The Penobscot-made birch bark canoe, circa 1880.
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Portland Museum of Art Portland Maine

4.6
·2k reviews·Portland, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Friday evenings

Free admission!

CrowdMedium
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The Penobscot-made birch bark canoe, circa 1880.

Portland Museum of Art Portland Maine

Best Time

Friday evenings

Free admission!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(2k reviews)

"A manageable size, perfect for a casual visit without getting museum fatigue."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Winslow Homer Studio

Winslow Homer Studio

Midcoast Maine

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

Instagram
Art in Bloom

Art in Bloom

Portland Museum of Art

Dazzling floral arrangements inspired by the museum's collection. A vibrant celebration of spring and art.

Instagram
Masterpiece Collection

Masterpiece Collection

Galleries

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

Reddit
Unique Ceiling Sculptures

Unique Ceiling Sculptures

Stairwells

Discover creative installations, like the flock of birds or a diamond stag, adding a whimsical touch.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Free Friday Evenings

Score free admission to the Portland Museum of Art every Friday from 4-8 PM! It's a fantastic way to experience the art without the usual ticket price, perfect for a budget-friendly evening out. Instagram

Check for Special Events

The museum hosts unique events like 'Art in Bloom' with floral displays inspired by the art. Keep an eye on their schedule for these limited-time, highly recommended experiences. Instagram

Best Times

When
Friday evenings
Why
Free admission!
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring (April)
Why
Art in Bloom event
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Took a trip to Hopscotch 🦋. #portland #artmuseum #oregon #fyp #fy #foryoupage #aesthetic
@sea_star0_0
41.3K likes • 505.4K views

🎯 Free Friday Evenings

Enjoy free admission every Friday from 4-8 PM. A great way to experience art on a budget! Instagram :dollar:

🚗 Parking Options

A nearby parking garage is available, or try finding street parking. Allow extra time for parking. Reddit

Part 1 | things to do in Portland in the winter. I’ll be sharing some old and new activity ideas when it’s cold and raining in PDX. First up is Hopscotch—can’t recommend this spot enough! #portlandwinter #thingstodoinportlandoregon #portlandcheck #portlandoregon #hopscotchportland
@michelevenlee
12.2K likes • 493.6K views
The Portland Museum of Art @portlandmuseum at 7 Congress Sq Portland Maine has FREE Fridays from 4-8! Great night life activity for the artsy ones ☺️ 🖼️ #pmamaine #portlandmuseum #artlover #nightlife #portlandmaine #pov
everywherewitheva
4 likes • 367 views

📸 Photo Policy

Be mindful of 'no photography' signs, especially for loaned pieces. Signs can be small! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore all the floors. Reddit

Don’t miss Art in Bloom starting this week at the Portland Museum of Art! (@portlandmuseum) 💐 From April 9-13, discover dazzling floral displays inspired by the museum’s collection and created by Maine’s talented artists, florists, and craftspeople. 🌹🖼️ This is one of my favorite events of the year and is a wonderful way to celebrate spring!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ . . . #portlandme #portlandmaine #visitm...
eatingthroughtheseacoast
159 likes • 6.8K views

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! Instagram :dollar:

🚗 Parking Options

A nearby parking garage is available, or try finding street parking. Allow extra time for parking. Reddit

📸 Photo Policy

Be mindful of 'no photography' signs, especially for loaned pieces. Signs can be small! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes to explore all the floors. Reddit

🗺️ Manageable Size

The museum is a good size, perfect for a visit without getting museum fatigue. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

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

Manageable size
Beautiful art collection
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

High ticket prices
Strict photo rules
Street sleepers nearby

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, Portland has a public bus system that can get you close to the museum. Check the Greater Portland METRO for routes and schedules. Instagram

The museum is designed to be accessible, with elevators and ramps. The expansion project also prioritizes accessibility and inclusion. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ 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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions that showcase unique collections or themes. It's worth checking their website for current and upcoming exhibitions. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. InstagramReddit

While general photography is often allowed, always check for specific restrictions on certain artworks. Some pieces, especially loaned items, may not be photographable. Reddit

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Portland Museum of Art is a great option for families, offering a manageable size that prevents museum fatigue for younger visitors. The collection includes colorful and engaging pieces, and unique installations like the bird sculptures can capture children's imaginations. InstagramReddit

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

The Free Friday evenings (4-8 PM) are a game-changer for budget travelers looking to experience the Portland Museum of Art without the admission fee. Instagram This is the prime time to visit if you're watching your spending. Reddit

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

For serious art lovers, the Portland Museum of Art offers a curated selection of significant works, particularly in American art. The chance to visit the Winslow Homer Studio is a major draw, providing unparalleled insight into the artist's environment. Instagram

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Portland Museum of Art Expansion

The Portland Museum of Art is undergoing a significant expansion, conceived as an 'armature of belonging' to create a more robust cultural destination. This ambitious project aims to weave community programming, public space, and art together. Guided by indigenous knowledge systems and 21st-century technology, the new building will prominently feature recycled Maine rammed earth as a primary material, connecting it deeply to the local landscape. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Exploring Winslow Homer's Legacy

A truly unique aspect of the Portland Museum of Art's offerings is the opportunity to visit the Winslow Homer Studio. This historic site, managed by the PMA, is located in Prout's Neck, midcoast Maine, and offers an intimate glimpse into the life and creative process of one of America's most celebrated marine artists. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

Navigating the Museum's Collection

The Portland Museum of Art boasts a diverse and engaging collection that spans various periods and styles. Visitors often highlight the presence of masterpieces by renowned artists such as Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, and Edward Hopper, making it a significant destination for American art enthusiasts. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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