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Maine Museums: A Treasure Trove of Art Oddities and Artifacts

Ron Blair

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A Collection Of Unusual And Fascinating Objects From Maine Museums Maine S Museums: Art Oddities Artifacts

Nestled between the rugged coastline and the majestic mountains, the state of Maine is home to a treasure trove of museums that showcase the state's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Among these museums are some hidden gems that house a fascinating array of art oddities and artifacts that are sure to captivate the imagination of visitors.

Maine's Museums: Art, Oddities & Artifacts

by Michael Sobotta

4.9 out of 5

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In this article, we will delve into some of the most extraordinary and intriguing items found in Maine museums, from a preserved two-headed calf to a life-sized wax figure of a Civil War general. We will also explore the stories behind these objects and how they provide a unique glimpse into the history and heritage of Maine.

Art Oddities

Maine museums are home to a number of peculiar and unusual works of art that defy easy categorization. One such piece is the "Lobster Telephone" at the Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland. Created by Salvador Dalí in 1936, the telephone is a surreal combination of a black rotary phone and a bright red lobster. The lobster's tail serves as the handset, while its claws cradle the receiver.

The Lobster Telephone By Salvador Dalí At The Farnsworth Art Museum Maine S Museums: Art Oddities Artifacts

Another art oddity is the "Floating Bed" at the Portland Museum of Art. Created by artist Sarah Sze in 2008, the bed is suspended from the ceiling by a series of wires and pulleys. A mattress, pillows, and a blanket are arranged on the bed, creating the illusion that it is floating in mid-air.

The Floating Bed By Sarah Sze At The Portland Museum Of Art Maine S Museums: Art Oddities Artifacts

These are just a few of the many art oddities that can be found in Maine museums. These objects challenge conventional notions of art and invite viewers to think outside the box.

Artifacts

In addition to art oddities, Maine museums also house a wealth of fascinating artifacts that tell the story of the state's past. One of the most unusual artifacts is the "Preserved Two-Headed Calf" at the Maine State Museum in Augusta. The calf was born in 1882 and lived for only a few days. It was preserved in a glass jar and has been on display at the museum ever since.

The Preserved Two Headed Calf At The Maine State Museum Maine S Museums: Art Oddities Artifacts

Another intriguing artifact is the "Life-Sized Wax Figure of General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain" at the Penobscot Marine Museum in Searsport. The figure was created in 1884 and depicts Chamberlain in full military regalia. Chamberlain was a Maine native who served with distinction in the Civil War and later became governor of Maine.

The Life Sized Wax Figure Of General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain At The Penobscot Marine Museum Maine S Museums: Art Oddities Artifacts

These artifacts provide a glimpse into the lives and experiences of Maine residents throughout history. They help us to understand the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the state.

Stories Behind the Objects

The objects in Maine museums are not just curiosities; they each have a story to tell. The Lobster Telephone, for example, was created by Dalí as a gift for his wife, Gala. The Floating Bed was inspired by Sze's memories of sleeping in a hammock as a child. The Preserved Two-Headed Calf is a reminder of the wonders and oddities of nature. And the Life-Sized Wax Figure of General Chamberlain is a tribute to a Maine hero.

By learning the stories behind these objects, we can gain a deeper appreciation for their significance and the role they play in preserving Maine's history and culture.

Maine museums are a treasure trove of art oddities and artifacts that offer a unique glimpse into the state's history, culture, and natural beauty. These objects spark the imagination, challenge our assumptions, and tell the stories of the people who have lived in Maine for centuries.

If you are planning a trip to Maine, be sure to visit some of the museums that house these fascinating objects. You will be amazed by their beauty, their strangeness, and the stories they have to tell.

Maine's Museums: Art, Oddities & Artifacts

by Michael Sobotta

4.9 out of 5