Midcoast Maine boasts a thriving, creative culture consisting of local galleries, public art installments, and unique museums. One of the best ways to experience this scene is to visit the Farnsworth Art Museum! Also known as the Andrew Wyeth Museum, this iconic spot features a large collection of 20th-century American art about life in Maine. Here’s what you need to know before visiting!
We recommend spending an afternoon exploring the Farnsworth Art Museum, but there are so many more fun things to do here! 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 free Midcoast Maine Vacation Guide!
Everything You Need to Know About the Farnsworth Art Museum
About the Museum
The Farnsworth Museum is just one hour and 15 minutes away from Newagen Seaside Inn in Rockland, Maine. This drive is an incredibly scenic one! You’ll love passing Maine’s rocky shorelines and beautiful forests. Once you arrive, you’ll find that it’s easy to spend an entire day browsing the museum’s many exhibits (and the town of Rockland). Visiting the art museum is also a fantastic way to spend a rainy day in Maine!
Admission Information
Visiting the museum and learning about some key 20th-century artists is worth every penny! Admission cost varies, so be sure to take note of the rates, listed below.
- $15 for adults
- $13 for seniors
- $10 for students
- Free for museum members, Rockland residents, and children
We also recommend checking the Farnsworth Museum’s seasonal hours before driving to Rockland!
What to See at the Museum
Fantastic Works by a Family of Artists
For those familiar with the famous painting, “Christina’s World,” the Andrew Wyeth exhibit at the Farnsworth Museum is a must-see! As one of the most popular exhibits, this collection features some of the Wyeth family’s most well-known works. Andrew Wyeth was one of the most celebrated realist painters of the 20th century, and is the star of this exhibit. His landscape and portrait paintings embody life in rural New England as well as scenes from his summer home in Cushing, Maine. This exhibit also features works by N.C. and Jamie Wyeth, Andrew’s father and son.
Other Unforgettable Exhibits
The Andrew Wyeth exhibit may be a popular part of the Farnsworth Museum, but there are plenty of other works to see! The museum’s 20,000-square-foot gallery space also features the largest collection of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson. In all, there are more than 15,000 significant American works on display!
The Olson House and Farnsworth Homestead
The Farnsworth Art Museum is more than indoor gallery space! The Olson House and Farnsworth Homestead are also part of the experience. The beautiful and historic Olson House was Andrew Wyeth’s inspiration for “Christina’s World.” It is located just 20 minutes south of the museum in Cushing, Maine, and is open for tours between Memorial Day Weekend and Columbus Day Weekend, Tuesday – Sunday. The Farnsworth Homestead is another historic site managed by the museum. Here, visitors learn all about what life was like for the Farnsworth family in the 19th century. Like the Olson House, the Farnsworth Homestead opens each Memorial Day Weekend to the public.
Come Back to Comfort at Newagen Seaside Inn!
After spending the day interpreting stunning works of art, you’ll want to relax. There’s no better place to return each evening than Newagen Seaside Inn in scenic Southport! Our historic, locally owned inn features a variety of private cottages and tastefully decorated guest rooms. Our gleaming hardwood floors, cozy quilts, woven rugs, and nautical art were all inspired – just as you will be – by the expansive ocean views that surround each accommodation! Plus, premium amenities like complimentary breakfast, on-site activities, and seasonal events combine to create a truly memorable vacation for you and yours.
For guests who would rather stay closer to the inn, we recommend browsing the handmade pieces at Dirty Bird Pottery and checking out Boothbay Harbor’s fantastic art galleries!