Portland Museum of Art Tours

Portland Museum of Art showing art and interior views as well as a small group of people
Portland Museum of Art showing art and interior views as well as a couple
Portland Museum of Art showing art and interior views
Portland Museum of Art showing interior views and art as well as a small group of people
Portland Museum of Art featuring interior views and art as well as an individual femail


Maine’s largest and oldest art institution showcases three centuries of American art and European masters in its architecturally impressive museum complex.

Explore a nationally renowned collection and check out cutting-edge exhibitions in the Portland Museum of Art (PMA) in the city’s cultural heart. Maine’s rich cultural heritage is highlighted through thought-provoking exhibitions in this esteemed museum, which has showcased local and international artists since 1882. Check out the museum’s home since the 1980s, the Charles Shipman Payson Building, or visit the Winslow Homer Studio to see where the renowned American artist worked.

Admire the museum’s eye-catching red façade before making your way inside. This expansive museum is home to American works ranging from colonial times to the mid 20th century and a European collection from the 19th and 20th centuries. See works from the impressionist and surrealist movements, including pieces by Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet. You might see a collection of modernist American artworks or a touring exhibition of contemporary work by international artists.

The museum has a diverse program of events that help to enrich your experience of the art and architecture. Join an educational family-oriented session, attend lectures or find out what films are screening during your visit. Join a docent-led tour or listen to a talk by an artist or a curator.

The PMA has a gift store stocked with interesting souvenirs and resource books. Take a break at the PMA Café and enjoy a coffee and a snack.

The museum’s main building is located at Seven Congress Square in Portland’s downtown arts district. Elsewhere in the city, you can visit the museum’s other buildings. Check out the McLellan House to find an exceptional collection of 19th-century American art housed within a magnificent neoclassical manor. The Winslow Homer Studio is a fascinating destination in Prouts Neck, where you can see the carriage house in which the artist painted many of his masterpieces.

The museum has free entrance on Fridays, as well as for children under the age of 14 any day of the week. Seniors and students receive discounted admission prices. There are metered parking spaces and public parking lots located nearby. The museum is open daily, with extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays.

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Reviews of Portland Museum of Art

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
165
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
69
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
18
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

N. C. Wyeth exhibit is outstanding

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Free entrance on Fridays 4-8pm

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

we found that it was within walking distance.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Portland Museum of Art

Clarion Hotel Portland

Clarion Hotel Portland

2.5 out of 5
1230 Congress St, Portland, ME
Clarion Hotel Portland
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG

4 out of 5
88 Spring St, Portland, ME
Holiday Inn Portland-By the Bay by IHG
Portland Harbor Hotel

Portland Harbor Hotel

4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
Portland Harbor Hotel
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
The Westin Portland Harborview

The Westin Portland Harborview

4 out of 5
157 High St, Portland, ME
The Westin Portland Harborview
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square

Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square

3 out of 5
433 Fore St, Portland, ME
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown - Old Port Square
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront

Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront

2.5 out of 5
209 Fore St, Portland, ME
Hampton Inn Portland Downtown - Waterfront
Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront ME

Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront ME

3 out of 5
379 Commercial Street, Portland, ME
Aloft Portland Downtown Waterfront ME
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Portland Museum of Art

At the Portland Museum of Art, art lovers can immerse themselves in a vibrant collection of American and European works, making it a major attraction for visitors. Beyond the museum, the surrounding area offers a lively arts scene with live music, theater, and entertainment options, providing a well-rounded cultural experience in Portland, Maine.

Shopping

The Maine Mall, located 6.4km from the Portland Museum of Art, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment options. If you're up for a drive, the LL Bean Flagship Store is 25.7km away, and The Willows Flea Market, 49.9km away, features unique finds in a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Thompson's Point, a lively music venue 1.6km from the museum, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Hadlock Field, only 1.3km away, provides a thrilling sports experience. For a touch of luxury, visit the Portland Club, a private country club just 322m from the museum.

Adventure

Aquaboggan Water Park, located 16.1km from the Portland Museum of Art, offers thrilling water slides and wave pools for family fun. For speed enthusiasts, Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, 11.3km away, provides adrenaline-pumping races. Enjoy scenic views while hiking the Cliff Walk, situated 14.5km from the museum.

Nightlife

In Portland, Maine, the State Theatre offers a captivating atmosphere filled with romance and culture just 161m from the Portland Museum of Art. For family fun, head to Bayside Bowl, an arcade adventure zone 644m away, or visit the Southworth Planetarium, an observatory 1.6km away for entertaining stargazing.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Portland Museum of Art

When visiting the Portland Museum of Art in Portland, Maine, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including historic houses, beautiful beaches, and entertainment arenas. The area offers a great mix of cultural experiences and family-friendly activities, perfect for art enthusiasts and beach lovers alike. Explore local points of interest, such as art theatres and other nearby attractions, all within a short distance from the museum.

  • Cross Insurance Arena: Located a short walk from the Portland Museum of Art, Cross Insurance Arena is a vibrant venue for entertainment, hosting concerts, sports events, and family-friendly activities. The lively atmosphere makes it a great place to experience local culture and enjoy a fun outing.
  • University of Southern Maine: A historic institution, the University of Southern Maine offers a glimpse into the region's educational culture. Its picturesque campus is perfect for a leisurely stroll, and you may find art installations and cultural events that enrich your visit.
  • East End Beach: Just a short drive away, East End Beach is a beautiful spot to relax by the water. Enjoy stunning views of Casco Bay, beach activities, and the refreshing ocean breeze, making it a perfect escape from the city.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Portland Museum of Art

To save on your visit to the Portland Museum of Art, consider traveling during the off-peak months of January to March, when hotel prices are lower. Tuesdays offer the best rates for accommodations, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare room rates and filter for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Walking is a great way to explore the area, as it’s compact and walkable. Additionally, consider booking a package deal through Expedia to combine flights, hotels, and activities for further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Portland Museum of Art are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to July to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Portland Museum of Art is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Portland Museum of Art is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the lowest to highest price, ensuring you find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you have the ability to filter by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on costs by combining your hotel stay near the Portland Museum of Art with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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