Sights and scenes from a vibrant New England urban center: Downtown Portland, Maine

About Portland

Settled in 1632, Portland is the largest city in the state of Maine. Home to nearly 70,000 residents, Portland is the primary central city of a metropolitan area with a population of 560,000.

Named after the English Isle of Portland, the city is a historic maritime center with an active working waterfront, ferry and cruise port terminal along Casco Bay.

Arts District

Straddling Congress Street and stretching from Monument Square to the West End, the Arts District is home to the Portland Public Library, Maine Historical Society & Museum, Portland Museum of Art, Portland Symphony Orchestra and many art galleries, restaurants and local retail shops.

Government District

The Government District is located along Congress Street between Monument Square, Franklin Street and the city’s East End. This district is anchored by Portland City Hall, Lincoln Park, the Cumberland County Courthouse, the post office, Press Hotel and the historic Portland Masonic Temple.