Bowdoin College Museum of Art

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art stands as a cornerstone of intellectual and creative life at Bowdoin College, emphasizing the transformative power of art in education and society. Founded on the principles of study, engagement, and public access, the Museum fosters creativity, global awareness, and inclusive dialogue through its exhibitions, programs, and direct integration into the College curriculum. Its role as a teaching museum allows students, faculty, and visitors alike to explore the study of original artworks firsthand, making the Museum both a laboratory for artistic experimentation and a catalyst for scholarship.

Housed in the landmark Walker Art Building, commissioned by Harriet and Sophia Walker in honor of their uncle, the Museum’s home reflects the sisters’ dedication to art and education. Completed in 1894 by the renowned architectural firm McKim, Mead, and White, the building is celebrated for its Renaissance-inspired brick, limestone, and granite façade, its dramatic loggia, and the iconic lion sculptures that have become a beloved local symbol. The Walker Art Building remains a National Register of Historic Places site and a testament to Bowdoin’s enduring commitment to the arts.

The Museum’s collection is among the earliest collegiate art collections in the United States, originating with the 1811 bequest of James Bowdoin III, which included seventy paintings and 141 drawings. Today, the collection has expanded to more than 30,000 objects spanning over 5,000 years and encompassing cultures from around the globe. Its holdings include fine arts, decorative arts, prints, and works on paper, representing a truly global and transhistorical scope unmatched elsewhere in Maine.

Always free and open to the public, the Bowdoin College Museum of Art offers a wide array of exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs designed to engage and inspire diverse audiences. By connecting historical works with contemporary practice and academic study, the Museum enriches the intellectual and cultural life of the College and the broader community, remaining a vital resource for learning, creativity, and public engagement.