Victoria Mansion Reviews

We're not typically old house tourists. However if you are in town this is a special treat if you'd like to see how the less than 1percent lived in the mid 1800's this worth an hour of your time. The craftsmanship on all levels is something to behold.


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I am stunned by the beauty of this mansion! Wish my house was like this with the beautiful furnishings. We went on a rainy day, so it was pretty crowded. Worth a visit; expect to spend about an hour at the most.

Yes the house is well preserved (although I saw light fixtures with broken/missing glass) and it give you an impression of the period. But it is a small tour and you’ll be finished in 30-45 minutes... and the tickets are quite expensive.

One rarely sees rooms and decor so ornate and costly in an American home from the 1860's. Memorable. Like a set design by Cedric Gibbons. But there aren't many rooms and one is soon done. The docents were good company for my 15 minutes.

Wondeful mansion but there is a problem with parking, there isn't any. I loved the library and you do get to go upstairs. I would recommend.

We went on a day that didn't have a specific tour, but each room had a docent to explain the room and answer specific questions so it worked out better. If one room had too many people, you could move on and come back when it was less empty. Pretty spectacular place! I could only imagine what it would be like to live in a home in which everything was a work of art and craftsmanship. I'm so glad this house is available to view, and to think it was going to be levelled and the lot turned into a gas station! The horror!

We learned the hard way to buy tix in advance. We had a 50 minute docent-led tour. Groups are limited to 9. Interior is very ornate. Interestingly, most furnishings are original to the house.

The Victoria Mansion was beautiful. We always try to visit a historic home when we travel. Fortunately, they were giving guided tours the day we visited. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and gave us great insight on the family’s life here. The day we were in Portland seemed extremely busy and it was difficult finding a parking spot. I am so glad, we got to visit.

The guided tour was great and informative as we moved throughout the mansion. Enjoyed everything on view but by far my favorite was the grand staircase that is simply overwhelming. Tour was just under an hour. Definitely worthwhile.

Fabulous hand carved wood furnishings, beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Informative guides in each room. Well worth the visit.

A pocket sized mansion built just before the civil war, the Morse-Libby House (aka the Victoria Mansion) is exquisite. The finest materials and craftsmen were put in the service of Gustave Herter - who later became one of the preeminent designers of the Gilded Age.

Perhaps what I most enjoyed about the Victoria Mansion is the state of repair (or perhaps disrepair) it currently is in. The conservators are painstakingly going through room by room restoring the property and so you really see the effects of time. I also very much appreciated that almost all the furniture and other artifacts are original to the home. And that unlike some of the Newport properties the size of the home makes for a not so overwhelming experience.

Lastly, we were on a tour of 8 people which while not unmanageable turned out to be two too many. A number of the rooms are roped off so that six and the guide fit in the space - we were constantly shuffling about so that the two 'leftover' people could see. We looked with envy at the person entering as we were leaving - she was the only person in her tour.

We had a very frustrating experience! The four of us stopped by early to get tickets to visit the Victoria Mansion. We were told that we should have made reservations online. However, since there was space for later in the day, we decided to get tickets. We handed over our AAA card, but we were charged for the full price. When we questioned the charge, the woman at the ticket counter was exasperated that we wished to be charge at the AAA rate. She said that she would have to cancel the charge and re-do it, saying that we never expressly said that we wanted the AAA price, even though we showed her the card. We were surprised to be told that there was a surcharge for handling our tickets which equalled the full price. We didn't question this though. Finally, she told us to come back at 2:30 pm that day for our tour. When we arrived at 2:20 pm for our tour, she said that we never showed up and forfeited our tour time, which was 12:15 pm. We showed her our receipt which had 12:15 pm on it, but we never looked at it since receiving it, as all four of us heard her say that our tour time was 2:30 pm. She sent us away, but I refused to leave without a refund. She said that there were no refunds allowed. In the end, she said that she would take us through the house herself. It was a very tense situation given all that had happened previously, and I've never had such as short and rushed visit of a home in my life! It was a terrible way to end our two week vacation.

The tour was informative and a highlight of my trip to Portland. It’s located near the Portland Museum of Art and well worth seeing. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable.

We had a great experience at the Victoria Mansion. The docents were all terrific and patiently explained what was going on in each room. The house was interesting and really well preserved.

Went with a group to tour this beautiful restored mansion. The staff were knowledgeable and although it is a mansion, it is a tad small and can get over crowded the way the rooms are sectioned off. There are some parts still being restored, but it is absolutely amazing to see what has been painstakingly brought back to life. The detailed workmanship is astounding and not to give anything away, you will be amazed at what you thought was wood, is actually plaster masterfully done to look like wood. The story behind the house is interesting, but the most astonishing part is that 90-95% of the items found in the house are actual items originating in the home. My experience in touring historical houses is they try to get period appropriate pieces because they don't have any way of gathering original items, but the curator here is a detective of sorts and has done an incredible job of hunting down the original items and acquiring them. I highly recommend spending the time to take the tour and finish up in the gift shop.

We loved this experience because it was so different from everything else we did in Portland. The interior of the Victoria Mansion is truly impressive and well worth the visit. The tour is reasonably priced, too.

This old mansion is amazing. It is fascinating seeing how two wealthy families from long ago lived. The home is gorgeous and the history of it is interesting. The docents are knowledgeable and clearly passionate about sharing their knowledge with visitors.

We only wished we could've seen more of the house, namely the kitchen and the third floor. Due to fire code regulations, nobody's allowed on the third floor. I wonder though if nothing could be worked out with the fire department to allow pairs of people up at a time. The staff works on the third floor, so it's not as if going up there is forbidden altogether. The number of people at once would just need to be regulated.

Ultimately, it is a place anyone should go, particularly if you're a student; students pay $7, which is more than 50% off the regular price.

After touring some of the grandest mansions of the Gilded Age in Newport, Rhode Island, my wife and I were encouraged to visit another outstanding example of American architecture in Portland, Maine. Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, is widely considered one of the finest examples of the Italian Villa style in America. Built in 1860 as a summer home for hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse, who left Maine to make his fortune in hotels in New York, Boston and New Orleans, this stately brownstone building was strategically located near the city's earliest gas and sewer lines. A landmark example of American residential architecture, Victoria Mansion was a model of elegance and convenience with hot and cold running water, flush toilets, central heating, gas lights, a servant call-bell system, wall-to-wall carpeting and a 25-foot-long stained glass skylight. The brownstone exterior, elaborate interior design, opulent furnishings and early technological conveniences provide a detailed portrait of lavish living in 19th century America. It was designated a National Historic Landmark and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. Its distinctive asymmetric form includes a four-story tower, overhanging eaves, verandas and ornate windows. The frescoes and wall decorations were created by the artist and decorator Giuseppe Guidicini. Today, Victoria Mansion contains over 90 percent of the original interiors, including almost all of the original wall paintings by Guidicini, whose style appears to be three-dimensional, Herter furniture, elaborate wall paintings, artworks, carpets, gas lighting fixtures, stained glass, porcelain, silver and glassware. The house has twin sinks in the guest bedroom on the second floor, a Turkish smoking room, which is one of the first examples of Islamic architecture in the United States. Additionally, as part of a new and unique design, the water for the house was provided by gutters in the tower and third floor, which ran down through pipes into all the rooms, with separate pipes for heated water, which was heated using coal, and another for cold water. The last of the Libbys moved out of the house in 1928. Facing demolition, it was saved by William H. Holmes, who sought to preserve the house as a museum. In 1941, he opened the house for public tours. Remarkably, it continues to show its original 1860 condition.

An amazing house with an amazing history. You purchase tickets at the Carriage House to the right of the home. A restroom is located here. With the ticket sticker in place you then enter through the front door. A docent greets you and gives a brief history of the house and show you the front parlor. She did a great job as did each of the docents we encountered working our way through the house.

The painted walls are true works of art - they decieve the eye! The furniture, most original, is likewise, works of art - many if not all true "one of a kind". In the library i was amazed to see a portrait of robert Lee in a home in Portland, Maine. A plaque gave credit for the home's builder and first home, Mr. Morris for raising money to build a mounment to Lee in New Orleans. Morris made his money owning several of the best hotels in that city. The docent noted that Morris worked to keep good relationships with both sides in the Civil War.
One of the rooms was currently having the walls professionally cleaned for the first time ever so it was closed and the paintings and furnishings in various rooms.
The house just screams "the owner has lots and lots of money" in every room, doorway, window, painting, etc..
A great experience and highly recommended

The tours are all private small groups, our guide was truly well versed in the history of the home and the luxuries that were unheard of when it was built. Each room has a unique period of art.

Tour was 45 minutes and truly worth the time.

The tour was sold out so we just sat in the garden and heard the beginning of the tour which was outside - if was informative and interesting. The gift shop is also very nice.

The home is beautifully decorated with mostly original furnishings. The guides were friendly and informative. We hope that the third floor will be restored in the future.

Most homes built in 1860 don't have original furnishings - Victoria Mansion has been cared for and is still being maintained with the original pre-civil war contents. It is a wonderful example of a forward thinking builder with indoor plumbing, heat, and lighting. Worth time and admission.

I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this tour. The staff was awesome and informative. Amazing and beautiful and an engineering feat for 1860s.

The Victorian mansion was a very interesting gilded age mansion that was about 2/3 restored when we went there. I think there were about 10 rooms available to visit. It seemed expensive compared to similar houses we have toured

A great, lovingly restored Victorian mansion. The real thing.Many of the furnishings are original to the house.If you have a serious interest in Victoriana this home is a must

It was interesting to see how that era lived. The doorways were huge! The furniture and woodwork were dark wood and heavy. Sturdy and long lasting.

My second time to the Christmas Victorian Mansion....brought my 2 daughters and granddaughter. We reserved opening at 10am ..lovely and empty...looked forward to the gift shop after our tour. But a huge bus load of seniors arrived at 10:30 and filled the place. The waiting room was the gift shop as it was so cold out. You could not move. I think bus tours should have their own days or times without reserving private people who pay the full price. Keep the bus tours separate !!

