The Portland Museum of Art is considered the earliest public art institution in the United States. Don’t overlook this attraction in Portland, Maine because it houses some of the best artistic works on the globe. More an intimate museum experience than a standard museum-going adventure, this place offers an astounding collection of more than 18,000 stunning artworks from Andy Warhol and Winslow Homer to Claude Monet and Louise Nevelson. The museum boasts a trio of compelling buildings that are interconnected. Explore all three to capture the full essence of this irresistible attraction: the modern-age structure designed by famed architect I.M. Pei, a handsome Federal-style three-story mansion from 1801, and an opulent Beaux-Arts gallery constructed in 1911. To ensure your visit is enjoyable we’ve put together a guide to Portland Museum of Art.
Things to do
Winslow Homer Collection
The Winslow Homer Collection is the big draw of the museum in part because the man’s a local art giant and also because the collection boasts a lot of his stellar works such as the classic Sharpshooter and Weatherbeaten.
Sculpture Park
Sculpture Park offers a large array of fabulous modern art figures and classical sculptures in a lovely green and spacious outdoor area. Over 10,000 people each year take advantage of the opportunity to admire and contemplate free art pieces in a splendid park setting. Sculpture Park even provides thrilling special events, live music, and family-friendly activities annually from May through October.
PMA films
If you want to enjoy a different cinematic experience then this museum is the place to be. From captivating event screenings inspired by the museum’s thought-provoking exhibits to new work by emerging local talent to engrossing conversations with passionate filmmakers, the movies at Portland Museum of Art provide a film-going experience like none other.
What to eat
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The PMA Cafe
You don’t have to purchase an admission ticket to the museum to enjoy the delectable bites at PMA Cafe. Open to the public, this cafe serves morning and lunchtime fare that’ll make your mouth water. Start your morning with a strong espresso and fresh-made pastry or enjoy a hearty lunch selection of tasty sandwiches, hot soups, and freshly prepared salads. Sudsy craft beer can be sipped when the cafe holds one of its regular tastings. Sweet treats that reflect art exhibits are hard to resist like the Van Gogh-inspired cookies or the flower-shaped cupcakes representing the Art in Bloom exhibit.
Things to buy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
PMA Museum Store
The PMA Museum Store is the go-to spot for the best souvenirs of your visit to Portland Museum of Art. So much more than the usual trinkets and mementos - although a myriad of pretty postcards, colorful posters, and flashy magnets can be found - this museum’s gift shop offers a wonderful in-depth choice of books on top artistic figures and more. If you’re a fan of artists such as Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth, books on their work are plentiful.
Travelers tips
Wheelchair access
Great care has been taken regarding the museum’s layout. This attraction offers wheelchair accessibility and is a barrier-free environment. For complete convenience, parking and drop-off areas are located on Free Street, directly in the front of the museum. A sturdy wheelchair-accessible ramp is situated in the front of the building. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Visitors can reserve a wheelchair in advance by calling the following number: 207-775-6148.
Museum guided tours
Two-and-one-half-hour guided tours are available from the Portland Museum of Art’s knowledgeable staff but should be booked through the museum’s official website in advance of your visit. Tours are very detailed, engrossing, and worth the time.
Free days
This museum offers free entry for all on Friday evenings from 4pm to 8pm.
Family-friendly
Everyone 21 and under is offered free entry and there are a limited number of complimentary strollers available in the coatroom to make the visit easy on little ones as well as their parents. The museum also hosts many activities geared toward families, including designated PMA Family Days.
Homer Winslow Studio tickets
If you want to learn more about famous New England artist Homer Winslow the museum sells tickets for exclusive tours of the artist’s seaside home on Prouts Neck in Scarborough, Maine just a 13-minute drive from Portland.
How to get there
Rent a car
If you rent a car, you can find Portland Museum of Art located along 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101 in the heart of Downtown Portland.
Public transportation
The main city bus in the Portland, Maine area is the Metro bus. Many of the vehicles’ destinations are to the Monument Square area where the museum is found. Buses run year-round and Route 1 bus line runs along Congress Street. One-way fares cost less than 2 USD. The buses run on clean, natural gas so you can feel good about doing your part to maintain a healthy environment.
Uber/Lyft
Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are available in the city and provide a fast and affordable way to get to the museum.
Parking information
This museum has on-street, metered parking available. The cost is 1.75 USD per hour and is free anytime after 6pm as well as all day on Sunday. Paid parking lots in the general area are available: just a few blocks away on Spring, Free, and High streets. Your best bet is the Spring Street/Civic Center garage at 45 Spring Street for 3 USD per hour or the Holiday Inn By the Bay parking lot at 40 Spring Street for 2 USD per hour.
How to book tickets
It is strongly recommended visitors to the Portland Museum of Art book ahead of time to be assured entry to the museum. Tickets can be purchased online at the official website. After purchase, an acknowledgment email is sent and visitors must show a copy of the email on their phone at the ticket booth. Be aware admission tickets are valid a year to the day of the initial ticket purchase.
Portland Museum of Art
Portland Museum Of Art
Address: 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101
Opening hours: Sat - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 8pm
Price: 18 USD
Official website: Portland Museum Of Art
Department of tourism: Portland
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
A Guide To Hawa Mahal, Jaipur - Updated 2024Priyanjali
Create an account to