Portland Museum of Art sets record attendance

updated 3:46 p.m. ET March 4, 2009

PORTLAND, Maine - The Portland Museum of Art has discovered that there's nothing like a little rock 'n roll to bring in the crowds.

The museum in Portland, Maine, drew a record 17,839 visitors in February, thanks to the popularity of its exhibition "Backstage Pass: Rock & Roll Photography." The figure broke the mark set by an Ansel Adams exhibition in 2000.

"Backstage Pass" draws from the nation's largest private collection of photographs of rock musicians. Many of the 268 photographs of artists including Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Cash, the Clash and Madonna have been rarely seen in public.

Chief Curator Tom Denenberg says the exhibition "exceeded all of our expectations." It remains on view through March 22.

Don't miss these Travel stories from msnbc.com 10-day China package, from $888 Paris and Nice, air/6 nights, from $749 Hotel rates down nearly 9 percent this year Great-value Caribbean islands  | Which Hawaii for you? Keep your vacation moments memorable

MORE FROM U.S. & CANADA

U.S. & Canada Section Front

TV tours a big attraction for N.Y. tourists America’s most attractive people America’s favorite cities Which Hawaii is right for you? Twilight-themed restaurant for Washington town Uncle Remus museum still grapples with race Explore Savannah’s squares, parks and homes Winter Olympics 2010 trip guide Top 13 most scary U.S. haunted attractions Park service to take on Clinton’s first home U.S. & Canada Section Front   Add U.S. & Canada headlines to your news reader: