Portland Museum of Art
Portland Museum of Art
4.5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
With an extensive permanent collection and nationally renowned exhibitions, the Portland Museum of Art is rightfully taking its place as the best regional museum in the country. The PMA boasts a considerable permanent collection, with beloved works of American, European, and Contemporary art, as well as significant holdings of Maine art-highlighting the rich artistic tradition of the state and its artists. The museum brings it all to life with unparalleled programming. From special member-only events, free school tours, and a commitment to family activities, to PMA Movies, curator talks, and exclusive tours of the Winslow Homer Studio-it's all happening at the PMA.
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- maryofmassachusettsPlymouth, Massachusetts740 contributionsGlad I finally spent some time here!In the past I've stopped by the gift shop, but this year in my visit to Portland decided to see all of the exhibits at PMA. I really enjoyed browsing through all of the rooms/buildings. Diverse and interesting. Alex Katz, Wedding Dress on exhibit until early June 2024. John Singer Sargent work is on display in Boston currently, so was happy to see several of his works at this museum. Outside ground sculptures are interesting too.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten December 16, 2023
- Anshita_SBoston, Massachusetts1,745 contributionsGood visitSpent a lovely afternoon here on a cold weekend and we were pleasantly surprised. It is bigger than I expected with a good collection and lots to see. I don’t understand art too much, but I still had a good time. The facilities were clean and well maintained. It’s modern and elevators to help you access other floors If you are looking for a break, there is a café at the basement level that sells beverages and snacks with some limited seating. All of the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten January 1, 2024
- Joe MHouston, Texas2,954 contributionsGreat building designGreat collection international and local art. The museum has good flows through galleries. It has a lot of natural light. The outdoor sculpture gardens can be viewed from stairways. As the museum has grown it has graphed onto the Mclellan house which has its own history. You should plan on at least 2 to 3 hours. These is a small cafe for light snacks.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten March 7, 2024
- TOURtheWORLDMexPalUnited States3,098 contributionsVery small, grouped according to Donors/LoanersThe temporary exhibit about shoes, which called “ Future Now” is impressive. Do not skip it…. Very interesting so say the least. The rest of collections are good, they have something of every thing, of course the famous and best works of the renown artists, but good enough for a quick visit.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 3, 2024
- EC13091Ellicott City, Maryland1,540 contributionsGo for the Jeremy Frey exhibitThis small museum was worth a visit. We came specifically for the special exhibit by Wabenaki basket maker Jeremy Frey. His baskets were exquisite, and we learned a great deal and enjoyed them immensely. We spent nearly an hour in the exhibit, which runs through September 15, but did not tour other parts of the museum.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten August 6, 2024
- ems_jlsMarlboro, New Jersey135 contributionsGreat museum, definitely worth a visitWe happened to visit when the exhibit of the Indigenous basket maker Jeremy Frey was on - it was a revelation. Very intricate and compelling work. The museum as a whole is nicely sized, not overwhelming like some huge ones are. There are some nice Monets in the European wing. The American wing has been re-imagined in the context of current environmental and historical concerns - but you are free to ignore that narrative and look at the paintings any way you like. The museum has a very nice cafe in the lowest floor where you can get a light lunch or a snack.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 12, 2024
- Mark PSwampscott, Massachusetts2,457 contributionsA Small GemThe Portland Museum of Art is located downtown. It has a fine permanent collection, and typically features two or three well curated shows. This is a museum worth visiting. One note: On the third Thursday of each month admission is free.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten August 15, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,573 reviews
Excellent
1,015
Very good
464
Average
74
Poor
13
Terrible
7
Brendan S
Arlington, VA2,152 contributions
Sept 2021 • Solo
The PMA has a terrific focused collection of American and early modernist art. Top works from the most well-known artists. There are also several small special exhibitions. Richard Estes photorealism was especially impressive and a series of Depression-Era photos were also interesting. There is even a small sculpture garden.
