Ogunquit Museum of American Art
4.7(492)google
4.6(33)yelp
Date SpotIndoorOutdoorPhoto SpotOcean ViewHealingSlow-PacedContemporary ArtSculptureCoast
Overview
The Ogunquit Museum of American Art (OMAA) is an art museum located in Ogunquit, Maine. The Museum officially opened in 1953 and was founded by Lost Generation artist Henry Strater. Situated near Perkins Cove, the Museum and its three acres of sculpture gardens overlook Narrow Cove with views directly over the Atlantic Ocean.
Practical Info
Every day10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeOpen seasonally from May 1 through October 31 annually. Art lovers heavily favor a bright morning visit at 10:00 AM at opening. The museum building features a dramatic, floor-to-ceiling glass wall in its main gallery, framing the rocky Atlantic swells seamlessly behind modern American sculptures. The exterior seaside cliffside features a gorgeous sculpture garden blending seamlessly with ocean vistas.
Getting ThereExcellently situated at 543 Shore Road, just a stone's throw from Perkins Cove. Drive south from downtown Ogunquit along Shore Road for about 1.2 miles; the museum driveway appears on the left with a dedicated free parking lot nestled in the trees. Pedestrians can enjoy an easy 8 to 10-minute walk north from Perkins Cove, or take the seasonal trolley which stops nearby.
Travel Tips
- Perched on narrow coastal bluffs, this gallery implements a strict seasonal timeline, opening daily from 10:00 to 17:00 strictly between May 1 and October 31; the entire site seals completely for winter storage outside these parameters.
- The exterior oceanfront sculpture park interfaces directly with raw cliff drop-offs lacking safety fences; climbing on multimillion-dollar artistic installations or descending the slick sea-ledges is strictly forbidden.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- The preservation galleries house low-tolerance modern canvases and glass crafts; deploying external flash units or mechanical tripods is illegal, and all dual-strap travel packs exceeding 11x15 inches must be secured at lockers.
Reviews
Positive
- The most beautifully located art museum in America! Perched on a rugged rocky cliff, giant panoramic windows bring the Atlantic straight inside. Stunning.
- The outdoor sculpture garden lives up to its reputation. Modern art pieces mingle with green lawns and crashing waves, offering rich aesthetic fun.
- The collection of 20th-century and contemporary American art is compact but refined. Clear curation and a quiet, tranquil vibe avoid tourist rushes.
- The gallery staff are professional and gentle, and indoor restrooms are premium. Smooth driving route with its own free dedicated parking lot.
Heads up
- The museum size is small with only three indoor galleries. If you don't linger in the gardens, you'll finish in 30 mins, making tickets feel high.