Victoria Mansion
Victoria Mansion things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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 façade, 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 mansion’s 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. Don’t forget your camera; every corner of this exquisite mansion is photo-worthy!
King KingKing King
00
If you enjoy history, art or visiting historical places, this is a must! It’s 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 must’ve 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 spent exploring.
Ali MAli M
20
On 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 full splendor.
happylioneatspreyhappylioneatsprey
00
I Love old homes! This house has wonderful character. They are in the process of revitalizing it, so it's a work in progress. I would have liked to hear more history of the home and previous owners. But, the craftsmanship of the hand painted wallpaper, plaster mouldings, and wood work were incredible. Several of the finishes in the house were very unique and different from anything I have seen. I absolutely loved the imported porcelain sinks and matching accessories! The entrance fees were a little pricey, especially considering it was in various stages of revitalization. I was surprised to find the cost significantly higher than the prices listed online and in the printed brochures. This home is not handicap accessible. Only the first floor is available by elevator (it was broken), to see the upper floors you would be given an iPad to view the rooms. But, no discount for the handicapped ticket. We were visiting from a cruise ship and decided to walk from the pier. The town and shops on the way were lovely. But, the walkways were not wheelchair friendly, so some of our group couldn't join us and had to return to the pier.
Lisa RueschLisa Ruesch
00
The Victoria Mansion is a wonderful museum you should visit if you love history, the Victorian period, or old houses. The docents are all very knowledgeable and very friendly, excited to talk about the two families who lived there and their belongings being showcased. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, and even the walls are a work of art. Photos are not allowed most of the year, but you can take no-flash photography during their Christmas/holiday exhibition. As you can see from my photos, there is lots to see. Some of the rooms are off limits like the kitchen (there weren't any photos taken of it by Mrs. Morse, the original owner) and the third floor (safety reasons) - and the price is moderate at around $15 for one person. But it is well worth it for the amount of art and history you get to experience. There is a gift shop attached, in the old garage/carriage house, where you can buy Victorian-themed gifts and trinkets. Would recommend to anyone I know. What a gorgeous and interesting place.
Joseph CarroJoseph Carro
20
This was my first visit to the Victoria Mansion. I went with my sister. Be aware there is no private lot parking, give yourself enough time to find street parking. The entrance fee was $19 and a few cents per adult. The tour was about 1 hour long and our guide was fairly knowledgeable. We went on a rainy and windy day in May and the tour started to meet up at the gift shop. The steps of the main entrance had a board stating to use a different entrance to check in but didn’t specify it’s at the bookstore. The board was set all the way on top of the stairs which wasn’t a great idea. The board should have been left on the middle of the stairs so we didn’t have to climb all the stairs on a rainy and windy day. I wish they had organized this tour a bit better and informed the attendees to meet at a specific meeting point.
Nadine Sadiq-AliNadine Sadiq-Ali
10
Nearby Attractions Of Victoria Mansion
Portland Museum of Art
Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
State Theatre
Portland Museum of Art
Hyatt Place Portland Downtown-Old Port Square
Portland Harbor Hotel
The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection
Bayside Bowl
Nickelodeon Cinemas (Patriot Cinemas)
Merrill Auditorium

Portland Museum of Art
4.6
(985)Click for details

Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay
4.2
(921)Click for details

State Theatre
4.5
(919)Click for details

Portland Museum of Art
4.6
(861)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Victoria Mansion
Becky's Diner
DiMillo's On the Water
The Highroller Lobster Co.
Portland Lobster Company
The Holy Donut
Luke's Lobster Portland Pier
J’s Oyster
Taco Escobarr
Hot Suppa
Novare Res Bier Cafe

Becky's Diner
4.6
(3.2K)Click for details

DiMillo's On the Water
4.5
(2.5K)Click for details

The Highroller Lobster Co.
4.6
(2.1K)Click for details

Portland Lobster Company
4.2
(1.8K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
109 Danforth St, Portland, ME 04101
Map
Phone
(207) 772-4841
Call
Website
victoriamansion.org
Visit
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(560 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family friendly
accessibility
attractions: Portland Museum of Art, Holiday Inn Portland-By The Bay, State Theatre, Portland Museum of Art, Hyatt Place Portland Downtown-Old Port Square, Portland Harbor Hotel, The Press Hotel, Autograph Collection, Bayside Bowl, Nickelodeon Cinemas (Patriot Cinemas), Merrill Auditorium, restaurants: Becky's Diner, DiMillo's On the Water, The Highroller Lobster Co., Portland Lobster Company, The Holy Donut, Luke's Lobster Portland Pier, J’s Oyster, Taco Escobarr, Hot Suppa, Novare Res Bier Cafe

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