My friend and I were very excited to see that there was a tour available for a Victorian mansion so close to us. The guide was very informative and very excited about the information he was presenting (which is always a good sign). The only problem (and wasnt really a big deal) was there were no pictures allowed (understandable) but you could buy them in the gift shop but they were a little pricey.

What a beautiful old mansion. We have toured many, and this one did not disappoint. Tour guide did a great job of summarizing the story of the home.

We loved our small guided tour and enjoyed the information the historical volunteer provided of the Mansion history of the two families that resided here. It was a lovely step back in time touring each preserved room with its artistic design and decor. A real historical gem not to be missed when visiting Portland!

The tour is about an hour but if old world mansion style is your thing, then this is pay dirt. The guide we had was fun. You really get a chance to absorb some of the art. Well worth your time.

The story of the house is very engaging if you consider the exact period it was built (Civil War--by a southerner). The docents are very knowledgeable and the Christmas decorations are lovely.

Great tour with Erich, our docent. Nice Victorian house with many original pieces. A lot of history. Give it a try, since you won’t be disappointed.

Nik was our docent and did a great job for our group. We had bought tickets online in advance and glad we did. Our tour was running behind so another group wasn’t far behind us. House about what we expected and some interest stories about its history. Word of warning however, the person at the counter vaguely pointed to a corner of the gift shop when I asked where the restroom was. Sign on the door said Employees only but the lady ahead of me went in there so then I did too when she came out. Just inside that door is about a 5” drop to the landing at the top of a narrow set of stairs leading down to a basement. I very nearly fell and would have likely tumbled all the way down! I’m 68 and on my 2nd right knee replacement so would have really been a bad thing. Later I saw that there is a bathroom she probably meant just outside the door to the outside right next to the Employees Only door.

Had an excellent tour of the Victoria Mansion with our guide Kaye. She was great and gave us tons of interesting facts! Since my friend and I were alone on the tour we had plenty of time to look at everything. The house is quite fascinating. Highly recommend

Their tours run every half hour. Our guide gave us an excellent history of the mansion. They are in the process of doing restorations. This is not a large mansion like those located in Newport. There is a mix of original furnishings as well as some that are from the same era. The walls and ceilings are exquisite. Well worth the price. It is open year round but may close in the winter if there is ice on the steep driveway.

My close friend and I had a great experience here, the tour was fascinating & informative, the whole experience got my creative juices flowing!

We always try to see as many of these old mansions as we can when we travel. So full of history. This one is no exception. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. The tour lasts about 45 minutes. They offer many discounts. There is some restoration in progress.

This mansion is truly a beauty. We learned during the tour that it was almost torn down, and are very thankful that didn't happen. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and the mansion itself is stunning. This is a one hour tour, and well worth doing!

Good History and great stately mansion. Original owner had a NOLA connection. Tour Guide was good. Worth the 15 minute walk from Old Port.

The mansion was beautiful however there is a fair amount of restoration to be done. What is completed is beautiful and allows your mind to wonder back to this era. It is certainly worth the time to take the tour.

What a gorgeous representation of the opulence of day for the wealthier set! I know the tour guides change, but the one we had was awesome. You can take pictures without the flash, but the gift shop has postcards of the rooms, which are much better than anything you can take yourself. Make sure you take this tour if you're in Portland!

Victoria Mansion is very interesting and quite well preserved. It doesn’t take too long to tour and we enjoyed walking through history.

The whole family liked this place, a lot of original furnishings throughout the house. The smoking room was a highlight. They don’t allow pictures inside which is a bummer but definitely worth a visit if you like historic architecture.

Thanks for a great tour and a tour guide who could answer our many questions. Definitely a great addition to our Maine vacation.

Time capsule....Beautiful restored Victorian home. Wonderful piece of history. Decorated for the holidays. Staff are great - happy to share the history and answer any questions. Enjoyed our visit.

We arrived on a cruise ship and stayed for one day in Portland. From we terminal we got a Portland Map and planned 3 hours walking around. It was wonderful many places and attractions to see as we went along. We arrived at Victoria Mansion which was a 1858 Italian villa-style mansion with wonderful verandahs, 4 storey tower and lavish interiors. Wood furnishings are hand carved in a splendid, intricate and professional way. The guides were all well informed about this massive building and gave us detailed and informative description on this mansion. an impressive mansion not to be missed while in Portland.

This is a well restored house with an interesting history. The guides were good. The gift shop had some unusual items.

We really enjoyed the tour of the Victoria Mansion, learning a bit of history, and our guide was great. We highly recommend a stop when in Portland.

Don’t miss this gem! Wonderful step back in time—your a block away from Becky’s Dinner— another don’t miss place to eat.

Tour was about 45 minutes very informative.

We paid $16 per person to tour the mansion. The rooms are amazing and the people who you could talk to were very knowledgable. You really don’t get to see that much. Maybe 6 to 7 rooms. It would have been fantastic to see more. I hope they eventually open up more of it.

We enjoyed this tour of the mansion. There were so many pieces of original furniture there and it was quite amazing how good shape the house was after 150 years of history. The tour guide were very informative. A definite must for a trip to Portland

We love to visit historic house museums and Victoria Mansion is very high on the list of those we've seen. Elegant, beautiful (if you like the aesthetic) and modern for its time, Victoria Mansion is both presumptuous and amusing, architecturally interesting and innovative, and still a family home. Really fun and well worth the price if you like this kind of thing.

It is a beautiful home and the tour guides clearly loved this place and we’re very knowledgeable about the history, gift shop has so many fabulous things that you don’t typically find.

Took the house tour with 2 other visitors which made it so nice. Charlie was very informative and enjoyed being a docent. I was impressed with how much effort the curator took in trying to find and bring back original pieces to the house. There is a lot of reconstruction going on after a storm did quite a bit of damage. Impressed with the attention to detail. It was not a very long tour and we were quite disappointed that we could not take pictures inside, even though the sign only said no flash photography.

Outstanding example of Italianate architecture and furnishings from the mid 1800s. Due to the coal heat, most of the trompe l’oeil interior painting was darkened. In many of the rooms it’s been restored. Lots of original books, light fixtures, carpets, bathroom and other interesting sights. Most interesting were large photographs taken of the interior rooms by the homeowner as well as inventory of furniture in each room.

Went here for the Christmas celebration. Absolutely beautiful. The rooms were decked out gorgeous and the volunteers were very kind and knowledgeable. The price is a little steep for for what you see but remember, it goes to restoring the home so it’s for a good cause.

This is a lovely example of a house saved against all odds. They are actively restoring the house as much as they can. Our guide was knowledgeable and the house is amazing in its ostentatiousness. Unlike many historic home tours, you are able to go upstairs. The stained glass was incredible and it is amazing how much was preserved even though the house sat empty for years.

What a surprize to find this level of incredible opulence plunked down a few blocks from the waterfront/downtown area in Portland, ME. My wife and I went primarily because it was a two block walk from our B&B and we had some time to kill. We were blown away by the place.
I read that by some experts' reckoning this is the most ornately decorated house in America and I can believe it. The woodwork and plaster work are just over the Victorian top, and that's saying a lot. The decoration is harmonious due to all of it being designed by one genius New York designer. The experience further is enhanced by the fact that a great deal of the furnishings are from the original family.
Topping off the treat was the fact that we visited at Christmas-time when different Portland designers each decorate their own separate room following the 'theme of the year', Their Victorian style Christmas decorations almost overwhelmed some of the ornamentation of the rooms themselves, but it certainly was brilliant to look at.
The docents in the various rooms were most friendly and informative and even the gift shop was a treat. All in all, this mansion really is a must-see in Portland. Think "Newport Mansion" on a liveable, human scale.

Loved the tour, the staff were very knowledgeable. It rather amazing that it’s pre-civil war home. The painting given by the Royal Family was beautiful and accompanied by a lovely note. The gift shop closed before we could purchase anything.

Very dissappointed indeed - this so called mansion is not well maintained for the price of admission. Not allowed to take photographs.

We thoroughly enjoyed touring this beautiful mansion and that was state of the art for its time having running water, gas lighting, and central heating. Most of the home's furnishing are from the original owners, Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife, Olive.

This wealthy couple had no children and lived in this magnificent home, which was meant to showcase his wealth and love for the finer things in life.

Be sure to make a reservation in advance if you want to tour it because tickets sell out well before each tour and they had to turn away other tourists who had hoped to see it. We were fortunate that they told us on the trolley tour to be sure and book a reservation or we would have been turned away also.

There is parking on the street, but we parked in a lot in the Old Port area and walked over. There are some lots that are far cheaper than the ones directly on the waterfront, so be sure to drive around to find one of the less expensive lots. The ones on the waterfront charge a flat rate of $40.

We went to this based of a groupon I found. Our tour guide Eric, was fantastic and so knowledgeable about the house and it’s owners. To see how much they’ve restored or preserved after the house has gone through so much was amazing. It’s a quick hour out of your day but so cool for those who like history of the town/ people they are visiting. I would highly suggest this tour as a way to start your day or a mid afternoon break.

We enjoyed the tour of the mansion. Especially nice was that 90-95% of the interior and exterior was original. Nicely preserved and worth the visit.

the volunteers are hard at work restoring the unique magnificent indoor art work of this home from portland past- when no expense was spared. there is a lovely gift shop in the adjacent carriage house. student discount too!

This is a lovely old Victorian mansion. We got there when it opened and had to wait 1/2 hour for the next tour. It is busy. The tour guides are very knowledgable about the house and its owners. Nice little gift shop next to the house

I purchased a discounted Groupon ticket to tour this building that we had seen so often during prior trips to Portland. I really don't like Victorian homes so I did not expect much. Instead, I feel that I learned a great deal about life in this home before and after the Civil War and the innovations the owner installed. The guide was personable and very interesting.

Decorated beautifully for Christmas. Beautiful architecture inside and out. Great historic building.

