Gearing up for a grand reopening!
After a multi-year closure for extensive renovations to the museum’s Augusta home in the Cultural Building, the Maine State Museum reopens its doors on October 24, 2026.
Visitors will discover a transformed museum with two floors and 19,000 square-feet of new exhibit spaces, new stories, and new experiences. Debuting exhibits include Vector: A Whale’s Life in the Gulf of Maine (featuring the only display of two humpback skeletons of this size and scale in the world), Beyond the Postcard: Stories of the Maine Experience, and Maine Quilts: 250 Years of Comfort & Community. A refreshed and upgraded exhibit, At Home in Maine, will also be featured and the Lunder Education Center, the museum’s first dedicated space for all-ages learning and play, will be unveiled.
These exhibits are only the first phase of the museum’s reopening. Future phases include the return of the award-winning exhibit Made in Maine (including the multi-level Spear Mill and visitor favorite, the 1842 Lion locomotive steam engine), and 12,000 Years in Maine.
The Friends of the Maine State Museum is committed to sharing the excitement of a museum dedicated to Maine people, showcasing the new improvements and well-loved existing exhibits. The Friends supports the museum through its fundraising opportunities, its membership program, and its public awareness efforts.
2027 goals
- Increasing funding to support the acquisition of collections, objects and specimens, creation of interpretive exhibits, and educational programs to enhance the visitor experience
- Expanding opportunities for increased visitation and statewide outreach
- Partnering with fellow nonprofits, businesses, and institutions to further mission-centric priorities and initiatives
- Creating a solid base of members committed to the mission of the museum
- Further diversifying revenue streams for a more sustainable financial future
Giving opportunities
- Sponsor an exhibit: Support the development, installation, and long-term presentation of a major exhibition, helping bring Maine’s cultural, natural, and historical stories to life for more than 50,000 annual visitors (including 14,000 annual student visitors). Contributions will ensure these exhibits maintain their relevance and are available for many years to come.
- Sponsor an Event: Support one of the museum’s key reopening events, each designed to engage a specific audience and build momentum leading up to the Grand Reopening or planned future exhibits.
- Educational Programs: Support the museum’s educational programming for K–12 students, homeschool families, and educators, including field trips, hands-on learning, and family events.
- Increase Access: Support free admission for visitors on designated days during the year, removing barriers and ensuring broad access during the reopening period.
- Enhance the Visitor Experience: Support hands-on, interactive elements and enhanced technologies that improve accessibility, visitor engagement, and learning for families, students, and school groups.
- Individual Donors: Make annual, recurring, or planned giving donations.
- AND Become a Member by visiting MaineStateMuseum.org/Support.
Volunteer opportunities
We look forward to working with community members, stakeholders, and those passionate about Maine’s history and natural and cultural heritage as the museum reopens. In 2027, the museum’s volunteer program will restart with opportunities for individuals to volunteer with educators, curators, and collection managers. In the meantime, become a member, join the Friends Board, or serve on a committee. For more information: Friends.Museum@Maine.gov.
