Portland Museum of Art
#4 in Best Things To Do in Portland, ME

Details
- 5.0Value
- 4.5Facilities
- 5.0Atmosphere
For such a small city, Portland houses some pretty big names in its art museum. Andy Warhol, Claude Monet and Winslow Homer are among the icons showcased within the Portland Museum of Art. Along with some of the greats, the museum features an extensive collection of American, European and contemporary works, as well as pieces from Maine artists. Paintings abound, but you'll also find photographs, sketches, pottery, furniture, ornate silverware, sculptures and so much more. The collection is so big – more than 18,000 pieces – that it would take nearly 10 years of constant gallery rotations to see everything in the museum, according to its website. Additionally, the museum hosts regular events including movie showings, curator talks and various activities geared toward families, including designated PMA Family Days. It also sells tickets to the seaside home of Homer, whose house is considered a landmark in the history of American art.
Recent travelers were impressed with the Portland Museum of Art, expressing their delight at its collections. Visitors enjoyed the diversity of styles featured, from French impressionists to American classics, as well as the numerous works displayed, with many saying they could have easily explored the premises all day.
The Portland Museum of Art is located near downtown Portland, about a half-mile southwest of the Old Port. Public parking lots are available (for a fee) on streets surrounding the museum. The PMA also houses a cafe and store on-site. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. From November through late May, the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission costs $15 for adults; there are discounts available for students and seniors, and children 14 and younger get in for free. There's also free admission Friday evenings from 4 to 8 p.m. For more information about the Portland Museum of Art, visit its website.
More Best Things To Do in Portland, ME


#1 Casco Bay Islands
Though beaches are few and far between in Portland, shorelines abound in the nearby Casco Bay Islands. The Casco Bay Islands are a group of islands located off the coast of Portland, six of which are accessible by ferry year-round. Each island has its own personality, history, attractions and activities.
Cliff Island, one of the smallest Casco Bay Islands, is home to only 60 residents year-round and is the only year-round island that features unpaved roads and as such, cars are seldom used. Meanwhile, Great Diamond, which was home to historic Fort McKinley, is lauded for its quintessential Maine landscape and boasts shallow, rocky shorelines backed by lush forests. Cars aren't allowed, so walking, biking or getting around on golf carts are the modes of transportation. You'll find plenty of beaches on this isle, specifically the stunning Diamond Cove, as well as a small museum, a bowling alley and tennis courts. You can make a weekend of it and stay at the Inn at Diamond Cove, which has a host of activities and excellent dining options.
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