On this very informative guided tour, we learned about architecture, a little Portland history, furniture interior design and more. Built in 1858-60 as the lavish summer home of hotelier Ruggles Morse, the Italianite-style home had modern conveniences like running water, an ingenious gas lighting system and central heating. The entrance into the house provides a jaw dropping view of a stained glass window framing the three stories stairs. About 90% of the original furnishings have remained. The elaborate wood carvings are gorgeous, as are the large collection of furniture by Gustave Herter. The Turkish smoking room is thought to be the first of its kind in an American home. Also take note of the stained glass ceiling…the guide will tell you what you’re looking at. During the Christmas holiday, there are special festivities that showcase this unique residence. Tickets are required for the tours, and, to ensure a spot on a tour, reserve in advance. The tour takes about an hour.

I love touring historic homes, and I absolutely loved seeing the mansion decorated for Christmas. The decorations were stunning! It was absolutely beautiful. The staff was so friendly and informative. The gift shop was great. Don’t miss touring the mansion if you’re in Portland.

The Victoria Mansion is an absolute gorgeous Italianate brownstone mansion, and a must see destination when visiting Portland Maine.

In May of 2022, I brought and treated myself and my wife for a guided tour of the Victoria Mansion during our vacation in Portland Maine.

During our guided tour, my wife and I came across and took pictures of many of the house’s beautiful furnishings ranging from elaborate wall paintings, stained glass, and ornate windows.

Our favorite part of the house was the area featuring the flying staircase. Without giving away too much details, this area is unquestionably stunning and will definitely mesmerize its visitors.

Our tour guide did a superb job on the explaining the history of the Victoria Mansion, its unique features, as well as the house’s past owners, Ruggles Sylvester Morris, a wealthy and successful 19th century hotelier, and Joseph P. Libby, a prominent Portland merchant.

We learned that the house was designed by Henry Austin and the home’s interior was designed by Gustave Herter.

Due to its rich heritage and its magnificent architecture, the Victoria Mansion has been declared a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register Of Historic Places.

When traveling in Portland, Maine, please be sure to visit the Victoria Mansion!!!

We enjoyed our tour. Our guide was very informative. The mansion is stunning especially the entrance. Wish I could have taken pictures. This was a hidden gem!

The docent was very knowledgable and it was an excellent tour.
Lots of history and facts were given . Renovations are in the works but well worth the tour . This was probably the best mansion tour I have ever been on . A must see in Portland!

If you love history, art, architecture or old homes you will want to take the tour of this old Victorian home in Portland Maine. Most of the furniture, artwork and furnishings are original to the house and the homes owner designed most of the furniture himself. The art on the walls and ceilings is beautiful. The home is a bit of a walk from the Old Port but well worth the effort. There are guided tours of the home so check times and availability before going. Allow yourself about 90 minutes.

Volunteer guides available to give information. Not as large as I thought it would be, only a few rooms open to view. Not worth the cost of admission

We very much enjoyed this tour! It is incredible how well-preserved the home is. The tour guide was helpful and knowledgeable. Plus, I liked that it wasn’t a crazy huge time commitment and it walkable up from Old Port.

Firstly please go and see this beautiful piece of preserved history.
The rooms the decoration and the architecture are delightful.
Not to be missed.
So why are we annoyed?
Well we bought a new camera just for our New England road trip. And I was wearing it around my neck when we were introduced to our tour guide. Being polite I stupidly asked if photography was permitted. She told us that it was prohibited.
But as we entered the house there was a notice clearly requesting that people taking photos allow room for others to do so too and that Flash Photography was indeed prohibited.
The views inside the house are stunningly beautiful and because we were polite we now have no visual memento of our visit.
So. Please sort out some decent docents!!!

This is not going to be a long stop but it is a necessary one. It was crowded within minutes of its opening time on a Saturday morning in December. There is free street parking that makes for a good home base for a full day in the city rather than the very expensive parking garages. The house is beautiful and the docents help present a story of ongoing restoration. The fact that 90-95% of the furnishings are original makes this a unique find in Americana. We happened to be visiting during an annual Christmas celebration where local florists adopt rooms to decorate them according to a theme. This made for a festive experience. At other times of the year, a visit would probably be even shorter, making the entrance fee quite steep for what you get.

Went to the Victoria Mansion to see the beautiful decorations and right from the entryway I was transformed into the most festive season of all. The great wooden entry doors reminded me of the doors in the Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. The outside was impressive but the interior was breathtaking. The trees and decorations were so well put together they told a story in each room. The guides in the rooms were very knowledgeable, make sure to stop and talk to them. I will definitely return in the summer and spend a little more time.

What an amazing home that is being refurbished with love and reverence to the period the house was built. It is being restored to its glorious original state with painstaking precision. We were there on a warm September day and the light streaming through the stained glass windows was breath taking. The details and amazing architecture and craftsmanship that is on display in each room leaves you marveling at how they ever created some of the pieces with no power tools and hardware stores. Truly a timeless beauty. I will be back as they are remodeling more of the rooms and I can't wait to see how they come out. The docents are VERY knowledgeable and engaging and eager to have questions asked and then answer. Charlie was a huge hit with my hubby and I with a great sense of humor and historical prowess. There is a lovely gift shop with restrooms in the rear of the property that was the carriage house.

This is one of the most elegant historic homes we’ve ever visited. Not ostentatious conspicuous consumption like the mansions in Newport. Here at the Portland Victoria Mansion is class and sophistication with a purpose. All the docents were helpful and informative, especially Dianne and Erich. Dianne specifically pointed out some features we would have missed, such as the infinite reflections in the dinning room mirror that played off the mirror in the room on the opposite side. The stained glass in the entry is particularly beautiful.

This stately Victorian mansion is over 90% original and is carefully being restored. The tour is very informative and we were allowed to take his many photos as we wished. Had a great time.

This historical mansion will absolutely surprise you you. Most of the house is original and an accurate to the time from it was built. Fully restored and maintained. I cannot begin to describe the uniqueness of the painting and art work with in the mansion that gives it a 3-D appearance on the walls. You just have to see it to believe it. Easy access with available parking on the street. Very affordable and great guided tour!

The mansion is so beautiful.It is so wonderful that it has been saved. All the people there were so helpful they really love the place. It is very much like the mansions in Newport RI., but on a smaller scale.IT has all the high tech things of the era, indoor plumbing, central heat, gas/ electric lights, etc. A true treasure to visit.

I am not generally a fan of Victorian-Era homes, but this well preserved mansion is quite nice. We took the self-guided tour. It was easy and informative. There are docents in each room able to answer questions.

The Mansion is lovely and architecture unique. Guides also provided good background. Only odd thing was that it appeared there would be a guided tour. However, the guides actually stayed in place as we wandered through the house. Worked out fine - just not what we expected…

We went to visit the Victoria mansion in Portland today. Our tour guide was Erich who was one of the most knowledgeable 20 year old we have ever encountered. The tour was very informative and it was beautiful to see everything so well preserved. Only downfall was we were unable to see the third-floor at all. Otherwise it was well worth the $16 admission price.

This is a must see on the Portland tourist trail. Wonderful furnishings and exceedingly knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Great trip. We arrived at approximately 3:30 pm and went inside the museum to buy our tickets. There were several informational plaques located inside the museum that explained the significance of the owners of the mansion, as well as its longstanding history. The tour lasted approximately 45 minutes, and the tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the home. We toured the first two floors of the mansion, including the main parlor, the sitting room, the dining room, the library, the bedroom, the bathroom, and the staircase. I was amazed to learn that nearly 90 percent of the artifacts in the mansion were original pieces from several hundred years ago.

Tip: I recommend spending 1 hour here if your truly want to see everything.

Absolutely stunning and great tour, just wished it would have given you more time and also give the opportunity to see the third floor.

The Victoria Mnsion is a rstored nxio form 1870. Great dtail, lots of friture, knick-knaks, etc in evry room, iht in intrsig story line of the owners. ot a grand mansion like in Newport,but i liked the more modes scle. I owpod move in tomorrow.

We ere on a self-guilde d tour, so it may be no tour groups as in Newport. That was fine. The booklet you get at the office describes each room in detail, so you miss nothing doing it yourself. Each floor has 20-3 docents who are very knowledgeable and friendly. They patiently answered all our questions.

Neat gift shoppe in the carriage house. Street parking is really tough.

It is a nice break from the bustle of the Old Port.

Wow! A must see if you come to Portland Main. Built in 1858 the details and design are amazing. Historic and timeless.

Nice little place with lots of history. Well cared for and the Christmas decorations were beautiful.

The mansion is gorgeous and it’s story, and that of its owners, intriguing. Our docent was knowledgeable, personable and entertaining. Definitely recommend the tour as something out of the ordinary while in Portland. Reservations highly recommended…people were turned away.

VERY nice, well done nd interesting. Beautiful with many original pieces.
Docents did a good job with the tour.

Very nice guided tour. Our guide was very informative and the home is in very good condition. This is probably one of the more ornate home that we have toured

Had a 45 minute tour with docent which was helpful in learning about the history of the mansion. Very beautiful furnishings in all of the rooms.

I don’t know if I have ever seen an old Mansion like it anywhere. Yet, the most astonishing fact was that 95% of everything is authentic down to the China on the table. The home was rescued from the wrecking ball and it interesting to see.

We didn't have much time to spend in Portland so we could only choose one thing - the Victoria Mansion. It was worth it. We had a tour guide (Eric) who is quite knowledgeable of the mansion. Many questions were asked during our tour and Eric knew all the answers. The mansion is amazing - I felt I went back in time. The rooms are easy to view, we loved the art and the decoration of the rooms was great. There is only street parking and that didn't seem to be an issue for us. I wanted to view the rooms on my own but I don't think we were allowed to do that. Well worth the visit.

One of the best historic house tours we have taken...and we take them all when we visit a city. We saved some $$ by using a Groupon voucher.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Victoria Mansion. The tour is self-guided, but they have docents in each room giving descriptions of the history and families who lived in the home. The docents clearly love their jobs and are enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The rooms on the first two floors are open. There is a gift shop next door in the carriage house, along with a restroom. Definitely worth visiting.

