This small museum of Maine umbrella covers is too quirky for words

When you think of museums, you probably think of large buildings filled with priceless artifacts.

Imagine sculptures, paintings or even ancient relics.

But then, there’s the kind of museum that surprises you, one that makes you question everything you thought a museum could be.

That’s exactly what you’ll find at the Umbrella Cover Museum on Peaks Island in Maine.

This small museum dedicated to umbrella covers—yes, the little fabric sleeves that hold umbrellas—challenges your expectations and offers a delightfully quirky experience.

It’s such a wonderfully weird attraction that you just have to see it to believe it!

Located on Peaks Island, just a short ferry ride from Portland, the Umbrella Cover Museum is unlike anything you’ve ever encountered.

Peaks Island itself is a peaceful and relaxed place that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Once you step off the ferry, you’ll be greeted by the charm of this small island community.

And before you know it, you’ll be on the doorstep of the world’s one and only Umbrella Deck Museum.

This quirky little museum was the brainchild of Nancy 3. Hoffman, a woman whose love for the simple umbrella cover turned into a collection that now includes hundreds of covers from over 50 different countries.

It’s exactly the kind of place that feels like a secret treasure, waiting to be discovered.

The story of how the Umbrella Cover Museum came to be is as unique as the museum itself.

Nancy 3. Hoffman, the museum’s founder (and yes, the “3” in her name is there on purpose), stumbled upon the idea after coming across a handful of unused umbrella covers one day.

Like most of us, you’ve probably never given much thought to those little tubes of fabric that come with umbrellas.

After all, who really keeps them?

They seem to disappear as soon as the umbrella is opened.

But for Nancy, those humble umbrella covers sparked something else.

She began collecting them and soon realized she wasn’t the only one with an affection for these often forgotten objects.

In 1996, the Umbrella Cover Museum officially opened its doors, offering a glimpse into a collection that is now recognized by Guinness World Records as having the most umbrella covers in the world.

When you enter the museum, you will quickly realize that this is not your ordinary exhibition space.

It’s not a massive, barren room filled with rare artifacts.

In contrast, the Umbrella Cover Museum is warm, welcoming and totally full of character.

Parasols are everywhere: lined up on the walls, hung from the ceiling and displayed in all sorts of creative arrangements.

There is a playful energy that runs through the museum, and you can tell that each cover has been placed with care.

From the moment you walk in, you can’t help but smile at the absurdity of it all, and that’s exactly what makes it so much fun.

What is really impressive about this museum is the variety of umbrella covers it contains.

Nancy has covers from almost every corner of the world.

Some are brightly colored and patterned, while others are simple and functional.

There are tiny covers designed for pocket umbrellas and large ones for massive umbrellas.

Some are delicate and intricate, with designs that make them look more like works of art than functional accessories.

One thing’s for sure: until you’ve seen a room full of umbrella covers, you haven’t truly experienced how versatile these simple items can be.

What really brings the museum to life is Nancy herself.

If you’re lucky enough to visit when she’s there, the woman who started it all will give you a personal tour of the museum.

Nancy’s energy is contagious, and her enthusiasm for umbrella covers is something to behold.

It doesn’t just show you the covers, it also tells you the stories behind them.

Many of the covers were gifts from friends, family and even strangers who heard about his unique collection and wanted to contribute.

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Nancy shares anecdotes about how some covers became part of the museum, from international travel to random finds.

Her passion for celebrating beauty in everyday objects like umbrella covers is not only charming, but also inspiring.

He has created a space where people are reminded to appreciate the little things in life, things we often overlook or dismiss without a second thought.

One of the best parts of visiting the Umbrella Canopy Museum is the joy of it.

It’s a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s what makes it such a joy to explore.

There is no pretension here, nor an air of formality as can be found in other museums.

Instead, it feels like you’ve walked into a friend’s living room where they have the world’s largest collection of umbrella covers.

The atmosphere is informal, welcoming and fun.

And while you might think umbrella covers are the last thing you’d care about, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for these little fabric sleeves and the stories they carry.

The Peaks Island itself adds to the charm of the experience.

After spending time at the museum, you can explore the island, which offers beautiful scenery and a relaxed pace of life.

The island is small enough to walk or bike, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the stunning views of Casco Bay.

Peaks Island has a rich history and is home to a tight-knit community that makes visitors feel right at home.

It’s the perfect place for a day trip, whether you’re coming from Portland or further afield.

Although the museum may be small, it has a big personality and heart.

It’s a place that celebrates creativity, humor and the beauty of the mundane.

While it may seem strange to dedicate an entire museum to umbrella covers, the museum reminds us that even the most common objects can have meaning when viewed through the right lens.

It’s a fun and unusual stop that will leave you smiling long after you’ve left.

For those planning a trip, check the museum’s website or Facebook page for hours and tour information.

The museum is open seasonally, usually during the summer months when Peaks Island sees the most visitors.

It is currently closed for the season and will reopen on May 24, 2025, so stay tuned!

And if you’re wondering how to get there, use this map to make sure you don’t miss out on this delightful and quirky experience.

Where: 62 Island Ave, Peaks Island, ME 04108

So what’s stopping you from visiting Maine’s most wonderful museum and discovering the charm of umbrella covers for yourself?