Visit the tower.
The Observatory is located at 138 Congress Street, Portland, Maine.
From I-295
Take Exit 7 (Franklin Arterial). Proceed on Franklin to the intersection of Congress Street and Franklin. Take a left onto Congress Street and travel east up Munjoy Hill. The Portland Observatory will be on your right as you reach the crest of the hill. Limited street parking is available.
To Get to the Observatory by Public Transportation
On Congress Street, Portland’s main street, take the #1 Congress Street/Munjoy Hill bus toward Munjoy Hill and get off at North Street. From the Amtrak/Concord Trailways station: Mon-Sat., take the #5 bus (ask for a transfer when paying) to Monument Square, then transfer to the #1. On Sundays, the #1 stops at the train station. Bus fares: Adults — $1.25 children under 5 — free with an adult (limit two children per paying adult); elementary school age children — $1.00; seniors and college students with ID — $.60. For more information and bus schedules, please contact the Metro at (207) 774-0351.
Parking
There is on street parking near the Observatory. Please note that the parking lot next to the building is a private lot for use by the fire station and the neighboring church rectory only. Be aware that street sweeping on Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 am to noon limits parking to one side of the street — signs are posted on each block.
Restrooms
There are no restrooms in the Observatory. Restrooms are available in the Cummings Center next door.
Access to the Observatory
The Observatory is an historic building with 103 steps between street level and the lantern deck. There is a lift to provide universal access to the first floor, and a web cam provides images on a computer terminal of the view from the top.
Gift Shop
Located on the first floor of the tower, the shop features postcards, books on area architecture and local history, posters, children’s toys, and other gifts. GPL members receive a 10% discount. No admission is required to visit the gift shop.
Please Note: We Provide Guided Tours Only
This is for the safety of visitors and the protection of the building. We regret we cannot allow unsupervised visitations. Please allow 45 minutes for your tour.
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Contact the Manager of Education Programs for more information, (207) 774-5561.