Farnsworth Museum

Frommer's Review

Rockland, for all its rough edges, has long and historic ties to the arts. Sculptor Louise Nevelson grew up here, and in 1935, philanthropist Lucy Farnsworth bequeathed a fortune large enough to establish the Farnsworth Museum, which has since joined the ranks of the most respected art museums in New England. The Farnsworth has a superb collection of paintings and sculptures by renowned American artists with a connection to Maine. This includes not only Nevelson and three generations of Wyeths (N. C., Andrew, and Jamie) but also Rockwell Kent, Childe Hassam, and Maurice Prendergast. The Farnsworth Center for the Wyeth Family is housed just down the block in the former Pratt Memorial Methodist Church, where you'll find Andrew and Betsy Wyeth's personal collection of Maine-related art.

The Farnsworth also owns two other buildings open to the public. The Farnsworth Homestead, located behind the museum, offers a glimpse into the life of prosperous coastal Victorians. A 25-minute drive away in the village of Cushing is the Olson House, perhaps Maine's most famous home, which was immortalized in Andrew Wyeth's noted painting Christina's World. Ask at the museum for directions and information (closed in winter).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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