
Portland Museum of Art Portland Maine
A gem in Portland, Maine, featuring American masters and unique installations. Explore art and history in a manageable, welcoming space.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission!

Portland Museum of Art Portland Maine
Best Time
Free admission!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A gem in Portland, Maine, featuring American masters and unique installations. Explore art and history in a manageable, welcoming space.
"A manageable size, perfect for a casual visit without getting museum fatigue."

🎯 Free Friday Evenings
Enjoy free admission every Friday from 4-8 PM. A great way to experience art on a budget! :dollar:
🚗 Parking Options
A nearby parking garage is available, or try finding street parking. Allow extra time for parking.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Winslow Homer Studio
Midcoast Maine
Visit the actual studio of this iconic American artist, managed by the PMA. A must-see for art enthusiasts!

Art in Bloom
Portland Museum of Art
Dazzling floral arrangements inspired by the museum's collection. A vibrant celebration of spring and art.

Masterpiece Collection
Galleries
Admire works by masters like Whistler, Sargent, and Monet. Peaceful and luminous pieces await.

Unique Ceiling Sculptures
Stairwells
Discover creative installations, like the flock of birds or a diamond stag, adding a whimsical touch.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Friday Evenings
Check for Special Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Friday Evenings
Enjoy free admission every Friday from 4-8 PM. A great way to experience art on a budget! :dollar:
🚗 Parking Options
A nearby parking garage is available, or try finding street parking. Allow extra time for parking.
📸 Photo Policy
Be mindful of 'no photography' signs, especially for loaned pieces. Signs can be small!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore all the floors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Friday Evenings
Enjoy free admission every Friday from 4-8 PM. A great way to experience art on a budget! :dollar:
🚗 Parking Options
A nearby parking garage is available, or try finding street parking. Allow extra time for parking.
📸 Photo Policy
Be mindful of 'no photography' signs, especially for loaned pieces. Signs can be small!
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore all the floors.
🗺️ Manageable Size
The museum is a good size, perfect for a visit without getting museum fatigue.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Portland Museum of Art for its manageable size, beautiful collection, and friendly staff. The free Friday evenings are a significant draw. Some note that ticket prices can be high and that certain areas have strict photography rules, while others mention the presence of street sleepers in the surrounding downtown area.
"Love this museum. Absolutely gorgeous collection of art pieces spread throughout several indoor galleries. Easy to navigate. Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. There’s a nearby parking garage about 10 minutes walking distance from this museum. We arrived when museum opened at 10:00 and went through entire museum in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Highly recommend this gem! This museum is very clean and well-maintained. There are public restrooms here as well as a store and cafe. Prices are reasonable; we paid $20 per adult."
Paul Veilleux
"A classic modern build US art museum, architecturally pleasant and well thought out. Cafe and shop. Not cheap to enter. Art is mainly contemporary or modern. None of it great but little is poor. Some I would call folk art. Much of it is interesting. All labelling is achingly woke, and certainly not objective, as befits Portland's status. Beware of large quantities of street sleepers in the area throughout the day. The locals just pretend they are not there since it conflicts with their perception of the place as a liberal heaven."
Mike Sweeting
"This museum is in the heart of beautiful downtown Portland Maine. Great adventures short walk through the city to get there. The staff is just wonderful and very informative. Fabulous works of art. 1 of My favorite was the marble statue of our 18th president Ulysses S Grant. It's a must see for all art lovers. I'm looking forward to going back."
Melissa Clark
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Portland Museum of Art is located at 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101. It's easily accessible by car, and there are several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options are also available within the city.
While there isn't dedicated museum parking, a parking garage is located about a 10-minute walk away. Street parking can also be found, but it might be tricky to secure, especially during peak times.
Downtown Portland is very walkable, making it easy to stroll to the museum from many hotels and attractions. Ride-sharing services are also readily available.
Yes, Portland has a public bus system that can get you close to the museum. Check the Greater Portland METRO for routes and schedules.
The museum is designed to be accessible, with elevators and ramps. The expansion project also prioritizes accessibility and inclusion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is around $20 per adult. However, the museum offers free admission every Friday from 4-8 PM, making it a great budget-friendly option.
Yes, the museum offers free admission every Friday from 4-8 PM. They also participate in programs like the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) program, which can offer free entry for members.
