The Portland Museum of Art, founded in 1882, is the oldest and largest public art museum in Maine, located at 7 Congress Square in the heart of downtown Portland. The museum's primary building is the Charles Shipman Payson Building, a postmodern brick structure designed by I.M. Pei & Partners and opened in 1983, connected via a covered walkway to the restored 1801 McLellan House and 1911 L.D.M. Sweat Memorial Galleries — both Federal-style mansions that form part of the campus. The permanent collection spans American, European, and Maine-oriented art across more than 18,000 objects. Maine artists are exceptionally well represented: Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth, Rockwell Kent, and John Marin figure prominently in the galleries, and the museum holds a significant collection of Homer's late oil paintings including works from his Prouts Neck studio. European holdings include works by Degas, Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and Toulouse-Lautrec. The Winslow Homer Studio in Prouts Neck, preserved by the museum, can be visited on separate guided tours in summer. Extended Friday evening hours (until 9 p.m.) attract visitors who prefer a quieter gallery experience. Admission is free on Friday evenings from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The museum is located within 15 minutes' walk of Portland Old Port and is accessible from most downtown Portland hotels. Audio guides are available at the admissions desk.
Good to know
- Hours
- Tue–Thu & Sat–Sun 10:00–17:00; Fri 10:00–21:00; closed Monday
- Best time
- Friday evening for extended hours and smaller crowds
Location
7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101
43.6551, -70.2607 View on map
Highlights
- Maine's largest and oldest art museum in a landmark I.M. Pei-designed 1983 building at Congress Square
- Major Winslow Homer collection including late oil paintings from his Prouts Neck studio period
- Andrew Wyeth, Rockwell Kent, and John Marin works — one of the finest collections of Maine art anywhere
- European impressionist works including Degas, Monet, Renoir, and Picasso in the permanent collection
- Free Friday evening admission (4–9 p.m.) with extended gallery hours and a quieter atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Visit on a Friday evening for free admission and the most relaxed, uncrowded gallery experience
- The Winslow Homer galleries on the upper floors of the Pei building anchor the permanent collection — start there
- The McLellan House and Sweat Memorial galleries offer a contrasting architectural experience alongside the art
- Audio guides available at the admissions desk enhance the permanent collection galleries significantly
- Combine with a walk to Portland Old Port, 10 minutes south, for a full Portland afternoon and evening
When to visit
Friday evenings (4–9 p.m.) offer free admission and the quietest gallery experience. Summer afternoons are the busiest; mid-week weekday mornings offer the most relaxed visit to the permanent collection.
Accessibility
The museum is fully accessible via the main Congress Square entrance with an elevator serving all floors of the Pei building. The McLellan House and Sweat Galleries have accessible routes through ground-floor connections. Accessible restrooms are on the main level. Wheelchairs are available at the admissions desk on request.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Portland Museum of Art take?
Covering the main permanent collection galleries takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Including rotating temporary exhibitions and the historic mansion galleries extends the visit to 2.5 to 3 hours.
Is the Portland Museum of Art free?
General admission is $18 for adults. Friday evenings from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. are free for all visitors. Children under 13 are always free.
Is photography allowed in the Portland Museum of Art?
Personal photography is permitted in the permanent collection galleries for non-commercial use. Photography is typically not allowed in special or temporary exhibitions. No flash or tripods permitted.