One of the most highly regarded small museums in the country, the Farnsworth's collection is largely devoted to works by three generations of the famous Wyeth family, who have spent summers on the Maine Coast for a century. N.C. Wyeth was an accomplished illustrator whose works were featured in many turn-of-the-20th-century adventure books; his son Andrew was one of the country's best-known and -loved painters; and Andrew's son Jamie is an accomplished painter in his own right. Galleries in the main building always display some of Andrew Wyeth's works, such as The Patriot, Witchcraft, and Turkey Pond. Across the street, the Wyeth Center, in a former church, exhibits art by Andrew's father and son. The museum's collection also includes works by such lauded, Maine-connected artists as Fitz Henry Lane, George Bellows, Winslow Homer, Edward Hopper, Louise Nevelson, and Rockwell Kent. Changing exhibits are shown in the Jamien Morehouse Wing.
Just across the garden from the museum, the Farnsworth Homestead, the handsome, circa-1850 Greek Revival home of the museum's original benefactor, retains its original lavish Victorian furnishings and is open late June–mid-October.
In Cushing, a village on the St. George River about 10 miles south of Thomaston (a half-hour drive from Rockland), the museum operates the Olson House. The large, weathered-shingle structure was the home of Christina Olson and her brother, Alvarez, who were good friends of Andrew Wyeth. He depicted them and their home in numerous works, including his famous painting Christina's World. It is open spring through fall.
