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The museum's collection of approximately 15,000 works focuses on American art from the 18th century to the present, with a special emphasis on artists who have lived or worked in Maine. Over 5,000 are searchable on the museum's collection database.
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Highlights from our collection

Eliot Furness Porter (1901–1990) is best known for his role in establishing color photography as an important art form. Porter’s passion for nature in all its colors led him to teach himself the dye transfer process, becoming one of the first photographers to devote himself full time to color. This exhibition, on display in the Crosman Gallery starting February 29, 2020, is curated by Jane Bianco and features an accompanying catalogue.

The 1850 Greek Revival Farnsworth Homestead was the home of Lucy Copeland Farnsworth (1839-1935), the museum’s founder, and is part of the main museum campus. Open to the public late May through early October for tours, the elegant structure has remained intact, with virtually no changes during Lucy’s lifetime. Housed within the home, and now featured online, is the Farnsworth's historic Homestead Collection which features original Victorian furniture, carpets, and other furnishings, as well as paintings, prints, glassware, dishes, clothing, toys, and jewelry.

The Farnsworth has a large collection of works by Jonathan Fisher, the first pastor of the First Congregational Church of Blue Hill, Maine. Largely untrained as an artist, he had a natural ability for drawing and painting and taught himself wood engraving. Not all of his artwork is on display, so please inquire before visiting.