The 2025 Maine Museum Guide: Your Key to Discover Art and History
Explore Maine’s cultural treasures with our definitive guide. From world-class art collections in Portland to shipbuilding legacies in Bath and local history in every corner of the state, plan your perfect visit right here.
This is a comprehensive guide to visiting museums across Maine, updated for September 2025. We provide the essential, hard-to-find planning details that allow you to visit with confidence. Discover information on admission prices, special discounts, free admission days, parking, and reciprocal membership programs. Whether you’re a family with young children, a history enthusiast, or just someone who likes to look at art, this guide is your starting point for exploring Maine’s rich cultural landscape.
Plan Your Museum Visit Like a Pro
Maine’s museum scene is as diverse and captivating as its coastline. It’s more than just a collection of artifacts; it’s a vibrant tapestry of world-renowned art, rugged maritime history, and the unique stories that have shaped the state. But a great museum trip requires a bit of planning, so knowing the logistics ahead of time—from parking to pricing to—can transform a good visit into a fantastic one.
This guide is built to give you that confidence. We move beyond a simple list of names and addresses to provide the practical details you need. Before you even look at the exhibits, it’s helpful to understand the types of institutions Maine has to offer:
- Art Museums: Maine has long been a muse for artists, and its art museums are world-class. From the iconic works of Winslow Homer and the Wyeth family to contemporary collections featuring today’s artists, these spaces are a must-see.
- Maritime & Industrial Museums: With thousands of miles of coastline, Maine’s identity is inextricably linked to the sea. Museums dedicated to shipbuilding, fishing, and lighthouse keeping tell the story of the state’s hardworking relationship with the ocean and rivers. You’ll also find museums dedicated to its industrial past, from logging and gems to textiles.
- Children’s Museums: Designed for hands-on learning and play, Maine’s children’s museums are a saving grace for families on rainy days or during school vacations. These institutions offer interactive exhibits that make learning about science, culture, and art fun for all ages. For other indoor play areas for children, check out our list of Indoor Playgrounds in Maine.
- Local Historical Societies: Perhaps the most charming and numerous of Maine’s museums, these small but mighty institutions are found in towns across the state. They are treasure troves of local lore, preserving the unique stories, photographs, and artifacts of their communities.
To make your planning seamless, we focus on the details that matter most. In our directory, you’ll find information on admission prices, parking locations, and food options on-site. We also highlight special programs like free admission days and participation in reciprocal membership networks to help you get the most value out of your visit.
Browse Museums in Maine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Another incredibly helpful program is called Museums for All, which is available to anyone receiving food assistance by presenting their SNAP EBT card (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Electronic Benefit Transfer) at a participating museum. The museums in this program (more than 1,500 of them across the United States) have reduced their rates to $5 or less (or Free) per person for up to 4 people if one person presents their card for the program.