Ogunquit Art Museums & Galleries
Ogunquit, Maine is a town with many faces. You have the romance and rugged beauty of the seaside, the quaint charm of the village shops and restaurants, and the culture offered by the Ogunquit’s many history museums and historic sites. Add to that a huge array of artistic attractions right outside your cottage door. To get you started, we’ve put together a short list of our favorite Ogunquit art museums and art galleries. Use it as a resource for your own self-guided art tour, or a checklist of must-visit art stops to complete during future trips to Ogunquit.
1. The Ogunquit Museum of American Art
If you’re looking to brush up on your American art history, you couldn’t do much better than the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. Featuring works of painting, sculpture, drawings, prints, and more, the museum contains works from the late 19th century to today. Notably, it is the only museum in all of Maine dedicated to American art history, making it a unique and special attraction. Visitors can also enjoy the landscaped oceanfront gardens, which span three acres outside the museum.
2. The Barn Gallery
Ogunquit’s art scene is not limited to museums, and the Barn Gallery shows what the talented local artists of the Ogunquit Art Association can accomplish. The Barn Gallery has a number of exhibitions each year and includes works of painting, sculpture, and other contemporary art. There is also an art auction that gives fans and connoisseurs the chance to walk away with some unique and beautiful pieces.
3. The Museums of Old York
Just a few miles south of Ogunquit lies York, Maine, a beautiful and historic town – and also the home of the Museums of Old York, a collection of nine historic sites and museums that features works of art, architecture, and New England history. Of particular interest to art lovers is the George Marshall Store gallery, a gallery of contemporary art, and the Remick Gallery, an exhibition space that hosts regular art and history exhibits.
4. The Portland Museum of Art
If you’re in the mood for a bit of a drive, it’s hard to beat the Portland Museum of Art. Maine’s oldest and most prestigious art museum, the Portland Museum of Art contains works by American and foreign artists dating back to the 18th century, and the collection totals more than 17,000 pieces. The museum itself is housed in three historic buildings, the oldest of which, the McLellan House, was built in 1801.
Of course, there are plenty of other things to do in Ogunquit, both artistic and otherwise. And once you’ve reveled in the beautiful works at these Ogunquit art museums and galleries, relax and treat your eyes to the beautiful sight of the sea from your private cottage at The Dunes on the Waterfront. It might even inspire you to do some painting of your own.