This spring and summer we have promised ourselves that we are going to take even greater advantage of the free experiences right in our own back yard. So, last Friday night we visited the Portland Museum of Art during its free hours from 4-8 pm. They happened to be hosting Art in Bloom that evening. Local florists created arrangements to complement pieces in the museum’s collection. It was similar to the event we visited last year at the Ogunquit Museum of Art. There were also classical musicians performing for the relatively large crowd at this well-attended event.
The museum is not huge, so it is easy to visit all of the galleries during the free hours. The collection includes pieces from such well known artists as Cezanne, Monet and Whistler. It also includes some striking contemporary pieces such as the Blue Savannah by Dahlov Ipcar pictured below.
We loved our visit and will be back. One of the great things about visiting art museums is that some exhibits change so each time you go you are apt to discover something new.
Free days at the Portland Museum of Art
There are multiple opportunities for Mainers and Maine visitors to enjoy free admission at the Portland Museum of Art. This is great for families and individuals on a budget.
In some instances, you get free entry as part of a nationwide program, such as Museums for All. In case you didn’t know about that program, Museums for All helps low-income families on the SNAP EBT program enjoy reduced or free museum admission.
On the other hand, if you happen to have certain credit cards in your wallet or bank with certain financial institutions, then you can get free museum admission, too. Here are four ways to get into the museum for free.
Bank of America Museums on Us
The Portland Museum of Art is the only museum in Southern Maine that participates in the Bank of America Museums on Us program.
What is Bank of America Museums on Us?
Bank of America offers cardholders free entry during the first full weekend of every month. So, that means Saturday and Sunday.
Museums on Us is available to Bank of America, Merrill or Bank of America Private Bank (U.S. Trust) credit or debit cardholders.
Blue Star Museums free admission
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and museums across America. The Blue Star Museums program offers free entry to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including National Guard and Reserve.
Each year, the Blue Star Museums program is activated on Armed Forces Day and then pauses on Labor Day. Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May.
The Portland Museum of Art is one of a handful of museums in Southern Maine that participates in Blue Star Museums.
Free Friday admission at Portland Museum of Art
Every Friday is free Friday at the Portland Museum of Art. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, you get free museum admission.
Susie Konkel Pass
Since 2018, through the generosity of Susie Konkel, a Maine philanthropist, the Portland Museum of Art has offered free admission to everyone ages 21 and under. Use this link to sign up for the free Susie Konkel Pass.
Keep in mind that the Portland Museum of Art is closed on these Maine legal holidays. They are:
- New Year’s Day
- Independence Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
This article can help you find electric vehicle parking in Portland near the museum.
Free and Cheap Things To Do in Southern Maine
Here are FREE and cheap things to do in Southern Maine in the coming week.
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