “America’s first art family.” The exhibit features some of the family’s most well-known works, including the famed painting “Christina’s World.” Andrew Wyeth, one of the most celebrated realist painters of the 20th century, is the star of this exhibit. His landscape and portrait paintings embody life in rural New England, and especially scenes from his summer home in Cushing, Maine. This exhibit also features works by N.C. and Jamie Wyeth.
To Experience Other Unforgettable Exhibits
In addition to Wyeth family pieces, the museum’s 20,000-square-foot gallery space boasts the largest collection of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson. In all, there are more than 15,000 significant American works on display! For visitors looking to experience even more fantastic pieces, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art is another one of the best art galleries in the area.
To Tour Historic Sites
The Farnsworth Art Museum also includes two historic sites worth exploring: The Olson House and the Farnsworth Homestead. The Olson House was the visual inspiration for “Christina’s World” and includes views that Andrew Wyeth himself painted. This historic home is located just 20 minutes south of the museum in Cushing, Maine, and is open for tours. Be sure to swing by between Memorial Day Weekend and Columbus Day Weekend, Tuesday – Sunday.
The Farnsworth Homestead also offers plenty of glimpses into the history of American art. Here, visitors learn all about what life was like for the Farnsworth family in the 19th century. Like the Olson House, this site opens each Memorial Day Weekend.
Stay With Us at Linekin Bay Resort in Boothbay Harbor, Maine!
Linekin Bay Resort is one of the best places to stay when exploring Maine’s rich art history. It’s also where so many travelers go for the best Maine family getaways! Our historic resort offers exceptional lodging options that, like Andrew Wyeth’s paintings, capture Maine’s natural beauty. Choose between waterfront cabins, waterfront lodge rooms, and wooded cabins. We even offer pet-friendly accommodations for families who wish to experience all of the best things to do in Boothbay Harbor with a furry friend. Don’t forget to explore our on-property land and water activities!