Portland Museum of Art

7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101, USA

Address:	7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101, USA
Phone:	+1 207-775-6148
Site:	portlandmuseum.org
Rating:	4.5
Working:	Closed Closed 10AM–6PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–8PM 10AM–6PM 10AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 26

A Private User

The Portland Museum of Art is really impressive for so many reasons: their elaborate selection of artwork, their dedication and support to the local community, and their general contribution to the art scene. I appreciate tremendously, thanks to LLBean, that Friday nights is free admission - I go once a month with my boyfriend to check everything out, because of that perk. But what I dont appreciate at PMA is the staff. Every time weve ever been weve felt judged. And not the "woe is me, Im a sixteen year old girl and everyone is staring at me!" kind of judged; weve taken people with us and theyve actually commented themselves on how the PMA staff: follows us and watches us like a hawk (making us feel awkward and unwelcomed). On more then one occasion weve been reprimanded VERY LOUDLY and very patronizingly by different members of the staff for pointing at the art. Yep, you read that correctly: I pointed at the art (was over two feet away from it) and was yelled at. Its now become an on-going joke between my sig and I: how many steps inside the building can we take before the staff starts stalking us? Unless youre a visibly wealthy, older person (middle aged plus) who gives off a pompous vibe, be warned: you WILL be seen as "suspicious" and treated as such.

Dale Nowell

I took my granddaughter here yesterday. I found it as child friendly as a funeral home and just as inviting. Unlike other museums that are alive and buzzing with the enthusiasm art should awake in you this one was as cold as a tomb. I kept expecting to be asked to leave for breathing to heavy. This is where art goes to die not where it comes alive. I can look at famous paintings on the web and be just as in awed as being here was . I would not recommend it to anyone who is looking to instill a love and enthusiasm for the arts to a child are anyone who feels art should be enjoyed and absorbed not just looked at. Very disappointing .

Miles Heise

One of the best art museums I can recall visiting. Not only were there excellent selections but the text illuminating them was actually interesting. Where many museums have dry text about unnecessary facts, or not much information at all, the pieces here generally have interesting info about the process, or stories about how something came to be made, or context about the creator. It makes a huge difference in the experience.

Edward Zelmanow

Wonderful exhibits. Some are fixed while some are rotated to keep things fresh. Good layout for getting around. Finding parking during warmer months can be a challenge. Groupon often has discount tickets available. Didnt take long to get through entire museum. While most staff are friendly, some hover over your shoulder almost expecting you to breathe too strongly in the direction of any of the works. Very creepy.

Norma Price

I really enjoyed the paintings. I also was moved by the drowned pearl diver scupture, Andrew and NC Wyeth, Edward Hopper,Marsten Hartley and other students of Robert Henri. I also enjoy the off beat humor of Henri Magritte. Most of all, I was excited by the Managiary plywood carvings on 4th floor. I forgot the artists name but he died in 1977. Please forgive spelling I am pecking this out on phone.

Pete Clark

I think theyve read the previous persons review because I went a couple months back and was treated respectfully by the staff. They answered questions and they even pointed out other areas of the museum I had missed. I never felt that they stalked me or that they looked down their noses at me or anything of that sort. Free Friday nights are the way to go.

richard morgan

“A Lovely Place to Visit and Relax” A wonderful, relaxing and informative place to spend a few hours. Enjoy some inspiring art in a bright, airy, laid back place. Browse, casually through rooms and rooms of great art from many well known impressionist as well as Maine and Maine inspired artists. I really enjoyed myself.

Maria Zolotarev

Although it is small for a museum, I actually liked it quite a bit. There were lots of fun quirky pieces. The 4th floor especially is quintessential Maine. They also have a darling giftshop and a nice cafe with a neat magnetic building block activity meant for kids that my husband and I actually got a kick out of.

Stephen Harris

Almost fully accessible- the top floor is not, but all of he rest is easily wheelchair-able. I had trouble finding the wheelchair entrance, but except for the heavy doors, the front door is accessible. A wonderful place to spend a few hours (free on Friday afternoon!). A nice cafe on the bottom floor.

John Vedral

This is a very good museum for a smaller city. Friday evenings are free thanks to local business funding. You can also get free admission through the Portland Public Library circulation desk. The specialty exhibits are often very good.

Karolyn Sandoval

Had a great time here! I particularly liked the sculpture exhibit: New American Sculpture, 1914-1945 featuring Lachaise, Laurent, Nadelman, and Zorach. Also enjoyed the sculptures outside, especially Celeste Robergs Rising Cairn.

Rebecca Camerato

Such an interesting postmodern american colonial revival building. Really beautiful gallery spaces. The McClellan house is a must! The collection of portraiture in the memorial hall is really beautiful.

Heather Duncan

A small museum packed with fantastic pieces of European and American art. One of my favorite museums. Its small enough that its not exhausting and I felt like I could really take my time at each piece.

Kelly Love

I love everything about this museum. Check back often for new exhibitions, because theyre changing the place up the next few months, and there always seems to be something new in here.

Mitchell Stein

Who would have thought Portland would have such a great Museum. Locals and visitors should spend time here. Ive been a member for years and always find something new to enjoy.

Jared Goulette

Beautiful Artwork, both new and old. Exhibits change regularly and local artists are featured as well as many others. A great place for locals as well as visitors to Portland.

Zeliha Demir

Muhteşem eserler var içeride, kesinlikle gezmeden dönmeyin.

Anna Burkatovsky

I went on a Friday. It turns free at 4, which was a great bonus-- had accidentally perfect timing. Collection has a bit of everything. A good place to spend a couple hours

Lauren Manera

Great place to while away an hour or two. Nice cafe downstairs, store (of course) on the 1st floor. Lots of history and a restored building next to the more modern site.

Marie Carpentier

Très belle architecture, bel accrochage. Très intéressant musee

Joel Winnig

Nice casual museum. Admission was reasonable and $15. Interesting collections, a lot having to do with Portland history. They also had some impressionists and a Picasso.

Deanne Penaloza

Wonderful collection of art. Went here on a rainy day since we couldnt do much more and Im so glad we did. I recommend anyone that stops in Maine to visit this museum.

Shawn Jin

Love the layout and the flow of the museum, going from floor to floor. Their art, many of which is of local artists, or of local scenery is just what is desired.

Karen Rush

It was a wonderful experience, but not nearly enough time and, next time, I will say "Yes" to the sketch pad! Thank you, Roger, for showing me the way. :)

Paul Bentivegna

Bad. My wife and kids were stalked by the security guard of all people. Got in her face and everything about almost touching the art. Very bad.

Mike McDermott

We were there for the First Friday Artwalk night - fun to be jostling shoulder to shoulder with so many people enjoying the great collections.