My husband and I were lucky enough to be walking by and decided to join a tour on the spur of the moment. Our tour was so much fun and so interesting because of our guide, Erich. He did a fabulous job of describing details of the home, its history, and the families who lived in it. Thank you, Erich!

This house was incredible! Our tour guide, Tom, was very knowledgeable. It was incredible that the house was in close to its original state with a lot of the original furniture. I've toured a lot of historic houses, but none as original as this one. For people interested in history and architecture this is a must-see.

I love history and architecture, and there's no shortage in Portland. I wasn't aware that reservations were required to visit. When I arrived, tours run every 30-50 minutes or so, so I had to wait.

The mansion is lovely and wonderful Victorian representation. My visit was a bit underwhelming, mainly due to the tour guide. She seemed flustered and out of breath the whole time and tried to recite a scripted tour (but kept forgetting things to mention). The tour covers a few rooms over 2 floors for about 60 minutes. I left before the last room. Personally, I thought the interior entrance was the highlight.

We enjoyed this visit - there wasn't a tour per say, but there were docents available in every room who were friendly and knowledgeable. The one thing I would suggest is to find out ahead if there is going to be a group from a bus tour there. We did not know this would be the case and it was very crowded in the house until they left. In addition there is only one restroom and the line was 20 people long. It was much nicer there after the group left.

Impressive historic home. Self-guided tour, but we were greeted by knowledgeable docents. Beautifully maintained, interesting history. Worth the visit - my only complaint is that I believe $16 is a lot to pay for a self-guided tour.

Beautiful Victorian mansion. The guided tour lasted one hour. Looks large from the street but surprisingly small inside. Tour guide gave us a lot of information about the former owners and their unique design choices. It is only partially restored.

My wife and I visited this place recently and thought it was one of the most beautiful buildings we had ever been in...and my wife traveled across Europe when she was in college. The details in the house were amazing, and the tour was very thorough and comprehensive. One of our favorite mansions we've ever toured!

Interesting old mansion The guide related some fun stories. Some guides seem to have better access to some of the rooms than others. It appeared that another group was shown a few special places. Our guide kind of acknowledged this and mentioned that the other guide was her superior and she had to bow to her. That left a bad taste in my mouth but other than that enjoyed the stores, painted ceilings, etc. It was like being in Europe for the afternoon.

This is the first time visiting this Mansion and the overall experience was very good! During our visit it was a self-guided tour. However, some staff were available to answer questions and give some history regarding the Mansion. Several areas still waiting for renovations as funds become available. The rooms that are finished were beautiful! Parking can be difficult! The Mansion has no parking. If you like history, then this is a must stop!

We decided to go to the independent tour at 1:10pm. They have docents in every room who gave you a lot of information. It's a beautiful home with a lot of art and history in it!
If you have an extra hour or so, I'd recommend visiting.

This is Ruffi, the rakish gentleman from the house next door to the Victoria Mansion, but he regularly wanders over to collect treats from the gift shop and pets from everyone waiting for the tour to start. Just another attraction in a place full of original works of art, furniture, and history. Absolutely confirms that the rich are different than you and me! Beautiful, opulent, lovingly preserved mansion from a time gone by, a credit to the artisans who work to preserve this historical part of Portland. The gift shop is also worth a visit - Victorians everywhere will rejoice at the selection of period items. (I purchased an adorable beaded octopus Christmas ornament for my son and a gorgeous tea towel for a friend.) Definitely put on your itinerary!

Visiting Victoria Mansion is a wonderful way to get insight into life during that period. The docents were very nice and had great information. We were able to see one of the rooms that is being restored and it was interesting to see some of the "before" and "after" restoration areas. I believe they were able to get most of the original furnishings as well. I just wish more of the house was open to the public.

Went here with friends. We are history buffs. Beautiful summer cottage. The Guided tour is about an hour long. Enjoyed this very much! Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.

We went to the mansion today. Our tour guide was very knowledgable! It is an impressive mansion! So cool that the owner was a poor fellow who became successful in life!

Looking at the reviews this place sounded amazing! When we got there all of the rooms were roped off and you only get a little peek so you can't even walk around the rooms I think only one was open the master bedroom...many rooms were completely closed and we had no access to the 3rd floor. Yes it was beautiful, amazing history and people working there are full of info so it was great to hear what they had to say. Just wish we were able to see more and walk the full rooms.

I can only quote the descriptions from the brochure: "spectacular arhcitecture, stunning interiors, exquisite original furnishings". And that doesn't begin to describe this wonderful building.

We selected the house tour among the Portland excursions offered by our cruise boat. Having just come from Newport, this was a little let down. The house was okay but still in the process of being restored. Looked like one of the nicer homes in Portland, but not even close to the grand houses we toured in Newport.

The house itself was impressive. We gave the low score due to the guide who we could barely hear, not seemed happy to be giving the tour.

It’s a very nice old mansion with some original furniture. Easy to find but still in need of a lot of repair work on all the painted (there is no wallpaper) walls and ceilings.

This is a MUST see in Portland . The house is breathtaking, almost everything in the house is original which is amazing . Just go .

My boyfriend was less than enthused to go, but he was wow-ing and asking questions within minutes. We were both glad we went. I’ve never seen a better preserved pre-war home in the United States. Made for a really clear picture of antebellum life.

We went on a weekend day during the summer and it was mobbed so we didn't get to enjoy it as much as we would have sans all the summer visitors. The areas to view the rooms was really tiny and if folks lingered, you really couldn't see much.
That said, it was really interesting and we did enjoy it.

The Victoria Mansion was built between 1858 and 1860 and is a National Historic Landmark. It is in need of restorations but that is easily overlooked as it is exquisitely decked out for the holidays. There are friendly, knowledgeable docents in each room to answer questions. There is a nice gift shop as you exit. It is worth a visit, especially over the holidays.

On a bus tour and this was a stop I really looked forward to. I love touring old mansions. This had many different features. The house was being renovated but we could still see many of the beautiful designs the home has.

There's lots to see along with enough mystery to go with it...what was that alcove used for? How did Morse make so much money to afford these extravagances?

The level of personalized detail is simply astonishing and one wonders why. The house, its furnishings, its architectural detail - all for a summer home!? Our docent, Alicia, did a terrific job of taking us through this remarkable building and its story. Well worth the hour spent here.

The house is beautiful but currently being restored. Does not allow photos inside. Definitely recommend getting a Groupon for admission fee.

The exterior isn't that much to look at, but enter those big doors and WOW! There were guides in each area and they were knowledgeable and knew the history of the house and the people who once lived there. It was a journey back in time with most of the furnishings being original. We enjoy going to historical houses and this proved to be a most notable one to visit. It has a gift shop as well.

Loved it even more then I though I would. Really well preserved, really great guides, kept kids attention. I think it was $35 for a family pass (over 4 people). Groupon also had one for $27 for a 4p pass. If you love history, houses, nostalgia.

The house is beautiful and awesome as is it's history. Despite not being interested in seeing some rich person's house, I actually enjoyed it. It is well preserved because all of the previous owners knew what they had, which in itself is amazing.

My only real complaint would be that I don't think it's worth the $16.00 they charge to take the tour, but it probably goes toward refurbishing the house.

We were not allowed up to the third floor because only one egress was against fire codes for such a thing. Strangely, I only saw one egress for the second floor, but we were allowed to go there.

The Mansion is definitely dressed up for the holidays, so plan to take your family and enjoy the different rooms in holiday festiveness.

We really enjoyed our tour of the Victoria Mansion. It is a beautiful old home, so glad to see they were able to bring back a lot of the original pieces.

When you first step through the front door into the 3-story entryway is most impressive. If you love touring old mansions as we do, you will definitely want to put this on your list. Only two families ever lived there, so much of the original grandeur is untouched.

We toured this mansion and were not disappointed. Each room was a spectacle of opulence from a day gone by. Although several rooms were in the midst of extensive renovation, that did not diminish our enthusiasm for this place.

Everyone appreciate this visit (from kids 6-8 yo to grand-father). The organization do a great job to keep this place. The paint on the wall is very incredible. The guide was very informative and answer our questions very well. Very patient also since we translated to French to our kids.
There is also a nice little souvenir shop.

this experience could be improved by not shutting for more than 50% of the year. People come to Maine year round, it’s quite frustrating this attraction decides to shut its doors.

Wonderful docents. Well informed and full of tidbits of history. House is In surprisingly great condition with tons of original pieces!

From the outside this looks like a nice Victorian mansion but doesn't do justice to the spectacular interior. The furnishings, wall treatments, and lighting fixtures are mostly original and simply stunning. Our tour guide was clearly passionate about the building and full of wonderful facts about the house and it's previous inhabitants. The restoration is not government funded so we thought that the $16 admission fee was very reasonable. It is well worth seeing.

The curators were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. This is a gem of Victorian decorations in an Italianete style home. If you are into Victorian era style check it out. Do realize the home itself is not Victorian. It is the decorating inside that is, and it is exquisite. There are no pictures allowed inside, so visit online for those. PARKING CAN BE A HASSLE as there is no onsite parking so allow for time or a short walk to the parking garage. It is a residential area, so it's free street parking, but was tough to find.

The Victoria Mansion is always a fun place to visit, but especially at Christmas with every room decorated with a Christmas theme. The staff is so informative and knowledgeable. A great gift shop is available to browse or purchase items.

very beautiful guides had plenty of information to share showed very wealthy living style for the past i m just a country boy and this was to fancy for my taste but it sure was beautiful

My daughter and I stopped in for a tour. The tickets are purchased in the gift shop (which was pretty nice) and the prices were reasonable. They do offer a number of discounts including AAA.

The mansion is staffed with a number of very knowledgeable volunteers that happilu answered questions and provide the history of the mansion. Amazingly, many parts of the mansion, including furniture, are original and still look new.

Over the years the mansion has undergone a series of painstaking restoration projects that were really well done. The original wall paintings have come to life and are full of color and several additional items have been restored.

The entire tour took about 45 minutes, but we didn't read through all the historical binders in each room. If you take your time and read all the is off plan for 1.5 hours.

