The Oceanarium and Education Center

Marine Museum

Our Exhibits

The Oceanarium’s museum includes art, history, and science exhibits related to Mount Desert Island, The Gulf of Maine, and beyond. Visitors are invited to learn about the people, animals, and places that make Maine so unique.

Sea Glass and Found Objects Collection

Discover the remarkable collection of New England beachcomber Connor O’Brien. Beginning as a hobby, which grew to a passionate study, O’Brien first began collecting sea glass on Mount Desert Island as a student in 2013, eventually incorporating beachcombing into his curriculum at College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. With a keen eye and countless hours walking the beach, Connor has amassed thousands of pieces of weathered glass, pottery, and natural treasures. Painstakingly organized, researched, and artfully displayed, his work showcases the beauty and wonder of these special pieces found along the Maine coast. 

Photo’s courtesy of Connor O’Brien and Gigi Bee Photography 

Juvenile Humpback Whale Skeleton

Meet Picolina, a 26-foot juvenile Humpback Whale skeleton. This juvenile whale skeleton was assembled and mounted right here at the Oceanarium and is now featured in the center of our marine museum.

Art Exhibits

The Oceanarium and Education center seeks to inspire appreciation, conservation, and continued education on our local ecosystems. Our marine museum features the work of local naturalists, artists, and photographers who showcase the natural world, Maine culture, and animals in their work. We offer a selection of artist exhibits on rotation throughout the season.

Lyndsey Marston

On display for the 2024 season is the artwork of Lyndsey Marston. Lyndsey is an artist based out of Monroe, Maine and has a background in ecology and land conservation. Her work reflects her strong connection with Maine wildlife and landscapes, and she creates her drawings using marker and colored pencils. As the owner of 3-Legged Dog, she collaborates with a local print shop to produce prints, notecards, and stickers featuring her art. Her artwork will be exhibited in the museum and will also be available for purchase in the Oceanarium gift shop throughout the 2024 season.