If you're in central Maine, you should stop off and visit Colby College's beautiful new museum. It's probably one of the largest collections of art, if not the largest, in Maine. Spend a couple of hours perusing the beautiful and eclectic pieces. From Degas to Katz this is a collection worth viewing.
What a gem! Has lots of Winslow Homer and James McNeil Whistler art! But also has a good selection of paintings, etching, sculptures, photographs, etc from artists of all decades. Also good folk art collection. Spent 3 hours there and still could go back and see it again. Free, too! Closed Mondays, but open Sundays. Highly, highly recommended!
38,000 sq ft of exhibition space of contemporary and American art on a picture perfect New England old college campus should put this on any traveller's itinerary.Picture 4000 yr old Asian ceramics, then view from this partial roster:Alex Katz,Winslow Homer,Serra,JM Whistler,Cassatt,Calder.Many more.Go with awe and wonder about imagination. And, no charge.
Disclosure: I'm not an artist or an art historian. That said, I loved our visits to the Colby Museum. The Colby College Museum is now the largest art museum in Maine. We've taken several docent-led tours, each better than the last. One pointed out how the spaces were designed to fit the collections displayed there, something I hadn't realized. The collection has something for everyone, and I highly recommend a visit. And it's free!
This museum is outstanding. phenomenal contemporary art, inside a beautiful building too! very peaceful, and free!
I f you love art, don't miss this superb museum. Founded in 1959 and now comprising five wings, more than 8,000 works, and more than 38,000 square feet of exhibition space, this museum is a testament to the success of Colby's graduates. In 1992, 1999, and again in 2009, over 28,000 square feet of galleries were added providing stunning well lit space for this museum's impressive collection of artists such as James McNeill Whistler, William Merit Chase, Winslow Homer, John Marin, Robert Rauschenberg, Richard Sera, Sol Lewitt, Adolph Gottleib, Chuck Close, Alex Katz, and others. This museum is worth a journey and a must for art lovers!
It was my first visit to Colby Museum of art and I was quite impressed. They have nice permanent collection and interesting rotating exhibits.
The recent expansion of this museum has brought it up several levels. There is art here that would be worthy of a trip to Boston (4 hours away)..but now I can see it right in Waterville. If you are an art lover in the central Maine area (or even farther away), you must see this place! There's something here for everyone, from history buffs to ultramodernists. And did I mention, admission is FREE?
I went with friends who have in Waterville their whole lives and didn't know about it. Almost a sanctuary. I've recommended it to many people!
Housed in a relatively new building, the art collection represents a diverse range of genres and time periods. The curator's descriptions and signage are quite informative and insightful. The size of the collection is just right for an afternoon's activity. I highly recommend a visit.