We could roam wherever we wished in this lovely vintage mansion. Carved furnishings, lovely tablewear, painted scenes on the walls. Very friendly docents. The gift shop had so many treasures & the prices were reasonable on most items. I bought some delicately scented soap in an antique-style decorated box. My friends were buying different things: Christmas decorations, a mental headband that was topped with a small crown for her granddaughter. An elevator was available for our group which was nice because some of us were using canes. Very pleasant ladies in the Gift Shop.

This is a nice place to visit. This was a self-guided tour. Although there were people throughout the house available to answer questions, it would have been better to have someone give a narrated tour.

Excellent mansion to o visit from 1860s . The volunteer who took us tour was excellent the stories were all history. Highly recommend this tour . Two floors of stairs to climb , but worth it .

We enjoyed the tour of the house, but feel like the number of people needs to be limited to 8 or less per tour. Tours are done at specific times, and we missed one tour but were early for the next one and waited for it to start. As our guide was staring the tour 9 more people walked up and our tour guide allowed them to join our 4, making 13 people in our group. The house is moderately sized but the area available to stand in most rooms is not big enough for more than 8 or so people. Because of this, someone was always left out from being able to see what the guide was talking about. Our guide left time for everyone to walk into the room when she was done telling about different items and the history, but it was irritating to us that we couldn’t always get into the room to see while the guide was speaking. This was partially because the other people on the tour weren’t very courteous about moving in so everyone could see. If this was a $5 tour, then I’d expect that, but for $16 for adults, you want to be able to see and hear the entire time. Maybe the guide could encourage people to move on and make room for everyone if they aren’t willing to reduce the tour group sizes.

I had wanted to visit the Victoria Mansion for years and finally visited this year. The guides were very knowledgeable and made the visit enjoyable and interesting. Now I want to go back for a visit at Christmas!

We stopped by as part of a large tour on a Wednesday around noon. It’s a quick tour a might be disappointing if you are expecting a large mansion. It has an interesting history but it is very dark inside so make sure you check photos as you take them. Steps everywhere to everything do just be warned. Ok stop.

Wow, this was pretty stunning.  I'd call this a must-do.  It's beautiful inside and out, with layers and layers of detail.  Great stained glass, too.  Interesting to see the restored areas those still in progress.   About an hour.

This place is like stepping back in time. Everything is so well preserved and our tour guide was awesome. I will definitely return.

Visited this old mansion with friends. Excellent ongoing restoration work, but already looking as it did in the 19th century. We enjoyed it. Look for a Groupon admission deal.

Unique mansion with breathtaking architecture and Victorian furnishings, Christmas is spectacular and not to be missed.

beautiful mason with lost of antique funiture and details through out , i recomemded for does that like old houses

My wife and I enjoy touring old homes. This one was nice - maybe could be better with a guide, but there were plenty of volunteers throughout the house that would give you some info.
Paid $35 for the family package that got 2 adults and 2 teenagers in.

My husband and I really enjoyed this beautiful home. Our tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable and the tour was the perfect amount of time. Great for lovers of art, antiques and history!

We enjoy visiting historic properties and Victoria Mansion was on our list when we visited Portland. Be aware that finding parking can be a challenge. We were hoping for a guided tour, but it was self-guided (at least it was on the day we visited). They did give us a printed guide that was very helpful and provided lots of useful information, and there were docents throughout the house to answer questions. Both the architecture and the family history are fascinating. 90% of the interior is original, including many furnishings (which, if you tour many historic homes, you know is a rare treat)! If you are interested in historic homes, you will definitely enjoy your visit.

Really cool house and also neat because the owner had worked/made the Charles Hotel in new Orleans which we have been too.

It’s very clear there are many people passionate about this home. Historical and stunning upkeep staffed by tens of volunteers who make the experience truly special. No organized tours when we went, but there are volunteers standing at many rooms who have a lot of interesting stories to tell. Highly recommend.

Toured this mansion with a group of friends in Portland for a reunion. We all liked the mansion and appreciated the restoration work that is ongoing. We had a thorough tour of the building with a lot of history and a chance to see restoration ion in progress.

Italian style mansion built 1860-61. First two floors are open to the public by tours. Much restoration has been done and more in progress. Only first floor is accessible. Docent was very knowledgeable. Nice gift shop. Street parking. No interior photos allowed.

Our tour group visited this mansion. It is a great place to tour. They are restoring some of the rooms at this time. The volunteers were very friendly, helpful and concerned about any questions that you ask them. The dining room was paneled in carved chestnut which was beautiful. Visit and enjoy.

We visited the mansion on August 7 and it was a fascinating tour of a unique home in Portland's history. The tour guide was outstanding and provided an interesting and entertaining description of the mansion's history and the lifestyle of the upper class Victorian-age residents of Portland.

This place is pretty amazing. Due to circumstances, almost all furnishings are original. This place was on the cutting edge for its time and is stunning.Docents are knowledgable and enthusiastic.

When we were going through Portland we stopped to see this beautiful mansion. We had missed the guided tour, but several docents still answered questions and gave us a history of the mansion. I was surprised that it is just at the edge of town. I was able to take pictures as long as I did not use my flash. The stair case was beautiful. The rooms are in good shape and they have many of the original pieces of furniture and art work. The bowl of the sink in the bathroom had a design to match the other pieces. It was very unique. The toilets looked like an outhouse! The carpets were floral and most of the wallpaper was also floral. It was in good shape and well worth spending an hour here. A very nice gift shop was at the back of the building. The ladies there were very friendly and they had some nice sale items. If you are going through the area, you would enjoy a stop.

I was overwhelmed by the beauty of this house. It is truly magnificent! The day I went was a self guided tour with docets in each room to tell the history of that particular room. I personally preferred this over a normal tour as I was able to tour at my leisure. No pics allowed inside the mansion though!

I am wheelchair bound. They were extremely helpful getting me inside - have a wheelchair lift - they operated it for me. Not handicap accessible for upper 2 floors so they had a computer with pictures of the upper floors so I could see them via pictures. One worker sat with me and conversed while my family went to the upper floors.

The tour guide, mansion restoration: from the exterior tower, to the original furniture, to the ceiling & wall paintings was well done

We walked from the cruise port to see this building. We did not go inside, but the outside is very impressive and well worth a photo. It was built between 1858 and 1860 and is quite a landmark in Portland.

This is one of the most beautiful mansions I have ever toured, and what made it so good was that most of the furnishings were original. Unfortunately, we visited on a Sunday when there were not guided tours, but they did have docents stationed in the house that would answer any questions you had--AND they let you take pictures inside! Well worth the trip.

Victoria Mansion...owned be a guy name Ruggles Sylvester (Morse).

Local history...now that’s what I’m talking about!

Factoid - Ruggles Morse’s 10k sq. Ft summer Italianate brownstone Villa was sold to JR Libby for $20k in 1893 ! ! !

A must see for hunters of past treasurers. The Gustave Herter woodwork alone is worth the 45 min tour...simply spectacular.

We paid AAA at $14 each. Family is $35.

My only “beef” was that they had to many guests on our tour. We had about 13 people which was about 5 to many. It’s worth seeing....but with less people.

All my times I've been to Portland never knew this old mansion was so easily walkable from cruise port, admission a little steep but what a hidden gem rich in history with grand staircase and old furniture still in there rooms. Nice place to go visit for sure. Gift shop on premises.

Please don't miss an opportunity to enjoy the architecture, furnishings, lighting, woodwork and artwork so wonderfully maintained in this location!

My friend and I took a leisurely walk through Portland to visit the Victoria Mansion. What a lovely home. The volunteers stationed in the rooms were very informative and it was obvious they love history and take pride in the restoration of this masterpiece. The woodwork is beautiful, and the painting of the ceilings and walls is a sight to behold! This home is a must see….don’t miss an opportunity delve back into the 19th century with over 90% of the original furnishings in place.
The gift shop was filled with beautiful items at reasonable rates. The curator of the shop has the ability to chose lovely items that aren’t seen in other gift shops.

This is a very interesting piece of history. The name "victorian" is misleading as it is so much more than that. It is a blend of so many styles and it is very interesting. I wish the tour consisted of a bit of the 3rd floor. Other than that it was well worth the cash.

Beautiful house in Portland. Definitely worth the visit. Lots of interesting history of a local family.

This is a very impressive house. Docents were very knowledgeable. Enjoyed seeing the interior and learning the history.

We found this attraction on Trip Adviser and I’m so glad we did! We love historic homes and their architecture but this place was extra special because of the beautifully designed Christmas decorations placed so artfully in every room. We especially enjoyed seeing the ongoing restoration at the house and the gift shop had many tasteful choices! Victoria Mansion is a must see if you are lucky enough to visit Portland 🦞

If you enjoy visiting stately homes, The Victoria Mansion is a must see. The tours are guided and you get to see a good portion of the home. This home is furnished in mostly original furniture to the house which is very nice. Really enjoyed this tour.

This is a great house to tour. Not huge, but the rooms are very well preserved and they are going room by room cleaning the walls so that the painting colors really come to life. It was a self-guided tour for us with docents in each room that you could ask questions. Ask for their favorite stories about the families and you'll get some good ones. Well worth the visit of an hour or so.

This is a Portland gem. The docents are very knowledgeable and friendly. I would recommend going off season to really enjoy the tour because the viewing areas are narrow but worth seeing. Definitely recommend using the Groupon. We saved half off the ticket price.

We felt like we were at Downton Abbey on a smaller scale. The Victoria Mansion tour explores the fanciful world of the 1800's. What a splendorous world it must have been.

4 of us took the tour - 2 from Maine, 2 from Quebec. Our docent was very knowledgeable and personable. The house is still being restored, but we were amazed how many of the original furnishings they were able to acquire. They also spare no expense as they restore this magnificent home.

Good historic mansion in downtown Portland within walking distance of most downtown hotels. Reservations are necessary for the tour, and often sell out. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable, and the overall experience was excellent.

Nice site just a short distance away from downtown or the museum of art. The house is well preserved and is a quick tour (perhaps 15 minutes). I enjoyed seeing it!