The museum's hours can vary, but they are typically open from 10 AM to 5 PM or 6 PM on most days, with extended hours on Fridays. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets online through the Portland Museum of Art's official website. This is often recommended to save time upon arrival.
Information on group rates is usually available on the museum's website or by contacting their visitor services. It's a good option for larger parties.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The museum features a diverse collection, including American art, European art, and contemporary works. You'll find pieces by renowned artists like Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, and Edward Hopper.
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the museum. However, you could easily spend longer if you want to delve deeper into the collections or attend a special exhibition.
The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that showcase unique collections or themes. It's worth checking their website for current and upcoming exhibitions.
Photography is generally allowed in most galleries, but there are exceptions for certain loaned pieces or sensitive artworks. Always look for small 'no photography' signs.
The Winslow Homer Studio tour, managed by the PMA, offers a unique opportunity to visit the artist's actual workspace in midcoast Maine, providing deep insight into his life and art.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe located in the basement of the museum, offering a place to grab a snack or a light meal.
The museum is in downtown Portland, which has a vibrant food scene. You'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars within walking distance, offering a variety of cuisines.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside art museums to protect the artworks. It's best to consume them outside or at designated cafe areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Beyond the artworks themselves, the museum's architecture, including unique installations like the bird sculptures, offers great photo opportunities. The outdoor sculpture area is also a good spot.
While general photography is often allowed, always check for specific restrictions on certain artworks. Some pieces, especially loaned items, may not be photographable.
Photography policies for the Winslow Homer Studio would be specific to that location. It's advisable to check with the tour operator or museum for their guidelines.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during Free Fridays to make the outing more budget-friendly. While some artworks may have photography restrictions, there are plenty of opportunities to capture memories. The museum's location in downtown Portland also means you can easily combine your visit with other family-friendly activities in the area.
💰 Budget Travelers
Additionally, if you're a member of another participating museum in the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) program, you might be eligible for free entry. Always check the museum's website for any ongoing promotions or special discount days before your visit.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Collectors
Pay attention to the museum's special exhibitions, which often bring unique and noteworthy collections to Portland. The thoughtful arrangement of the galleries and the presence of masterpieces by artists like Sargent and Monet ensure a rewarding experience for those with a keen appreciation for fine art.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Portland Museum of Art Expansion
This expansion is a testament to the museum's commitment to growth and community engagement. It seeks to break down stereotypes about who fine arts museums are for, fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. The project involves collaboration with world-class architects and design professionals focused on innovation, accessibility, and sustainability.
By embracing new architectural approaches and community-focused programming, the PMA is positioning itself as a dynamic cultural hub. The expansion is not just about adding space, but about reimagining the museum's role in the community and its connection to the land.
Exploring Winslow Homer's Legacy
Visiting the studio allows you to step into the very space where Homer created many of his iconic, weather-beaten seascapes and powerful depictions of American life. It's an experience that goes beyond simply viewing his art in a gallery, providing a tangible connection to his artistic journey and the coastal environment that so inspired him.
This excursion is highly recommended for anyone who appreciates Homer's work or is interested in the history of American art. It's a chance to understand the context behind his masterpieces and appreciate the rugged beauty of Maine that fueled his artistic vision.
Navigating the Museum's Collection
Beyond these celebrated names, the museum also features impressive works by artists like Whistler and Sargent, with Monet's luminous paintings offering moments of peaceful contemplation. The collection is thoughtfully arranged, making it manageable for visitors to explore without feeling overwhelmed.
Look out for the museum's creative use of space, such as the striking ceiling installations of birds or the diamond stag sculpture, which add an element of surprise and delight to the visitor experience. These unique elements contribute to the museum's welcoming and thoughtfully curated atmosphere.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit