A Guide to the Portland Museum of Art

The Portland Museum of Art (PMA) is Maine’s premier art institution, located in the vibrant Arts District of downtown Portland at the intersection of High, Congress, and Free streets. Founded in 1882, it is the oldest and largest public art museum in Maine, housing a diverse collection that spans over 200 years of American and European art.

For anyone interested in art, architecture, or Maine’s cultural heritage, the PMA is an essential destination. It is particularly renowned for its holdings of American artists who painted in Maine, including an exceptional collection of works by Winslow Homer.

The Architecture

The museum is a fascinating blend of historic and modern, occupying three interconnected buildings that tell the story of Portland’s architectural evolution.

The McLellan House (1801)

This stunning Federal-style mansion was built for Major Hugh McLellan, a wealthy Portland merchant. The house has been meticulously preserved with period furnishings and offers a glimpse into early 19th-century life in Portland’s elite circles. It is one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in Maine.

The L.D.M. Sweat Memorial Galleries (1911)

Named for Lorenzo de Medici Sweat (yes, that was his real name), a former U.S. Congressman who bequeathed his collection to the museum, these Beaux-Arts galleries provide a grand setting for classical works. The architecture itself feels like a work of art.

The Charles Shipman Payson Building (1983)

Designed by the legendary architect I.M. Pei (who also designed the Louvre Pyramid), this modern, light-filled structure is the heart of the museum today. The building’s clean lines and abundant natural light create an ideal environment for viewing art. The Payson Building houses the majority of the rotating exhibitions and contemporary collections.

The Winslow Homer Collection

The PMA is the definitive home for experiencing the work of Winslow Homer (1836-1910), widely regarded as one of the greatest American artists of the 19th century.

Why Homer Matters to Maine

Homer spent the last 27 years of his life painting at Prouts Neck, a rocky peninsula south of Portland. There, in a former carriage house he converted into a studio, Homer created some of the most powerful seascapes in American art history. Works like “Weatherbeaten” capture the raw power of the Maine coast with an intensity that still resonates today.

The Winslow Homer Studio

The PMA owns and operates the Winslow Homer Studio at Prouts Neck, offering guided tours that provide an immersive look at where Homer lived and worked.

Tour Details:

Season: May through October (2025 season runs May 29 - October 10)
Duration: 2.5 hours including transportation
Capacity: 12 people per tour
Departure: All tours begin at the PMA in Portland
Experience: Includes gallery visit to see Homer’s “Weatherbeaten” before boarding transport, custom soundscape, interactive activities, and updated studio lighting

Because the studio is located in a private residential neighborhood, advance reservations are required. Tours sell out quickly, especially in summer—book early.

The Collection Highlights

American Art

The PMA has a strong collection of American art, with a particular focus on artists who worked in Maine.

Winslow Homer: The crown jewels of the collection, including seascapes and genre scenes spanning his career.

Andrew Wyeth: Works by the beloved American realist who spent summers painting in Maine.

Rockwell Kent: Bold, graphic paintings and prints by the artist who found inspiration in Maine’s Monhegan Island.

Marsden Hartley: Abstract and figurative works by the Lewiston-born modernist who remained deeply connected to Maine throughout his life.

Frederick Edwin Church: Masterpieces by the Hudson River School painter known for his dramatic landscapes.

N.C. Wyeth: Illustrations and paintings by the patriarch of Maine’s famous Wyeth artistic dynasty.

European Art

The museum’s European holdings span from the Renaissance to the modern era, including:

Old Master paintings and decorative arts
Impressionist works
19th and 20th century European paintings
Sculpture and decorative arts

Contemporary Art

The Payson Building features rotating exhibitions and permanent installations by contemporary artists. The museum actively collects and exhibits work by living artists, with particular attention to Maine’s vibrant current art scene.

Special Exhibitions

The PMA hosts a dynamic schedule of special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring national and international artists as well as deep dives into specific themes, movements, or collections. Past exhibitions have ranged from major traveling shows to intimate explorations of individual artists.

Check the museum’s website before your visit to see what’s currently on display—special exhibitions are often among the most compelling reasons to visit.

Annual Events

Art in Bloom

Each spring (typically April), the museum hosts Art in Bloom, where local florists and garden clubs create floral arrangements inspired by works in the collection. It’s a beloved Portland tradition that draws crowds for the inventive pairings of art and flowers.

First Friday Art Walk

Portland’s Arts District comes alive on the first Friday of each month, and the PMA often participates with extended hours, special programming, or free admission.

Outdoor Sculpture

Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture installations in Congress Square, adjacent to the museum entrance.

Visiting Tips

Hours and Admission

Hours: Typically open Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Hours vary by season—check the website for current schedule.
Free Admission: The museum offers free admission days and evenings throughout the year, including select First Fridays. Check their schedule for current free admission opportunities.
Members: Membership provides unlimited free admission plus discounts at the museum store and café.

Getting There

Address: 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine

Walking: The museum is easily walkable from the Old Port, Commercial Street, and most downtown hotels.

Parking: Street parking can be tricky in the Arts District. The Temple Street Garage and other public parking garages are nearby and reasonably priced. Validate at the museum for discounted parking at participating garages.

Public Transit: Metro bus routes serve downtown Portland, with stops near Congress Square.

Planning Your Visit

Time Needed: Allow 1.5-2 hours for a general visit. Add time for special exhibitions or the museum café.
Audio Tours: Available for self-guided exploration of the collection.
Accessibility: The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators connecting all buildings and levels.
Photography: Generally permitted in permanent collection galleries (no flash). Restrictions may apply to special exhibitions.

Dining

The museum has a small café offering light fare, coffee, and pastries. However, you’re in the heart of Portland’s restaurant scene—dozens of excellent options are within a short walk, from casual to fine dining.

Nearby Attractions

While in the Arts District:

Congress Street: Galleries, boutiques, and restaurants
Longfellow House: The childhood home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, just steps from the museum
Victoria Mansion: Portland’s grandest 19th-century house museum
The Old Port: Historic waterfront district with shops and restaurants
Eastern Promenade: Scenic waterfront walking path

Why Visit

The Portland Museum of Art is more than a repository of paintings—it’s a window into Maine’s soul. The artists represented here were drawn to Maine for the same reasons people still visit: the dramatic light, the rugged coast, the sense of being at the edge of something wild and beautiful.

Whether you’re an art devotee or simply curious, the PMA offers an enriching experience that deepens your understanding of Maine and its place in American culture. And if you’re lucky enough to secure a spot on a Winslow Homer Studio tour, you’ll stand where one of America’s greatest artists stood, looking out at the same waves that inspired masterpieces.

Location: 7 Congress Square, Portland, Maine Website: portlandmuseum.org