Great, interesting historical site. Many original furnishings. Ongoing renovation, a little at a time, all the time.Can only see by tour and they start 15 and 45 after the hour, no self guided tours. No garden. Our tour guide Sarah was a hoot, also extremely knowledgeable. Small gift shop. Tours do fill up. Glad we went.

I've visited a lot of mansions, and this may be the most dark and dreary of them all. We really didn't enjoy it very much.

The property is very interesting, particularly because to many of the furnishings have been recovered from the family and returned to the mansion. The renovations are fabulous. No photos are allowed inside, which is understandable. You get to see the first floor and three suites of rooms on the 2nd floor. 3rd floor is not accessible as the stairway does not allow safe egress for the public in case of an emergency. Kitchen is also not visible as they were not able to reconstruct it back to the original condition. I am a huge aficionado of historic homes, and this one is definitely small compared to all the others I've seen, but it is one of the finest examples of a Victorian home in the US, so worth the visit. No handicap access to 2nd floor but they do offer an iPad virtual tour, which is nice. NO PARKING at all except on the street.

A lot of work still to be done to restore former glory. Very friendly stuff and knowledgeable guide. Made it a nice visit.

It is so hard to believe that 90% of what is in the Mansion is the original. Just breathtaking. Picture taking without flash is ok

The mansion is very impressive, even though they have repairs going on. Would like to see it after the repairs are done

A large house on Danworth Street. Built mid-Victorian times although the name is because it is now owned by the Victoria Association. There is a $2 discount if you're over 62! However I thought it was a little overpriced . We entered in the back due to some bees near the front door, and past a wheelchair ramp for the ground floor, but there isn't any more access for the next floor. Not many rooms to see. Sitting room was being renovated. There is a reception, dining and library on the ground floor. There are a further 4 rooms upstairs. The volunteer guides were very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. The toilets are through the gift shop.

The mansion has gone through a substantial renovation, very impressive. The docents are eager to share stories, and quite a lot is known about the history of this building.
At Christmas, local interior decorators and florists decorate the rooms with trees and Victorian Christmas decorations, it's very impressive.
There is also a jam-packed gift shop that any fan of Victoriana would love.

A grand and opulent mansion and one of the tourist "must-sees" in Portland. It's certainly worth visiting.

The mansion was grand, but also of interest were the modern conveniences that were installed into the home; hot and cold water, gas lighting, bathtub and flush toilets and central heating in 1860! The mansion escaped being demolished when it was purchased and passed on to the non-profit that manages it today. It was an interesting tour with knowledgeable docents sharing details about the individual rooms and the former inhabitants.

We visited around the holidays when this place was decked out in Christmas decor and it was absolutely beautiful. You get to tour at your own pace so you have a lot of time to take everything in and admire the beauty of the whole place. Pretty impressive that the mansion has over 90% of the original furnishings and objects that were there back in the 1860s. The Christmas decor certainly added to the beauty of the mansion, but I'd like to return someday to see the place without the holiday decorations and see it in its purest form. For those who love Victorian architecture and furnishings, this place will not disappoint.

The opportunity to watch the restoration in progress was very interesting. Our docent, Alicia, filled us in on the various bits of history, and we enjoyed her wry sense of humor.

My husband and I toured the Victoria Mansion in Portland this morning and had the BEST time. Penny was our guide, and she did a magnificent job explaining each room and the architectural details in each room. We both were awed by the workmanship; having lived in Rhode Island and visited the Newport mansions many times, we thought this mansion far exceeded the grandeur of the Breakers and Rosecliff in Newport. We were in Portland for three days and were so glad that we had scheduled in advance to reserve tickets to tour the Victorian Mansion. Some who arrived "off the street" had to be turned away due to no advance reservations. Be mindful of that when you plan to go.

Went here with family members today and took the hour's guided tour. There is a charming Museum shop there and we had a very informative guide who was very keen to point out not only the Victorian costumes that were there but also the many interesting decorative features . The interior is certainly stunning in both colours and hand-painted walls there is also an eclectic mix of furniture .

It was super cool to see the inside of this summer mansion. The staff was very pleasant and extremely informative. If you're into history, architecture, or just curious like me, stop by

We enjoyed this tour, it was self guided but there were plenty of guides inside to answer any questions and to give us information. The mansion is truly spectacular inside.
Price was a bit high for the amount of rooms we were able to see but still interesting. We were able to get tickets on Groupon.

Beautiful historic mansion. Self guided tour, but they have guides by most rooms. All would answer questions, but some really knew the history of the mansion. Highly recommend to anyone who likes history.

Excellent time wandering around the home. Great knowledge by employees/tour people. Beautiful old building for a reasonable price and a very cute gift shop.

This home is a true gem and such a great way to go back to the 1800s in real life. Love to see how small things were despite how large the home was. A mere three bedrooms in this large home. Really appreciated how ownership of three families led to the preservation I witnessed. Also appreciate the lad on the tour with me that asked the smart questions, great experience.

Such magnificent restored 18th century splendor!! Our guide was terrific also / great to see the architectural detail, original furniture and accents! Well worth your time exploring the best of Portland!

We were the only ones there for a tour, so the docent was able to answer all of our questions and really go into depth. If you like touring historic homes, this is a good one. Nothing is really unique, but there is a lot of the actually furniture, carpets, and wallpaper. I only wish in houses like this that they could show the whole thing - upper rooms and basements. Sometimes that's where the most interesting aspects are.

The tour was $16/adult and we enjoyed seeing the inside a lot. Very elaborate details and modern for the time it was built. The volunteer inside gave us a rundown of all the history of the home. Great details and well worth a visit. Nothing like most of the historical homes we've toured thus far for the time period

Quite a mansion, but you won't know how beautiful till you are on the inside. It almost was destroyed to become a gas station. Every inch of walls and ceilings are hand painted with spectacular murals and "wallpaper". Woodwork is also fantastic. Hard to describe in words.

We are historic house buffs, and especially like the Victorian period, so we were excited to find this one on the list to do on our one-night getaway in Portland. The house was decked out for the holidays, and the decorators did a great job, but I’d have preferred seeing it in its normal everyday decor. What I found most disappointing was the value for the price. It is self-guided and, while docent was stationed in most rooms, the information was brief, but more importantly, the extent of the tour was short. On the first floor we saw the reception room, parlor, dining and office. On the second we’re two bedrooms, a sitting room and an interesting smoking room. Not available was the third floor, kitchen, billiard room, or staff quarters. In general, it seemed overpriced for the value.

Was a fun tour! Italian design. Tour guid was kind and knowledgeable. Did not get to tour the kitchen or functional spaces in the home. Lasted about 1.5 hours

The staff at the mansion provided interesting facts, it was self guided and if you like architecture you'll enjoy this visit. Plan on 1 hour.

Tried going on a day where there was a private function - even though there wasn't anything about it on the website. Tried the next day and luckily they were open! I really enjoyed our visit to the mansion! The mansion itself is beautiful and definitely something to see just in itself. When we were there they had Christmas art installments throughout all the rooms. Within the rooms there are guides who are extremely helpful and friendly. The gift shop was great, with lots of fun stuff and the staff there were also very friendly. If you got the time visit the mansion!

Very interesting history and the ornate decor is stunning! Your guides were very helpful! Amazing ceilings that were all handpainted!

If you like architecture and history, this is a nice way to spend an hour in downtown Portland. It's a rather small home, but the tour guides are knowledgable and the crowds are small so you can get to see everything.

This house was beautiful. I would love to come back and see it when it is completed. They are still restoring the house. It is definitely a site to see if you like beautiful old homes and history.

Very interesting to see ... especially the Victorian bathrooms. It was surprising small inside .. but very special for it's time.was The price is right. Go see it

We were there while the mansion was being actively maintained. It was beautiful. It was so nice to see a true historical hike with true furnishings, cracks, and honest tour guides. We really enjoyed our trip and I recommend!

We took the tour and were astonished to see the historical, architectural gem left in mint condition with original stained glass, furniture, wood work and art. If you have any interest in historical homes, architecture or 18th century furnishings; do not skip this amazing home, one of the most unique in the country. Tour guides are knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. Go!

Hubby and I tour many mansions from all periods of time. Victoria Mansion wowed us. The original furnishings. the knowledgeable guide, the willingness to answer all questions, We'll go back to see what we missed this time.

Because the owner had wanted to have the house saved as historic, she left all the furniture. Was a self guided tour, but there were docents who were very knowledgeable.

If yo90u have ever wondered what a house of the period REALLY looked like then wonder no more... just go here and look! What is truly AMAZING about this is that the internal fixtures, furniture and other interior items are more than 90% as they were when the home was first lived in. The lady of the house insisted on getting a photographic, room by room record of her home, Those pictures are there in each room so that visitors can see the accuracy. This place is a treasure that is a MUST SEE!!

Wonderful history and an excellent collection of Victorian pieces. Had an enjoyable self tour of the house. Located within walking distance from anywhere!

We walked here from the cruise ship and enjoyed the walk and the visit. This is a very beautiful house .

Fascinating tour, you’ll be amazed the minute you walk in the front door! So much over the top Victorian detail! Our guide was knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the history of the home. It’s truly amazing the interior has survived intact as it was originally intended.
Cute little gift shop and restrooms. We found affordable parking in the Spring Street garage about 2 blocks away, forget trying to park on the streets-no spots during our visit.

you get a real feel how the wealthy of the times lived in Portland and why many came to Portland to visit.

SO UNIQUE and amazing! I've been on a ton of house tours but this one really was an astounding treasure of Victorian Architecture. No expense was spared and you can roam around to your hearts content...there is so much to look at and so many unusual details. There is no guided tour but there are guides in different rooms who are more than happy to answer any questions and muse with you about what you are seeing...like the odd foot cushion on the bed in the master bedroom...what was it for? Kneeling for prayers? A boost to the bed? So fun. We loved this place!!

