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Discover Portland

Located on the southern coast of Maine, Portland is just the right size, easy to navigate on foot, and filled with arts and culture and minutes from beaches, lakes, and forests.

People are drawn to Portland from all over the world because of its unique blend of dynamic communities; easy access to Maine's bounty of coastline, forests, and mountains; and fertile creative scene. Its beauty energizes the body and inspires the spirit and its stimulating culture means you don’t need to go anywhere else. No wonder our official city motto is "Yes. Life's good here."

Portland's commitment to arts and culture makes it a thriving East Coast hub for artists, musicians, and small business start-ups. Every month, Portland hosts the legendary First Friday Art Walk, where galleries showcase artists, accompanied by street vendors, musicians, performers, and more. It's like a mini Mardi Gras 12 times a year!

You can visit the world-class Portland Museum of Art, which offers free admission every First Friday. Grab a slice of Otto's cranberry and goat cheese pizza, or enjoy a cup of handcrafted, locally roasted coffee at Coffee By Design or Speckled Ax. Explore the weekly Portland Farmers Market, which offers locally grown vegetables, meats, dairy, and a variety of food.

Perhaps there's a performance in Congress Square, fire jugglers in the Old Port, or a bicycle parade taking place. Alternatively, you can hop on a ferry for a refreshing cruise around Casco Bay. No matter where you look, there's always something to do or see in Portland.

A Destination for Creative Expression

For over two centuries, Maine has been a hub for artists. Drawn to Maine’s rugged beauty and individualism, artists push aesthetic and social boundaries. Creative thinkers and entrepreneurs have cultivated markets around socially responsible businesses, research, agriculture, innovation, design, and more.

Two people selling chunky earrings during a First Friday Art Walk.

The Arts District

Portland's Downtown Arts District, filled with galleries, venues, shops, and theaters, offers ample opportunity for discovery. Each month, the First Friday Art Walk opens local galleries and businesses to the public, showcasing the arts community. The Art Walk promotes Portland as an arts hub and emphasizes the importance of community and diversity in the arts.

Located right in the heart of Portland, Maine College of Art & Design is instrumental in the ongoing resurgence of downtown. The Maine College of Art & Design Guide to Portland Google Map demonstrates the powerful impact our alumni, faculty, staff, and students continue to have on our community.

Explore the Guide to Portland

"Artful living and farm-to-table dining are not just trends in Portland — they have been a way of life for years. A ‘do it yourself’ spirit resonates throughout the region, so don't be surprised if a neighbor offers you extra produce from a community garden, home-brewed beer or knitting tips. All around Portland, you'll find dozens of local entrepreneurs offering homegrown or homemade products, from mittens to coffee."

-Ed Pfueller, U.S. News & World Report

Museums & Galleries

Performance Venues

A snowy view of Deering Oaks Park bridge above a frozen pond.