Ogunquit Museum of American Art

The Ogunquit Museum of American Art, perched above Narrow Cove on Maine’s rugged coast, is a museum rooted in the artistic spirit of its surroundings. Founded in 1953 by Lost Generation painter Henry Strater, the museum was envisioned as a tribute to the Ogunquit art colonies that played such a crucial role in shaping American modernism. Today, it continues that mission, preserving and presenting a diverse collection of paintings, sculpture, drawings, prints, and photographs that together trace the richness of American art from the late nineteenth century to the present.

While its reputation has long been linked to the painters and sculptors of the Ogunquit art community, the museum also maintains an important and evolving collection of photography. These photographic works expand the museum’s narrative, offering visual records of American culture and artistic experimentation across decades. From early black-and-white studies that document the changing face of the New England landscape to more contemporary explorations of identity and abstraction, the photography holdings underscore the museum’s dedication to the full breadth of American creativity. The photographs not only complement the painted and sculpted works in the collection but also provide unique insights into moments of transition, memory, and social change.

Strater himself was a painter deeply attuned to the dialogue between tradition and innovation, and the inclusion of photography within the permanent collection continues this legacy. Visitors encounter images that reflect both regional subjects and broader artistic movements, allowing for a deeper appreciation of how American artists have engaged with modern life.

Set amid three acres of sculpture gardens with sweeping ocean views, the Ogunquit Museum of American Art is more than a place to view art—it is an experience of landscape, history, and vision. Its growing photography collection ensures that the museum remains a vital center for both heritage and innovation in American art.