Lovely restored early Portland mansion. Self guided tour but docents very helpful. Some really classic woodworking showin skills no longer in demand

excellent enthusiastic docents, it is a great historic house in process of restoration and we all enjoyed it

If you like historical houses and art this is for you. The tour guide was very clear with her explanation of the different parts of the house and the story behind them. The house is beautiful to see and is worth every minute.

The Christmas decorations were a bit distracting, but the mansion is a real jewel to visit. We especially enjoyed the self-guided format, with a different, knowledgeable docent showing us around each room. The fact that 95% of the furniture is original makes the visit feel less like a museum, and more like stepping into a time machine taking you back to the late 19th century.

We really enjoyed this tour! It was a nice slice of history and reminded me of a scaled down Newport Mansion. If you appreciate architecture from different time periods and find it fascinating to catch a glimpse of how life was for the wealthy during this time then book this tour.

We were “walk-ins” (didn’t pre book) and were able to use my AAA card for a discount.I forget the cost but it wasn’t expensive and worth an hour of your time. There are stairs involved so if it’s difficult to climb stairs for you then be informed of this. Good size staircase leading to front door and very large staircase leading to second floor. Could still be worth it as much of the tour is downstairs. Plus a cute little (air conditioned) gift shop to browse!

We really enjoyed the history and walkthrough of this beautiful building. You can only do the first two floor, but it was nice just the sam. Worth the cost and time…

This Mansion was truly amazing. The history of the owner and how he decided how to build his Mansion was very inspiring. He used an Italian style architecture and the Mansion shows his love of beautiful things. I’m so glad that the society was able to preserve so much of the Mansion. You get a feeling of aww the minute you walk through the front doors. His exquisite taste and style is portrayed throughout the Mansion. I’m glad we decided to take the tour before we had to leave. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly.

I have visited Newport, Blithwold and other Christmas decorated venues and I can say without reservation that the designers at Victoria Mansion outdid themselves. The theme was "stories" and each room embodied the theme of a different story. The one that stood out more then the reset was the Hansel and Gretel room! However, all were great. We went to see a Dickens Actor and then on a tour of the mansion. I was not expecting the quality and creativity I encountered. It was fantastic. Huge trees hanging from a 20ft ceiling are just one of the highlights. Santa hiding behind the Night Before Christmas Tree ( you can only see him in the mirror!). I could go on and on. I wish there were more! Each designer deserves an award!

My son and I took a break from the lovely Portland waterfront and headed out to explore some of the downtown. This Victoria Mansion is a short hike on sidewalks from hotels and restaurants at the port. And is worth the cost of admission and the time to get there. The guides are friendly and well versed in the history of the families who lived in this unique house. There is a funky smoking room, interesting woodwork and even a picture of Robert E. Lee. Ask one of the guides how he got wall space in a Maine Mansion.

Arrived promptly at 10am for a self-guided tour. Was told every ticket sold was for docent guided tours . And the told first tour was not until 11:50am. Why you ask? Apparently they had two bus groups arriving at 10:00am. No busses were there. At this point there is probably 20 people wanting to buy tickets. First people got 11:50 tickets. Next five got 11:15 tickets. At this point a “manager” arrived and said all tours were self guided until 1:pm. But you still could not get in until late morning. Sadly, I missed touring the mansion since I had an appointment at 12:15 down the street. Call before you go!

A friend and I stopped by during a girls' weekend. I think my friend was skeptical, but she walked away glad that we'd gone. Especially for history buffs, this spot is pretty interesting. We had access to an abundance of guides who were all very knowledgeable. Stop by when you're in Portland!

Very cool old building with lots of history. Great rainy day activity. The inside is beautiful and had to believe is was built with such opulence back then.

This will take about an hour, well worth it. Get your tickets at the carriage house and enter at the front of the house. We went on a Monday and there were very well informed guides in every room able to give great info and answer questions.

This was an interesting tour, but some of the house was closed for renovation and that was disappointing to miss so much of it. The guides are very knowledgeable, and patient with questions. Just don't stop on the stairs to take any pics - they get a little crazed.
Take the time to see this beautiful mansion. Give yourself enough time to tour and hear of the history, don't rush through it.

The mansion is a great example of wealth in times gone by. The mansion is undergoing restoration. There is no kitchen to view. Still well worth a visit.

It was a really nice tour with good historical information. Pat our tour guide was great, very knowledgeable and personable. Very interesting to see the restoration process, the before and after rooms.

My cousins brought me there. It is an impressive house. Too bad it was not preserved properly. It is slowly being restored. It worth saving. The house was decorated for the Christmas season, so many of the furniture had been stored to make place for the decorations. It was very nice but I wish I visited during the regular season to enjoy the actual historical tour. Most docents were nice, some of them very knowledgeable. Thanks to Ann (if my memory serves me right) to have taken the time to share quite a bit of information with us.

A beauty home , A great peek into the past . the guides are very knowledgeale and happy to answer questions . would recomend making it part of your day walking around Portland

The first thing you notice at the front entry is gold leaf and stained glass. What an incredible show piece for its owner. The occupant was a hotelier who spent time prior to the Civil War in New Orleans, and had Southern sympathies even in the heart of Union land. The structure sustained major damage in a hurricane, but has been painstakingly restored to a beautiful treasure. The staff and the facility are top notch. This is definitely worth a visit for students of history and architecture buffs

Aside from being one of the most beautiful mansions we have toured, the staff was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable. If you love history, beautiful old architecture, this historical house should be on your list of things to do.

As we were interested in visiting some of Portland's historic sites, The Victoria Mansion was high on the list of places to go. Its a timed, guided tour well worth the entrance fee. The building has an interesting history behind and our tour guide was very knowledgeable about it. Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. The building is somewhat in need of restoration as it was severely damaged in a hurricane quite some time ago, and being that its a small historic site, it would seem to have limited resources. So its a good idea to go, pay the admission price and help support a small non-profit that is working to bring back the home to its former glory. The former parlor room was undergoing restoration and the restorers were smart to maintain one of the "coal smudges" on the wall so you can see how much work goes into restoring a site. The walls were all hand painted by a theater designer and so were quite elaborate. One of the ceilings looked like inlaid wood but was actually painted. Well worth the visit.

This was the second time I visited the Victoria Mansion. The home itself is full of so much history and class. I love the tour and the stories about the home. They have a cute little gift shop there with many things to look at and/or purchase. I highly recommend making this a must see while you are in Portland.

From the outside, this Italianate mansion is nice, but maybe not what you'd call "remarkable." Step inside and it's a real WOW! experience. Experienced and knowledgeable guides lead you through an elaborately decorated home and tell the story of the families who lived here. Amazing original decor and period furniture pieces in every room, truly a WOW around every corner. 10/10

Victoria Mansion was a summer home for a man who made his wealth in luxury hotels. The entrance hallway is one of the most fantastic I've ever seen, with ornate gild everywhere and a stained glass skylight above the three story room. A dining room with a trompe l'oeil ceiling painted to look like wood was another highlight. Some of the other rooms in the mansion like the bedrooms were surprisingly prosaic and many have not been fully restored or are not open to view on the tour. This was a summer house not a main house, and there's also not much in the way of grounds - it's a house on a lot.

While riding on an open-air fire truck during a tour earlier in the week, we had spotted the mansion and knew we wanted to go back for a tour. Timed tickets were easily obtained online, and a group of us met outside. Once inside, we were able to walk and view on our own, and there were docents available to give us information/answer questions. (If possible, get tickets ahead of time. While on your own, only a set amount of people are let inside at one time, and I saw people that were turned away). The furnishings inside are almost all original, and it's quite beautiful though lavish. The stories behind the mansion and its contents are fascinating. Well worth the price of admission.

Enjoyed the mansion with the beautiful furnishings and decorating. The docents are knowledgeable and friendly and are stationed at each room. It does seem a bit over the top to have so many guides, it seems that one guide would be sufficient and the no photos rule is a bit irritating.

e really enjoyed our tour through this old mansion in which the contents are great and 95% original. very nice workers who love their job. reservaions recommended

OMG! This home is beautiful. The walls are all painted to look like wall paper or wood. This home was ahead of it’s time. A true treasure and must see for those who love architecture and historical furnishings.

Visited the Victoria Mansion on a Diamond Tours Bus Tour from Louisiana to Maine. Beautiful Mansion. Work in progress.

While the museum may be closed inside, the grounds and gift shop are open. This is truly a grand house and appears to be well taken care of as a museum. The mansion is a brownstone built in 1860 and it initially served as a summer home. It was made of Italianate brick. I enjoyed the large windows and scale of the home.

Work on the restoration is progressing. When we visited workers were working on the parlor on the right of the entrance. Original decorations by an Italian artist who did opera sets, the house is rich with classic Italian fresco decorations. Many original furnishings donated by the family who lived here. Knowledgeable docents in each room. While most rooms are in need of restoration, the success of the parlor room is inspiration for the task ahead. The double chandelier over the staircase is especially unique and the restored stained glass window over the stair is fabulous. Do go.

I was in Portland Maine for the weekend and found this beautiful Mansion during a walk and knew I had to check it out. The architecture is incredible. Every room is completely different and the history behind the house is so fascinating. The employees of the mansion are so nice and they know about every inch of that place. So if you’re someone who enjoys old American architecture, with various cultural influences, this spot is for you. Just letting you know now you do need to wear a mask to enter. It’s a good thing though because everything in the house is incredible fragile, from the murals on the wall to the priceless furniture. Also the decorations for Xmas were gorgeous!

Walking up to the Mansion you might feel this might have been a mistake as it looks very plain and stark. Inside it is amazing with most furnishing original to the house and the walls ceiling and chandeliers beautiful.

This was a beautiful old mansion. Lovely tour of the mansion and outside were people dressed in period clothing., Just took you back in time. Great to see.

I visited Victoria Mansion this past Friday with my two sisters and parents. You get to learn about the individual rooms as there is a tour guide in each of them. The house is amazing and worth the stop if you are in Portland.

I thought I may be underwhelmed by this house (coming from Europe and having seen rather a lot of stately homes) but the inside is truely beautiful with some features I hadn't seen before (troemp d'oiel silk wallpaper). You can see the restauration evolving. Be prepared to wait a bit for a place on a tour (35 mins for us) - it's worth it!

