Bowdoin College Museum of Art

Located approximately 30 minutes north of Portland, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art is a major destination for art lovers in Maine. The museum is part of Bowdoin College, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States. The college is especially known as the alma mater of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlin, one of the most effective Union generals during the Civil War who initially came to fame for his leadership during the Battle of Gettysburg. The Bowdoin College Museum of Art features more than 18,500 objects in its collection which spans the entire course of history, from ancient Greek sculptures to 21st century modernist paintings. The museum's holdings include virtually every type of media including paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. It's Works on Paper collection (print and ink drawings) is one of the largest in the world. Similarly, it's collection of Maine artist Winslow Homer's paintings is equally extensive. The museum has developed a strong reputation for staging highly creative special exhibits. For instance, it's Edward Hopper show gained national acclaim for its presentation of rarely viewed Maine landscape works by the famous artist. The museum is open to the public, free of charge.