Unfortunately, one entire floor of the museum and a historic house that has been attached as another gallery are closed “due to social distancing guidelines.” This is nonsensical. There were only a few dozen people in the entire museum and I had entire galleries to myself most of the time. Patrons are required to wear masks. People clustered in some of the galleries with no effort to socially distance. Why was this ok in some galleries but not others? Why not restrict the number of people in one of the closed galleries to ensure “safety”? Why not put a sign up warning that you might walk by someone wearing a mask and let people decide whether to take the “risk”?
“Because COVID” is insufficient justification for closures at this point. Although 20-40% of the museum is closed, there was no reduction in the admission price. I was charged for 100% of the museum but only was allowed to see 60% of it. Either open up or charge less.
Unfortunately, one entire floor of the museum and a historic house that has been attached as another gallery are closed “due to social distancing guidelines.” This is nonsensical. There were only a few dozen people in the entire museum and I had entire galleries to myself most of the time. Patrons are required to wear masks. People clustered in some of the galleries with no effort to socially distance. Why was this ok in some galleries but not others? Why not restrict the number of people in one of the closed galleries to ensure “safety”? Why not put a sign up warning that you might walk by someone wearing a mask and let people decide whether to take the “risk”?
“Because COVID” is insufficient justification for closures at this point. Although 20-40% of the museum is closed, there was no reduction in the admission price. I was charged for 100% of the museum but only was allowed to see 60% of it. Either open up or charge less.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
newengland50
Franklin, MA440 contributions
Apr 2021
At this time (April 2021), the Museum is accepting reservations for visiting. Although Portland is a small city, the Museum has a national class collection. It ranges from New England artists to works from around the world. The building is well laid out and it is easy to navigate. You will find well-known artists, such as Renoir and Wyeth, and stunning sculptures. It is well worth the trip.
Every staff member was friendly and happy to answer questions. There is also a small gift shop.
Every staff member was friendly and happy to answer questions. There is also a small gift shop.
Written April 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD10,477 contributions
Jun 2021
After seeing the 1860 Victorian Mansion, we drove 2 blocks north to the Holiday Inn’s unused staff parking lot and walked 2 blocks east to this museum. Its in 3 joined parts; 1801 McLellan House, 1911 Sweat addition and the 1983 I. M. Pei Partner’s Payson Building. Inside the latter is reception where after paying $30 by card, we descended to the basement restrooms, then took the elevator to the 3rd floor. Its filled with contemporary art so we soon descended to the 2nd floor’s permanent collection of world class master paintings. Some favorites; 1943 "Dark Harbor Fishermen," by Newell Convers Wyeth, 1784 “Confidences,” by Renoir, 1891 "The Portland,” by Antonio Jacobsen, with its surprising description and 1875 “Uncle Ned at Home,” by Winslow Homer. On the 1st floor’s 2nd addition, we discovered more; 1862 "In the Woods-taking it easy," by Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait, Rodin statues, an unusual Calder mobile and 1894 “Ulysses S. Grant” statue by Franklin B. Simmons, rejected for the US Capital Rotunda.
This is an outstanding museum for Maine with art interest for nearly everyone.
This is an outstanding museum for Maine with art interest for nearly everyone.
Written June 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WMVineyard
Topsfield, MA77 contributions
Jan 2020
Drove up to Portland for the day to take in the N.C. Wyeth exhibition. It was an excellent retrospective of the artist/illustrator's life work. It was a great size...well laid out...good descriptive signage...that told an interesting narrative about the artist. We also toured the four-story IM Pei-designed building after seeing the Wyeth show. It is a great size as it was not overwhelming. There was a varied collection of art with representative pieces from a range of periods and genres. Painting, sculpture and crafts were well represented. It was not crowded so we could move in a leisurely way throughout the building spending as much time as we wanted with specific pieces. We will need to come back to see the rest of the museum and to fully enjoy the museum's sculpture garden without snow on the ground!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeffrey k
Needham, MA543 contributions
Sept 2020
This is a small collection, worth around two hours to see it well. The staff is friendly. The systems for protection against covid are well-considered and effective. Bathrooms are clean. Room traffic is monitored. The cafe is open and seems to have good light fare. There is a small but quite nice bookstore.
