History: Bernard Langlais was born in Old Town, ME and after attending school at The Corcoran School of Art in Washington DC and other art institutions, he lived and worked in New York City. In the 1950s he and his wife Helen bought a summer cottage in Maine. By the mid-1960s he was disenchanted with the New York gallery scene and bought a farmhouse in Cushing, Maine. The farm and the additional property he bought make up what is now the Langlais Art Preserve. He needed adequate space to create and display his monumental works. He created 65 large wooden sculptures in the last 11 years of his life on the property.
His wife maintained the property after he died and on her death, it was donated to Colby College. It officially opened to the public in 2017.
Recreational Activities: The main attraction is art appreciation and walking the 3/4 mile of trails.
Trails: The property has a 1/4 mile gravel ADA-accessible path through the artwork and an additional 1/2 mile hiking trail through the woods beyond.
On-Site Amenities: Tables are provided throughout the property to encourage picnicking. Please remove all trash there are no receptacles on the property. An ADA-accessible restroom is available June1--October 1. The family home is now used as offices and is not open to the public.
Season: The Langlais Art Preserve is open dawn to dusk year round. The barn and workshop are open on select hours during the summer.
Fees: A suggested fee of $10 is appreciated.
Directions & Parking: From Rockland take Route 1west. In Thomaston, take a left on Wadsworth Street, and continue straight on Brooklyn Heights Road/River Road for 3.2 miles. The Preserve is located on the right and has its own parking lot.
