On Casco Bay is Portland (pop. 65,000), the largest town in Maine, best visited in summer (boat trips round the bay). For adults there is the Portland Museum of Art, for children the Children's Museum of Maine. There are numbers of fine old houses in the town, in particular the home of the Portland-born poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-82). The Old Port Exhange has excellent shops and restaurants.
The Victoria Mansion in Portland was built between 1858-60 and was designed by the well-known architect, Henry Austin. The home features, painted walls and ceilings, wood carvings, and unique carpets, silver, glass and porcelain.
Address: Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth Street, Portland, ME 04101-4504, United States
Phone: 1 (207) 772-4841, Fax: 1 (207) 772-6290
Hours:
May 1 to October 31: 10am-4pm; Sun:1pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: Memorial Day - USA (last Monday, May ), American Independance Day (July 4), Labor Day - USA (1st Monday, September)
The Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine in Portland features displays on science, agriculture, and daily life. The interactive exhibits and activities appeal to children and families.
Address: Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine, 142 Free Street, Box 4041, Portland, ME 04101-3961, United States
Phone: 1 (207) 828-1234, Fax: 1 (207) 828-5726
Hours:
May 30 to September 7: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm
September 8 to May 29: 10am-5pm; Sun:12pm-5pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), American Independance Day (July 4), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Easter - Christian
Tips: The Museum and Theatre is open from 5pm-8pm on the first Friday night of each month with an admission price of $1.00.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Fore River Sanctuary is a 76 acre preserve that is located in Portland and is home to a wide variety of birds. A nature trail leads to the Cumberland and Oxford Canal. Also of interest is Jewell Falls, Portland's only waterfall.
Address: Portland Trails, 305 Commercial Street, Portland, ME 04101, United States
Phone: 1 (207) 775-2411, Fax: 1 (207) 871-1184
The Main Historical Society Museum features changing exhibitions and programs spanning more than five centuries of Maine life. The original exhibitions feature art, artifacts and documents that bring Maine history to life.
Address: Maine Historical Society Museum, 489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101-3401, United States
Phone: 1 (207) 774-1822, Fax: 1 (207) 775-4301
The Maine Narrow Guage Railroad Museum in Portland features narrow gauge coaches, locomotives, and other related equipment.
Address: Maine Narrow Guage Railroad Museum, 58 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101-4842, United States
Phone: 1 (207) 828-0814, Fax: 1 (207) 879-6123
Hours:
10am-4pm
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), New Year's Eve (December 31), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24)
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The Neal Dow Memorial is a 1829 Federalist-style house that was built for New Dow who was a two-time mayor of Portland. The house still contains original furnishings and family memorabilia. It is the headquarters of the Maine Woman's Christian Temperance Union.
The collection at the Portland Museum of Art features decorative arts dating from the 1700s. It includes artists such as Andrew Wyeth, Winslow Homer and Rockwell Kent. In the European collection there are works by Monet, Degas and Picasso. The museum also features temporary exhibits throughout the year.
Facade of the Portland Museum of Art.
Address: Portland Museum of Art, 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101-3802, United States
Phone: 1 (207) 775-6148, Fax: 1 (207) 773-7324
Hours:
May 24 to October 14: 10am-5pm; Thu:10am-9pm; Fri:10am-9pm
October 15 to May 23: 10am-5pm; Fri:10am-9pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
The Southworth Planetarium in the Science Building on the Portland Campus of the University of Southern Maine features a solar system display by the National Geographic Society, as well as astronomy shows and programs.
Address: Southworth Planetarium, 96 Falmouth Street, Portland, ME 04104-9300, United States
Phone: 1 (207) 780-4249, Fax: 1 (207) 228-8288
Tips: Astronomy shows take place on Friday nights.
The Tate House was built in 1755 and belonged to Captain George Tate. The house is furnished in period with an English flare to it, in keeping with his British heritage. On the grounds is an 18th century garden.
Hours:
June 15 to October 10: 10am-4pm; Sun:1pm-4pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: American Independance Day (July 4)
Built in 1785-86 for Gen. Peleg Wadsworth, grandfather of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, this was the first brick house in Portland. The house features personal items of the Wadsworth and Longfellow families.
Address: The Maine Historical Society / Wadsworth Longfellow House, 487 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101-3401, United States
Phone: 1 (207) 774-1822, Fax: 1 (207) 775-4301
Hours:
June 1 to October 31: 10am-4pm
Tips: A combination ticket with the Maine History Gallery is available.
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