What a fascinating story this mansion tells. Through its architectural details and original interiors Victoria Mansion offers an interesting view of the life of 19th century luxury hotel owners Ruggles and Olive Morse. The elegant summer home has been carefully maintained and restored. When construction ended in 1860, it featured modern conveniences such as hot and cold running water, central heating and gas lights. Sumptuous fabrics, trompe l’œil details, gilded mirrors, lavish furniture and a spectacular 25 foot long stained glass skylight adorn this Italian Villa style home.
Knowledgeable guides located in every rooms provided valuable information about the house and the families that occupied it until 1940. The museum shop offers a nice selection of books and Victorian inspired gifts. A wonderful place, rich in history, that we enjoyed visiting.

My wife and I had heard about this mansion and our tour guide pointed it out earlier. We got there around 3:00:and they close the door at 3:45:so we just made it. While there was not an official guided tour, there were lots of folks around to tell you about the restoration project. Extremely knowledgeable and nice. A must see when in Portland.

From the moment that we entered the front door, we were impressed no matter where we looked. Absolutely gorgeous woodwork, carpets, woodwork, furniture, woodwork, chandeliers, ceilings, and woodwork. Did I also mention the woodwork? Fee was only $14.00 with AAA and they also sell a book about the house for only $15. If you’re a lover of old homes, you’ve got to see this property. The guides are all wonderful and the info they have really makes this house come alive.

This house is so beautiful. The first thing you see as you enter is a beautiful stair case with a stainless window . Ever room is a feast for the eyes. I was very sad that you were not allowed to take pictures of the inside. The workers are very attentive and share a lot of the history of the house and it's owners.

Visited during the Christmas season and had a great time touring the rooms all dressed up for the holidays. They certainly go all out to decorate which takes all of November to accomplish. (The museum is closed during this time.) The docents are very well versed and knowledgeable. They enjoy their jobs and provide a wonderful background to the fascinating history of the mansion.

There was no tour per se, there are excellent and knowledgeable docents throughout the house. This house is remarkable for only having 2 owners and that most of the furniture 95%, is in the house. If you are interested in architecture or furniture this is a must see.

One of our agenda is to see the Victoria mansion. Parking could be a challenge. The visit includes a tour inside the mansion. I was amazed how nice the inside was, the furnitures were kept and maintained so nice. I just wish they allow to take photos as remembrance of this great gem of the city.

This home ranks up there with the mansions in Newport, Rhode Island. Beautiful inside dnd out. Great history. The tour guide was excellent. A must see if you are in Portland. Lovely gift shop.

Every inch of this historic home is beautiful. The tour guides give details about the artwork, furniture and families who lived there. Highly recommended!

This historical house is a great example of victorian era in North America. It includes all original furniture from the former owners, original lamps and walls and ceilings decorations which gives us a rare opportunity to go back in victorian times. Guides were nice and helpful. A treasure in the heart of Portland.

What a fantastic place..I went at Christmas and that is a real treat. Beautifully decorated but nice at any time. Just Go !!

I wouldn't have gone to Portland to see this, but it was a fun change of pace from eating and drinking! The house is incredibly impressive and well maintained!

Gorgeous interiors lavishly decorated, under renovation in places showing before & after very effectively. Helpful & informative docents.

The Victoria Mansion is a rare gem for anyone fascinated by the elegance and eccentricities of the Victorian era. From the moment you step through the door you're transported to the mid to late 19th century — and it's not just the architecture that whispers history. The mansion’s interiors are remarkably intact, boasting original furnishings, ornate wall treatments, and beautifully preserved ceiling paintings that together evoke an almost unbelievable authenticity.

and it was a great choice. A magnificent mansion built 150 years ago well preserved and restored. Knowledgeable docents to give you a great background to the family that built it and lived there and what happened to them. The fact that much of the interior is original is a fantastic opportunity to see what life was like for the wealthy of the time.

A must ..So glad I decided to walk to it while staying downtown.
A guided visit is included in the admission fee.
So interesting to have learned about those two families who
occupied this mansion. History mixed with Art.

A stately mansion in Portland, ME. Worth visiting. There is street parking around the mansion; however, it fills up rather quickly. The tour guide was fabulous. She tells you the history of the elaborate house furnishings. There were some parts of the mansion that need some serious improvements, otherwise? The residents of Portland could lose a piece of history. Our family enjoyed our visit. It was well worth the money.

We were in Portland for a day and decided to stop in and do a self guided tour. We were greeted by friendly and very informative guides that explained the history of this local treasure. A must see in Portland.

My husband and I visited this mansion during our day-trip to Portland and we enjoyed it! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the home’s history, and he was also extremely nice and welcoming. The details on the exterior and interior are so impressive along with the stories behind them all. Admission was $15 I think which does seem high for a walk-through tour of a home, but the staff puts a lot of money and effort into maintaining the home and its original pieces so the price is justified. I recommend visiting if you have the time in your trip to Portland!

You get to see a partially redone house from a wealthy person from the 1800’s. Somewhat run down but they are slowly bringing life back into her. Docent lead tours pass you off from room to room and floor to floor. Very unique house. Built with the best of everything for the times.

Attended this special event with local friends - so much fun, and what a great background for the stories told during the evening. Our group saw a short performances from Portland Ballet's Tales from Poe, then we were divided into 2 groups to tour some rooms in the house where narrators would tell true stories of murder and mayhem in the 1800's. My favorite was the performer that actually dressed up as the nurse poisoning people with morphine and atropine. We finished with book readings and signings by local author Edith Maxwell. Really enjoyed attending this event on our first visit to Portland and to Victoria Mansion.

Who doesn't like an extravagant display of wealth? If you're into interior decorating or architecture, it's worth a visit. The real show-stopper (for me) was the Turkish smoking lounge... definitely considering turning our attic into one after this trip.

Very beautiful and interesting house when we went it was decorated for Christmas, which was done very well. Each room had a different theme related to the Nutcracker. The docents were knowledgeable and there was someone in every room to answer questions. Some of the hallways and rooms were a bit tight so it was tough getting around we went on a Sunday so I would imagine it would be less crowded during the week.

Amazed by the architecture, history, and story of the Victoria Mansion. One of the few places that has recovered nearly all of the original mansion contents and provides great details about the building, its owners, and give a sense of life and wealth of the late 1800's. Docents were very well-informed and friendly. Loved hearing the personal stories of the families who lived there. The mansion staff have also worked on uncovering details regarding the history of slaves in the mansion with acknowledgement of the need to report on and uncover more.

IMPORTANT NOTE: as of September 25, 2022, the mansion is still requiring ALL VISITORS to WEAR MASKS in the visitor center and on tours.

This is a very lovely mansion! How wonderful it must have been to own and live in this very large home. It was so advanced for it's time! I would call ahead of time as they book up quickly so you can check how their day is going. We waited 45 minutes to get in but I can say it was worth the wait.

45 minute guided tours for groups (12 max) are given every hour. Our guide Joy was very informative and well-spoken. The personal history of this mid-nineteenth century home is fascinating. The restoration is incredible and ongoing. The fact that most of the original furnishings were retrieved is remarkable

Guides were beef helpful, and full of information! Decor was exquisite, and we enjoyed viewing all of the antiques!

We visited the mansion for the first time and were happy that we waited until the holiday season to do so. The decorations were outstanding! It's a beautiful 'summer home' (the original owners lived in New Orleans the rest of the year). Ninety percent of the original furnishings, oak carvings, stained glass, and art were retained. We were surprised that most of the rooms were small, and we were disappointed that the parlor is currenty empty due to renovations, but as a whole, it was a nice experience to see this historic home with its impressive architecture and festive decor. The gift shop had several Victorian-themed Christmas ornaments and decorations for sale, in addition to books, china, chocolates, and so on.

We were there during a renovation, which we did not know until we had paid and was inside. A lot of rooms were not accessible even when no remodel was happening. Thought the price was high for what we saw

A great old home to see, especially considering how well preserved it is, but the $16 price tag is a little steep for a self-guided tour.

Absolutely beautiful. Very knowledgeable volunteers took us through the rooms of the mansion. The wood work and paintings are stunning. Those interested in Portland history should definitely stop in and see the mansion.

We were there during the Christmas season and the mansion was set up as if during the mid to late 1800s sa if the original family were still there. Most of the mansion has its original furnishings thanks to the family donating items to the mansion museuim. It is beautifully restored and worth seeing. Fees are moderate but worth it.

This was right up my alley. I love everything about the late 19th Century. It is a self guided tour but there are dossiers in every room to answer your questions. They are tirelessly working to preserve this beautiful home. It's a must see in my opinion.

Make sure to include the Victorian Mansion in your things to see in Portland Maine. Beautiful, almost all original and very well maintained. Nice little gift shop after the tour.

I was impressed with the interior stain glass in the house. The painted plaster and decorations very colorful. The amount of original furnishings was great. Wood carvings superb.

Victoria mansion is a well kept luxury home worthy of a visit if you have time to kill while you're in Portland. Check out the indoor toilet with the painted porcelain bowl. I loved looking at all the exquisitely made furniture and the details in this house. The tour isn't long and you get to walk into each room at your own pace.

We went as a family of teens/ adults who all enjoy history and facts. The tours where well run and the guides where very open to questions.

We enjoyed our holiday visit to this majestic and unique historical landmark. Front desk volunteers were courteous and efficient. They gave us detailed printed brochures and guides about the Mansion and its past. Docents knew a lot about the Victorian era, the home’s history, and the families who had lived there. Every room had ornate original furnishings, elaborately painted ceilings, magnificent woodwork, and beautiful Victorian-era decorations. One first-floor room was under renovation, others were in need of it, but such ravages of time didn’t detract from our visit. On the way out, the mansion had an exceptional gift shop with varied gifts reflective of Victorian era. We noted that staircase steps were many, and steep for some. Upstairs halls were narrow; they had no directional signs to guide the flow of throngs of visitors. All told, we liked what we saw and we’ll be sure to visit again.