The International Cryptozoology Museum opens in Bangor
Maine Museum of Mythology Unveils New Sasquatch, Yeti, and Legendary Creature Exhibits
A newly expanded exhibit at the Maine Museum of Mythology in Kennebunk has drawn crowds of curious visitors, showcasing life‑scale models of sasquatches, yetis, and a host of other legendary creatures that have long captured the public’s imagination.
The museum, which opened its doors in 2018, has always positioned itself as a place where folklore and science intersect. This spring, the museum added a series of interactive displays that bring to life the myths that have been part of New England’s cultural tapestry for generations.
Among the highlights are a towering animatronic sasquatch that can lift its arms and emit a low growl, and a detailed replica of a yeti skeleton that stands over six feet tall. The exhibits also feature a “Cryptid Corner” with artifacts such as a fossilized bone that was once thought to belong to a giant ape, a collection of regional folklore books, and a “Create Your Own Creature” station where children can design their own mythical beasts.
“We wanted to create an experience that is both entertaining and educational,” said museum director Elaine Thompson, who has worked on the project for the past year. “The sasquatch and yeti displays are great conversation starters about how different cultures interpret the unknown.”
The museum’s staff prepared the new exhibits with the help of local artists and a handful of cryptozoologists. The team worked closely with a regional artist, Marcus Leighton, who crafted the lifelike animatronic figures. The yeti skeleton was a composite of donated fossils and 3‑D printing technology, designed to resemble the creature described in Himalayan folklore.
In addition to the new cryptid displays, the museum is adding a “World of Legends” gallery that covers a range of mythic figures—from dragons and griffins to mermaids and the legendary Mothman of Point Pleasant. The gallery will also include interactive touch‑screen panels that explain the origins of each creature and their roles in various cultures.
The museum’s expanded hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., were announced during a ribbon‑cutting ceremony on Tuesday. The event was attended by local officials, community members, and several high‑school students who had participated in the “Create Your Own Creature” station as part of a science‑fair project.
While the exhibit is still in its early days, preliminary visitor numbers suggest that the addition is a hit. “We’re getting a lot of families, school groups, and even retirees who come in just to see the sasquatch,” Thompson said. “It’s a fun, family‑friendly way to talk about science, history, and culture all in one place.”
The museum plans to rotate its collections regularly, with plans to introduce new cryptid and myth‑based displays in the coming months. Local tourism officials say the new exhibits could help boost the region’s appeal to both domestic and international visitors who are interested in folklore, adventure, and the mysteries that linger at the edge of mainstream science.
For those looking to explore the world of the unknown, the Maine Museum of Mythology now offers a unique doorway into the stories that have fascinated generations. Visitors can book tours or attend special workshops, such as the upcoming “Cryptid Conservation” seminar that will examine the modern relevance of ancient myths.
