Portland Observatory

Portland Observatory

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One of the earliest maritime signals to be built, the Portland Observatory is the only remaining signal tower in the US.

06/09/2026

PLEASE NOTE that we'll be open at 11:30am on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. We'll have guided tours all day from 11:30am-3:30pm. Hope to see you there!

06/05/2026

Chalk art, colorful windows, and the flags flying high. Thank you to whoever left us this beautiful chalk drawing. When the community shows up for you like this, you know you are doing something right. And this is why we love this place.

Come see what all the love is about. We're open seven days a week! Sunday-Thursday 10:00-3:30 and Thursday-Saturday from 10:00-7:00. Weekend morning and weekend day tours are led by our knowledgeable, passionate docents. If you prefer to walk up on your own, we offer self-guided tours weekend afternoons, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 4:30-7:00.

Visit our website for more information: www.portlandlandmarks.org/the-portland-observatory

Hope to see you there!

05/22/2026

No, you don't need to adjust your glasses, but you do need to save the date!

What you're seeing is a historic image of the "Faith" statue in Hallowell—brought to life in 3D. This is just one glimpse of what awaits you at Portland Unlocked, Greater Portland Landmarks' upcoming fundraising event.

On Tuesday, June 23, Maine State Museum Director Bernard Fishman will take you on a journey through rare stereograph images from the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s—photographs you've likely never seen, presented in breathtaking 3D. The centerpiece presentation, "Historic Maine in 3D", happens inside the magnificent The Portland Masonic, one of Portland's most storied and long-hidden gems, in its original plush velvet seating, surrounded by Masonic murals and woodwork that have to be seen to be believed. And getting there you'll ride elevators of the same manufacture as those aboard the Titanic.

Want to go deeper? Only 50 VIP tickets are available for an exclusive private tour and a special reception with Bernard in the stunning Billiards Room — crystal chandeliers, leather couches, and yes, billiards tables included. VIP tickets go on sale May 26, with general admission following on May 28.

This is a rare chance to step inside Maine's past—literally—while supporting the organization that works to preserve these irreplaceable spaces. Don't miss it.

Check our website for more information as it becomes available: https://www.portlandlandmarks.org/portlandunlocked

05/14/2026

This Saturday, May 16th! Do you live or work on Munjoy Hill? Do you walk by the Observatory and think "someday, I've got to visit"? Make Saturday that day! The Observatory is holding a special pre-season open day for Munjoy Hill residents and workers. We'll be open from 11:00am-3:00pm for self-guided tours. Admission for Munjoy Hill residents and workers is FREE. Come meet our friendly docents and staff, learn about the history of the Observatory and your neighborhood, and see the best view in Portland. Put on in collaboration with the Munjoy Hill Neighborhood Organization. We hope to see you there!

Contact [email protected] with questions.

05/11/2026

Planning your trip to the Observatory and can't quite wait until we open on May 23rd? Check out "The Last One Standing," a documentary about the Observatory created by SMCC students Noah Bonnell, Keegan Pierce, Kyle Scott, and Abe Huff. They did such a great job interviewing site manager Peg and docent Daphne and highlighting our special building.

Check out the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YEWWaweYFw&t=40s

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Address


138 Congress Street
Portland, ME
04101

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 10am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 10am - 3:30pm
Thursday 10am - 3:30pm
Friday 10am - 3:30pm
Saturday 10am - 3:30pm
Sunday 10am - 3:30pm