Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum | Brunswick ME

The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum is a specialized museum located on the campus of Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine, dedicated to the history, culture, and exploration of the Arctic. Named after explorers Robert E. Peary and Donald B. MacMillan, both Bowdoin alumni, the museum celebrates their achievements while offering insight into the peoples, wildlife, and environments of the Arctic regions.

Collections and Exhibits
The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, including Inuit and other Indigenous tools, clothing, and art, as well as scientific instruments and equipment used in Arctic expeditions. Visitors can view historical photographs, maps, and personal items from Peary’s and MacMillan’s journeys, offering a tangible connection to early 20th-century polar exploration. Exhibits also cover Arctic wildlife, glaciology, and cultural traditions, providing a multidimensional understanding of life in extreme environments.

Educational Focus
As part of Bowdoin College, the museum emphasizes research, education, and public engagement. It hosts lectures, workshops, and guided tours, appealing to students, scholars, and general visitors. Many exhibits incorporate interactive elements, allowing guests to examine artifacts closely, study expedition techniques, or understand the geography and ecology of the Arctic.

Visitor Experience
The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum offers a compact yet immersive experience. Guests are often struck by the combination of human ingenuity, endurance, and the beauty of Arctic cultures. Exhibits are organized thematically, allowing visitors to move from exploration history to cultural artifacts to natural science displays. Quiet reflection areas and clear interpretive signage make it accessible for both casual visitors and academic researchers.

Nearby Campus Attractions
Located within Bowdoin College, the museum is close to the Bowdoin College Museum of Art and other historic campus buildings. Visitors can easily combine a trip to the Arctic Museum with a stroll through the college’s quads, a visit to downtown Brunswick, or a walk along the nearby Androscoggin River.

The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum stands as a unique gateway to the Arctic, blending exploration history, Indigenous cultures, and scientific inquiry in a setting that highlights both Bowdoin College’s heritage and Maine’s broader connections to polar research.