The actual collection spans mostly western art, and most galleries are open. There is a very interesting room devoted to Maine art and culture, which has representation of Native American art, too. There is a small sculpture garden on High St, worth a visit.
Note that parking is about three blocks away, and it is safe. There is some on-street parking adjacent to the museum, but it is only 2 hr max.
The actual collection spans mostly western art, and most galleries are open. There is a very interesting room devoted to Maine art and culture, which has representation of Native American art, too. There is a small sculpture garden on High St, worth a visit.
Note that parking is about three blocks away, and it is safe. There is some on-street parking adjacent to the museum, but it is only 2 hr max.
Written September 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grace Carr L
SF Bay Area362 contributions
Sept 2021
We were delighted to learn that there was no admission fee on the Friday we visited. It's a smallish art museum, but the collections are lovely - lots of Maine artists and those who spent time in Maine (Renoir, Picasso, Wyeth, Homer, etc.). Some modern works, too. Part of the museum was undergoing renovation, but all in all it was a nice couple of hours spent on a rainy day.
Written September 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mmarymomm
Pleasanton, CA1,664 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We spent some time at the Portland Museum of Art looking at the exhibit on Mt. St. Helens and also at the permanent collection of European art. The exhibit on Mt. St. Helens had photographs, paintings, and some technical data. It was very interesting. The European collection has some pieces from as early as the 14th century up through late 19th century. Contemporary art is housed in a separate building which we did not have time to peruse. For a small city I thought that their selections were very good and representative of art from the time period.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amilcar Guzman
Harwood Heights, IL997 contributions
Jul 2020 • Couples
When I typically visit a museum, I allot an entire morning or afternoon to get situated and take in the artwork. When I am pressed for time, this is one of the things I regret. I found the Portland Museum, however, a breath of fresh air. Easy to get around with a concise layout and beautiful Maine-specific artwork. I highly recommend-especially as a free activity!
Written July 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bay Dragon
Bar Harbor, ME90 contributions
Feb 2020
For a small city art museum, their permanent and travelling exhibits are remarkably rich and diverse. I think that they could be more creative in the way they design the visitor experience. Organizing their permanent collection more or less chronologically feels overly didactic. Excellent little cafe and gift shop.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adderley3C
Worcester, MA866 contributions
Feb 2020
There was a floral arrangement exhibit along side many of the paintings and sculptures. Great place to get out of the freezing temps to relax a bit before taking in more of the city. Well trained staff who could answer most questions. Interesting pieces spread out over 4 floors and a few connecting buildings.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the recommended duration of time to spend in the museum?
2-3 hours? A full day?
Written August 9, 2018
Not a full day, a couple of hours.
Written August 10, 2018
Will the Portland Museum of Art be open on Dec. 16 and 17, 2016?
Written December 14, 2016
I went on line. The PMA will be open Friday, Dec 16, from 11 a.m. until 8. It is also open the following day, Saturday, Dec 17, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Admission is $15/adult; $13 senior; $10 student with ID; free under 14 years. BUT: Friday from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., the museum is FREE!
Do consult the PMA website for exhibitions, maps, directions. Give yourself time, too, to enjoy the permanent collection.
Written December 14, 2016
If you could check out the picture of a painting I posted and tell me who the artist is. Saw it on Sept. 12, 2015 and it was a self portrait of the female artist.
Written September 25, 2015
I checked Bedandbreakfast website and saw Pomegranate Inn (49 Neal St.), then checked google maps to see how far this Inn is from the Museum. It is 14 minutes walking distance. There are a few more b&bs in Portland Main that you may want to look into.
Written March 16, 2015
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