Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture and a true gem in Portland, Maine. This beautifully preserved mansion offers visitors a glimpse into the opulence of the Victorian era, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail that will leave you in awe.
As you approach the mansion, its striking faƧade, complete with intricate carvings and elegant design elements, sets the stage for what lies within. The interior is just as impressive, featuring ornate plasterwork, stunning woodwork, and a rich array of period furnishings that transport you back in time. Each room is a masterpiece, filled with the charm and character that defines the Victorian style.
The guided tours are a highlight of the visit, providing insightful anecdotes and historical context about the mansion and its original owners, the Morse family. The knowledgeable guides share fascinating stories about the house's construction, its significance in Portland's history, and the lives of the people who lived there. This personal touch enriches the experience, making it more than just a visual feast.
One of the standout features of Victoria Mansion is its striking parlor, complete with an impressive collection of original furnishings, and the stunning dining room, which showcases the elegance of Victorian dining customs. The mansionās beautiful gardens also add to the overall charm, providing a lovely space to relax and take in the surroundings.
Overall, Victoria Mansion is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply looking for a delightful day out in Portland. The combination of stunning design, rich history, and engaging tours makes it a memorable experience that captures the essence of Victorian elegance. Donāt forget your camera; every corner of this exquisite mansion is...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreIf you enjoy history, art or visiting historical places, this is a must! Itās a beautiful piece of history and artwork and the ornate detail the original owner had is amazing. Very ahead of his time and extremely ostentatious.
Located right in downtown Portland. Parking is a bit limited, so arrive early to find a parking spot which is limited to street parking only. We visit on August 19, 2022 and had 3 adults in our party and adult tickets are $17. They still require you to wear a mask at this time, we did not have ours as most of Portland does not require them, but the mansion staff kindly provided us with some at the time we purchased our tickets.
We were the last group of the day. Our tour guide was very pleasant and informative. She guided through the house and answered every question we had. We did run into two other groups, which mustāve been groups that started before us since we were the last one for the day. Even though we were the last group to start, we finished our tour much earlier than the other two groups that started before us and were the same size as ours. Our tour was completed in about 30-35 minutes, which was fine but my party would have enjoyed being able to look at the rooms a bit more. My husband joked that we got the expedited tour. We were allowed to take photographs but we had to keep the flash off. Also, it was very important not to touch anything including doors. They were currently working on restoration in the foyer area. The time and extent of detail it takes to do that is just unfathomable to me and just makes you appreciate it that much more. Overall it was a wonderful time...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreOn a recent day trip to Portland, we arranged for a guided tour of Victoria Mansion, and it was spectacular. I highly encourage anyone interested to purchase tickets in advance because it's a very popular landmark. Our tour guide was Penny, and she was absolutely phenomenal. Penny shared the history behind the family, who established the "summer cottage" and its history to the present day. My one comment is I wish we had a couple minutes just to take in the rooms, but I understand there's a tight schedule to be kept because of the constant tours. There are so many marvelous details that deserve to be absorbed from the tireless efforts of the dedicated preservation team, and it's a shame not to acknowledge it. While there is no parking on their premises, there is street parking and numerous public paid parking lots in the area. The carriage house has been converted into their gift shop, and there's an excellent assortment of small gift items, household goods, books, children's, novelty, and Victoria Mansion specific items. Visitors may also see two of the feline neighbors, Ruffi and Lily. We were graced with Ruffi's sleepy presence while waiting for our tour to begin. I strongly encourage any visitor of Portland who enjoys history, architecture, or art to go on this tour. We'll be back to see the ongoing preservation work and the rooms restored to their...
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