Tides Institute & Museum of Art
In an 1887 landmark brick building where Water and Sea streets angle together, this museum’s focus is art depicting or connected to the Passamaquoddy Bay region from the 1800s through the present. Changing exhibits in the modern gallery range from classic maritime paintings to abstract art created by institute artists-in-residence—you may spot them working in storefront studio space across Water Street. On the main floor of this former bank, where tall windows let in lots of light for viewing, works from the large permanent collection are displayed. The institute’s other local preservation efforts include two early 1800s federal churches, Seaman’s Church (26 Middle Street) and North Church (82 High Street), and a former Grand Army of the Republic meeting hall (6 Green Street) with patriotic wall art and veteran artifacts. Check out their exteriors on a walk and check the website for special events, like concerts. The institute also hosts artist talks and has a campus about a mile from downtown with a public waterfront park on Duck Cove Road. Information and maps about its properties are on the website.
