This Augusta Attraction Has a Museum Cat, Banned Books and Big Ideas

After two years behind closed doors, one of Augusta’s most unique attractions is ready to welcome visitors again.

The First Amendment Museum, located at 184 State Street next to the Maine State House, officially reopens Thursday following extensive renovations and the addition of new interactive exhibits, the KJ reported.

Housed inside the historic 1911 former home of Maine media magnate Guy P. Gannett, the museum explores the five freedoms protected by the First Amendment: religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.

Visitors can explore hands-on displays throughout the first floor, including an oversized open-book exhibit featuring examples of banned or challenged art, literature, comedy and music. Another interactive experience lets guests try writing a news story under a government-controlled press system to see whether their work would be allowed to be published.

According to the Kennebec Journal, the museum also features historic newspapers, vintage typewriters and an original copy of the final edition of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily. Guests may even be welcomed by Remi, the museum’s longtime resident cat.

The museum was founded by Guy Gannett’s granddaughters, Genie Gannett and Terry Gannett Hopkins, who wanted to highlight not only the history of the press but also the importance of civic engagement and First Amendment rights, according to the newspaper.

Nearly $250,000 from the Institute for Museum and Library Services helped fund the new exhibits, with additional renovations and expansion planned for the future.

Admission is free for the remainder of 2026. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

The grand reopening celebration runs from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday.