Museums and Galleries
Museums & galleries in Acadia, Bar Harbor offer depth to your vacation
Find art galleries and museums of art, science, technology, for children, and more; with maps
8 listings
Castine, ME
Wilson Museum Complex
120 Perkins Street 207-326-9247Museum consists of the Wilson Museum, with rocks and minerals, prehistoric artifacts from North and South America, dioramas of early human periods, early weapons and firearms, ship models, 19th-century carpenters tools, farm and household equipment, reconstructed 1805 kitchen and Victorian parlor, archival material related to Castine history; the John Perkins House; Blacksmith Shop; and Hearse House. Admission is free, except for the John Perkins House, where there are guided tours.
Hours: Open Late May thru September, Weekdays 10am - 5pm, Weekends 2 - 5pm.
Bar Harbor, ME
George B. Dorr Museum of Natural History
College of the Atlantic - 105 Eden Street 207-288-2917The museum investigates, interprets and displays the natural world of Maine. The museum showcases dioramas that portray native species in natural and human-altered environments. The museum is housed in the original headquarters of Acadia National Park.
Hours: During the summer (mid-June to early September) Tuesday-Saturday, 10am - 5pm. Check website for hours during other times of the year.
Southwest Harbor, ME
Wendell Gilley Museum of Bird Carving
4 Herrick Road 207-244-7555Founded in 1981, the museum is the major showcase for the work of world-renowned bird carver Wendell Gilley, a Southwest Harbor native who was one of the two or three recognized pioneers of this indigenous American art form.
Hours: Open November-mid May, Fridays & Saturdays 10am – 4pm. Closed Nov. 24-25 and Dec. 19-Jan. 12, 2023. Summer 2023 Hours to be announced.
Bar Harbor, ME
The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor
26 Mount Desert Street - Route 3 207-288-3519The Abbe offers innovative exhibitions and programs on Maine’s Native American heritage. In recent years, the Abbe has grown from a small but lovely trailside museum to an exciting contemporary museum in the heart of downtown Bar Harbor. At the Abbe’s new downtown museum, visitors find dynamic and stimulating exhibitions and activities interspersed with spaces for quiet reflection. The history and cultures of Maine’s Native people, the Wabanaki, are showcased through changing exhibitions, special events, teacher workshops, archaeology field schools and craft workshops for children and adults. Open to the public from April thru October, check website for dates & hours.
Bar Harbor, ME
The Abbe Museum at Sieur de Monts Spring
Acadia National Park - Sieus de Monts Road Entrance 207-288-3519The Abbe offers innovative exhibitions and programs on Maine’s Native American heritage. From spring through fall, the Abbe’s historic trailside museum at Sieur de Monts Spring continues to offer visitors a step back in time to early 20th century presentations of the Native American archaeology of Maine. Woodland setting with paths and trails running through it. Note: The Museum at Sieur de Monts is currently closed for renovation. Please check the website and social media for further information.
Bangor, ME
Cole Land Transportation Museum
405 Perry Road 207-990-3600Exhibits feature antique vehicles, including a display of military cars and trucks. There is also a covered bridge on the premises. Open seasonally from late April thru early November.
Bradley, ME
Maine Forest and Logging Museum
262 Government Road 207-974-6278The museum is dedicated to keeping alive the forest history of long ago for the present day citizens of Maine. The centerpiece of the museum is Leonard's Mills, a reconstructed logging and mill community of the 1790s. Programs feature volunteers in period dress demonstrating traditional skills and crafts. Events include living history days and summer programs. Group tours can be scheduled.
Hours: The grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Buildings are not open to the public. Volunteers will be on-site Tuesdays keeping the grounds and can answer questions.
Bangor, ME
Zillman Art Museum
University of Maine - 40 Harlow Street 207-581-3300The Zilman Art Museum at the University of Maine demonstrates modern and contemporary art in a variety of styles and media. The museum makes a point of featuring artists from Maine, including Berenice Abbott, Marsden Hartley, Winslow Homer, John Marin, Carl Sprinchorn, and Andrew Wyeth. Please consult the website for a list of past, current and upcoming exhibitions.
Hours: Open Tuesday thru Saturday, 10am - 5pm.