A World-Class Museum in Central Maine
The Colby College Museum of Art sits on the hilltop campus of Colby College in Waterville, and it is one of those places that catches people off guard. A small liberal arts college in central Maine has no business housing a collection this good, and yet here it is: nearly 8,000 works across five wings, with the largest collection of Alex Katz paintings anywhere in the world, and free admission for everyone.
The museum was founded in 1959 and has grown steadily through gifts and acquisitions. In 1992, artist Alex Katz donated 414 works. The collection now holds over 800 of his paintings, prints, and drawings, displayed in the dedicated Paul J. Schupf Wing that opened in 1996. Katz’s large-scale portraits and landscapes of Maine are the signature draw, but the museum’s collection extends well beyond a single artist.
The Collection
American art from the 18th century to the present forms the core of the collection. The strengths are mid-20th century and contemporary work, but you will also find colonial-era portraits, Hudson River School landscapes, and Impressionist-influenced paintings.
The Alex Katz wing is the centerpiece. Katz’s paintings are big, bright, and deceptively simple. His portraits flatten depth and color into bold, graphic images that feel more like design than traditional painting. His Maine landscapes capture the coastal light and flat horizons of the state with an economy of brushwork that rewards repeated viewing.
Beyond Katz, look for works by John Marin, Marsden Hartley, Winslow Homer, and other artists with strong Maine connections. The rotating exhibitions bring in contemporary work and traveling shows that justify a return visit.
From September through May, the museum stays open until 9 PM on Thursday evenings. The galleries are quieter than daytime hours, and the campus is beautiful at dusk. It is the best time to visit if you want unhurried viewing.
The Campus
Colby College’s campus is worth a walk even if you are only visiting the museum. The hilltop setting looks out over the Kennebec Valley, and the grounds include walking paths, gardens, and notable architecture. The Alfond-Lunder Family Pavilion, a recent addition to the museum, added exhibition space and a striking glass entrance.
Waterville itself is a small city on the Kennebec River, about halfway between Portland and Bangor. It has been going through a downtown revival, with new restaurants, a renovated movie theater, and a growing creative community anchored partly by the college.
The museum gift shop has an excellent selection of art books, prints, and Maine-made items. The Alex Katz prints are among the most affordable ways to take home a piece from a major American artist. Even if you are not a museum-goer, the gift shop alone is worth a stop.
When to Go
Spring
Campus blooms. New exhibitions often open in spring. Student energy on campus.
Summer
Full hours, campus is quieter with students gone. Easy to combine with a drive through central Maine.
Fall
Campus foliage is beautiful. Thursday evening hours resume in September.
Winter
Indoor destination perfect for a cold or rainy day. Fewer visitors, more space in the galleries.
Getting There
The Colby College Museum of Art is on the Colby College campus at 5600 Mayflower Hill Drive, Waterville, Maine 04901. The campus sits on a hilltop about two miles northwest of downtown Waterville.
From I-95, take Exit 127 (Kennedy Memorial Drive) in Waterville and follow Kennedy Memorial Drive west into town. Turn onto Mayflower Hill Drive and follow signs up the hill to the Colby campus. The drive from the interstate takes about five to ten minutes.
Museum parking is in the Roberts Lot behind the museum, which is free for visitors. Enter the museum through the Bixler Art and Music Center. GPS coordinates are 44.5641, -69.6622.
Waterville is roughly halfway between Portland and Bangor, about 80 miles (80 minutes) north of Portland and 55 miles (55 minutes) south of Bangor via I-95.
FAQ
Is the Colby Museum really free?
Yes. Admission is free for all visitors, always. No tickets needed. Just walk in.
How long should I plan to visit?
One to two hours is enough to see the highlights, including the Alex Katz wing and the rotating exhibitions. Art lovers could easily spend half a day.
Who is Alex Katz?
Alex Katz is an American artist known for large-scale portraits and landscapes with flat, graphic compositions. He has strong ties to Maine, where he has painted for decades. The Colby Museum holds over 800 of his works, the largest collection anywhere.
Is the museum good for kids?
Yes. The large, colorful Katz paintings appeal to children, and the museum offers family programs and activity guides. The campus grounds are also good for kids to run around after a gallery visit.
Can I combine this with other Waterville attractions?
Yes. Downtown Waterville has restaurants and shops within a short drive. Fort Halifax Park on the Kennebec River is nearby. The drive between Portland and Bangor passes through Waterville, making it a natural stop.
