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.

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Best Lodging Options Near Portland Museum of Art

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland DT/Maine Med

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland DT/Maine Med

3 out of 5
340 Park Ave, Portland, ME
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Portland DT/Maine Med
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
Clarion Hotel Portland

Clarion Hotel Portland

2.5 out of 5
1230 Congress St, Portland, ME
Clarion Hotel Portland
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront

4 out of 5
9 Center Street, Portland, ME
Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront
Portland Harbor Hotel

Portland Harbor Hotel

4 out of 5
468 Fore Street, Portland, ME
Portland Harbor Hotel
The Westin Portland Harborview

The Westin Portland Harborview

4 out of 5
157 High St, Portland, ME
The Westin Portland Harborview
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront

3 out of 5
65 Commercial St, Portland, ME
Hilton Garden Inn Portland Downtown Waterfront
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

Portland Regency Hotel & Spa

3.5 out of 5
20 Milk Street, Portland, ME
Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
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
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 diverse collection that showcases both local and international talent. Nearby, enjoy vibrant live music and captivating theater performances, adding to the cultural richness of the area. This destination promises an array of engaging art experiences and serves as a major attraction for visitors seeking to explore Portland's creative spirit.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Maine Mall, located 4 miles from the Portland Museum of Art, offering a variety of entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, visit the LL Bean Flagship Store, 16 miles away, or explore The Willows Flea Market, 31 miles from the museum.

Recreation

Thompson's Point, a vibrant concert venue just 1 mile from the museum, offers lively music experiences. Hadlock Field, located 0.8 mile away, immerses you in the excitement of sports events. For a touch of luxury, visit the Portland Club, a private venue only 0.2 mile from the museum.

Adventure

Aquaboggan Water Park offers thrilling water slides and family fun, located 10 miles from the Portland Museum of Art. Experience adrenaline at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, a motorsport venue 7 miles away. For a scenic adventure, hike the Cliff Walk, situated 9 miles from the museum, surrounded by breathtaking views.

Nightlife

In Portland, the State Theatre offers a romantic cultural experience just 0.1 miles away, perfect for an entertaining night out. For adventure seekers, Bayside Bowl, located 0.4 miles away, provides a lively arcade atmosphere. Don’t miss the Southworth Planetarium, 1 mile away, for a captivating night under the stars.

*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

Discover the vibrant culture around the Portland Museum of Art, where you can enjoy the nearby beaches, historic homes, and entertainment facilities. Engage in family-friendly experiences while exploring the local art scene and theaters. With attractions just a short distance away, you can easily immerse yourself in the rich history and artistic offerings of Portland, Maine, making it a perfect destination for culture enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.

  • Cross Insurance Arena: Located only 0.2 miles from the Portland Museum of Art, this vibrant arena hosts a variety of family-friendly events and entertainment, making it a perfect spot for sports fans and concert-goers alike.
  • University of Southern Maine: About 0.8 miles away, this historic university offers a rich cultural atmosphere, showcasing art exhibits and performances, ideal for those interested in local history and education.
  • East End Beach: Just 2 miles from the museum, this beautiful beach provides a serene escape with stunning views and a relaxing environment, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Portland Museum of Art

To save money on your visit to the Portland Museum of Art, plan your trip from January to March, when hotel prices are lower. Tuesdays are the best days to book accommodations, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare rates, refine your search, and consider package deals for hotels and flights. Joining Expedia’s One Key membership can provide additional discounts and cash rewards for future bookings. Take advantage of free activities around the museum and explore the area by walking, as Portland is easy to navigate on foot.

  • 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: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Portland Museum of Art with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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