Abbe Museum

06/05/2026

From live performances to powerful panel discussions, the 2026 Dawnland Festival is packed with unforgettable moments. Panels + performances are seated on a first-come, first-served basis—register now to save your spot!

July 11-12 | On the campus in Bar Harbor - DawnlandFestival.org

06/03/2026

Planning to attend a panel or performance at the 2026 Dawnland Festival? Make sure to register early. Seating is first-come, first-served and space is limited!

July 11-12 | On the College of the Atlantic campus in Bar Harbor -

Join us July 12-13, 2025, for the Dawnland Festival of Arts & Ideas, a celebration of Wabanaki culture at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. As one of the best cultural festivals in Maine, Dawnland Festival features an authentic Wabanaki arts and crafts market, live music and perf

06/02/2026

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Sandy Wilcox’s passing. Sandy’s generosity, wisdom, and unwavering dedication touched the lives of everyone at the Abbe and helped shape our organization in countless ways. Her legacy of leadership and kindness will live on in the work we do, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

The Abbe Museum extends its heartfelt condolences to Sandy’s family, friends, and the many individuals in the MDI community whose lives she touched. We join you in mourning her loss and hold you close in our thoughts during this difficult time.

06/01/2026

Cast your vote for the Abbe Museum! The Abbe has been nominated for Best Museum in Down East Magazine’s "Best of Maine" this year. Voting opened on May 12th and runs through June 12th. We would love your support—please cast your vote at https://vote.downeast.com/.

05/31/2026

The Cultural Connections in the Park Program is back for 2026! Next WEDNESDAY (6/3) from 11 - 1 at the Cadillac Mountain summit in Acadia National Park join us for a one-of-a-kind experience with the Burnurwurbskek Singers. This men’s drum group from the Penobscot Nation at Indian Island, Maine, has been performing traditional Wabanaki songs for audiences across New England for many years. You won’t want to miss this engaging performance featuring music and dancing that will captivate audience members of all ages! Visit abbemuseum.org/event-programming-calendar to learn more.
The rain location will be the Abbe Museum (26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor). Cultural Connections in the Park programs are sponsored by Dawnland LLC and offered in partnership with Acadia National Park.

05/26/2026

The Abbe Museum Downtown (26 Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor) re-opens TODAY (May 26)! Our hours will be Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm. Visit our website, abbemuseum.org, to plan your visit and learn more about upcoming programs and events. We can’t wait to welcome you back!

05/22/2026

In July, we'll kick off our third year of the Dawnland Festival of Arts and Ideas, a celebration of Indigenous culture and creativity. We're thrilled to see the importance of this event captured in the Onion Foundation's latest article. Take a look!

Learn all about the Dawnland Festival of Arts and Ideas, a celebration of Indigenous culture and creativity.

05/21/2026

“I’d like people to understand that we have our own stories and our own ways of telling our stories, that we are still here as sovereign tribal nations.”

-Donna Loring, Penobscot Nation | Co-Curator, "In the Shadow of the Eagle"
The Abbe Museum's exhibit, "In the Shadow of the Eagle," is featured in the Boston Art Review! Buy your copy here: https://www.bostonartreview.com/shop/issue-16

05/15/2026

Cast your vote for the Abbe Museum! The Abbe has been nominated for Best Museum in Down East Magazine’s "Best of Maine" this year. Voting opened on May 12th and runs through June 12th. We would love your support—please cast your vote at https://vote.downeast.com/.

Featured artwork by Norma Randi Marshall (Passamaquoddy/Mandan & Hidatsa) and Gabriel Frey (Passamaquoddy).

05/08/2026

Tomorrow night at 7 p.m. on NewsCenter Maine — the annual MaineLife Mount Desert Island episode airs, and the Abbe Museum is featured. If you've ever wondered what happens when you walk through our doors, this is a great place to start. Tune in Saturday at 7 p.m., or catch it online at mainelifemedia.com and on YouTube shortly after the premiere.
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