Construction and Preservation Highlights
McLellan House
- The roof, walls, and floors have been reinforced in a manner that does not disturb the original and historically significant construction
- The flying staircase and second floor balcony have been discreetly and firmly reinforced
- A new and unobtrusive addition with stairways and an elevator allow complete access to all floors of both buildings
- Plumbing has been replaced, and modern restrooms installed
- Woodwork and walls have been repaired as necessary while conserving historic elements
- A basement service corridor linking both buildings has been created
- Historically-appropriate finishes?paint, wallpapers, and floor coverings?have restored the interior to its original Federal-era splendor
L. D. M. Sweat Memorial Galleries
- The skylight system has been fully restored and equipped with adjustable shading systems to protect artwork from ultraviolet light
- The interior stone walls of the Rotunda were cleaned and repointed, and the terrazzo floors repaired, renewed, and polished
- New plaster veneer was added to the gallery walls
- The lower level was refurnished to accommodate expanded classroom studio spaces
Both Buildings: House and Galleries
- Automatic concealed sprinkler systems were installed
- New heating and air conditioning systems were installed, and insulation and/or vapor barriers added where necessary
- Electrical systems have been rewired and modernized
- Exterior masonry and chimneys were repaired and/or repointed
- Exterior patio and access areas as well as stone balustrades, walls, and paving have been cleaned and restored
Charles Shipman Payson Building
- A new roof was installed on the building
- A new phone system was integrated into the three buildings
- A new fire detection system was installed
Museum Information
The Portland Museum of Art, Maine’s largest art museum, showcases fine and decorative arts from the 18th century to the present. From Winslow Homer and Andrew Wyeth to Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet, the Museum features three centuries of art and architecture. The Museum is located at Seven Congress Square in downtown Portland. The Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday. Memorial Day through Columbus Day, the Museum is open on Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Museum admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students with I.D., $6 for youth ages 13 to 17, and children 12 and under are free. The Museum is free on Friday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., made possible through the generous support of L.L.Bean and Patricia and Cyrus Hagge. No admission is required to visit the Museum Café and Store. For more information, call (207) 775-6148. Web site: portlandmuseum.org.