Farnsworth Art Museum

This is a beautiful museum and worth the trip. Many wonderful Maine artists are represented and not all are directly connected just to Rockland and the coast. They have a section covering Katahdin, Kineo and Moosehead, which I appreciated. The Native displays were also nice. What I also like is you can get close to the paintings. You’re not supposed to touch and we didn’t (to be honest I’m not sure how they keep people from touching. I guess most patrons are respectful). For me, it allowed me to get close enough to see brushstrokes and details that I would have missed had I been farther away. My main criticism is that a lot of space is dedicated to are rt that I don’t understand and there was not enough explanation about why they were important. One room had rocks arranged in the shape of a specific island off the coast near Harrington. A video was playing but it was hard to figure out because there was no start or finish. It just seemed to be on continuous play. I’d like to see more Wyeth works. Lastly, the temporary special art display could have used more explanation. This particular artist had very similar paintings in different sizes. Why? Why were they so similar? I didn’t see a sign explaining that. I guess I could have asked but the people working there seemed more attuned to helping you get around and find things rather than answering questions about the art. They were also unobtrusive. That created a respectful and even awe inspiring experience to be there alone with the art (except for other patrons). But it would have been nice to have a more obvious source to go to for answers to questions. Also loved the huge staircase. That is as much art as the paintings.

This museum features multiple floors with a diverse range of artwork and sculptures, including contemporary pieces, some that are a bit eerie, and others with intricate details. There are several gift shops on-site. As part of our American Cruise package, the visit was included, so I'm unsure of the entrance fee. I particularly liked the dress made from seashells. Rockland is a small town, so this museum is a great way to pass the time.

Great little spot for some quality art inspired by the area. We checked out YT grounds and the guest museum and the Andre Wyeth church. Person in the lobby was happy to share some personal history that makes the artist come alive. Take a leisurely stroll as we did not have the time as had to make a ferry. Fun anyways.

What a jewel of a museum! If you are an art lover or just art curious, or perhaps want to impress someone with a cultural excursion, I encourage you to visit! You won’t be disappointed! It’s beautifully curated and the grounds are lovely. If funds are tight, plan it for their free first Fridays of every month. If you are visiting in the winter, be sure to check out their holiday events. The gift shop has some fun finds, especially if you’re looking for a unique gift.

Children are unwelcome here. Other than the wonderfully kind woman who sold us tickets at the door, this was the least child-friendly museum I have ever visited. There was no effort made to engage children either in the signage or in hand-outs. The security guards hovered around my family and I believe they were communicating to "warn" each other because we were stared down every time we entered a new gallery. We are not inexperienced museum visitors and I have never felt so unwelcome. Honestly, I wish the staff would have just asked us to leave and given us a refund; it would have been less stressful for all involved. The collection itself is fine (all the most famous Wyeth pieces are elsewhere, of course). There was an attempt to include indigenous perspectives and modern artists, but ultimately it relies entirely on its Wyeth collection, which relies entirely the viewer already being fan (which some would say I am) because it is displayed without clear thematic or narrative principle. As an alternative, allow me to suggest visitors enjoy the galleries on Main Street for free and read "A Piece of the World" by Cristina Baker Kline for a pleasant day of art in Maine connections. Upon leaving my 8 yo, who happens to keep a collection of brochures from the MET, Scottish National Galleries, etc for her own inspiration, literally commented, "huh, you would think if they want more artists in Maine they would try to encourage kids to find art." Agreed, kiddo. Agreed.

Impressive curation of art representing regional and internationally-renowned artists. There are two buildings and 6 floors, so we did not get to see everything, but our group looks at art thoughtfully (and rather slowly), so it is possible to see it all in a day (if you’re efficient). Guests wear an entrance sticker and can exit to have lunch (many Rockland downtown area eateries in close walking distance) before returning to the museum. I was surprised by the extensive collection of quality art.

Well worth the admission price. Loved the Hopper/Wyeth show and also Katz w/friends. The satellite church across the street has amazing architecture and the Wyeth watercolors were fabulous. Was hoping to see the Porters that another reviewer mentioned but they weren't up. Still had a great visit!

Beautiful exhibits with a deep look into artists and the history of Maine