Victoria Mansion MuseumPORTLAND, MAINE
When cruising the Great Lakes, the Victorian Mansion is an amazing place to discover when cruising Portland, Maine. Portland, Maine is home to several exciting activities, but one you will definitely not want to miss is the Victoria Mansion Museum. This gorgeous mansion was built between 1858 and 1860 and is one of the best examples of the Italian Villa style architecture found in America. |
The mansion was built for Sylvester Morse and his lovely wife Olive. Originally from Maine, they made their fortune by operating luxury hotels in New Orleans. The home was designed by architect Henry Austin from New Haven, CT. It was built near some of the city’s earliest sewer and gas lines so it was not only a model of elegance, but convenience. It had flushing toilets, hot and cold running water, central heat, gas lighting, a call bell system for servants, a 25 foot stained glass skylight, and wall to wall carpeting.
They hired a German trained cabinetmaker and interior designer named Gustave Herter to decorate the mansion. This summer retreat is the only Herter piece of work that’s survived and still intact. Sylvester Morse passed away in 1893 a year after his wife Olive passed. After Olive’s death, Mr. Morse decided to sell the house and the furnishings to a prominent dry goods merchant Mr. J.R. Libby. The Libby family made a few changes to the property but preserved the original decor in the home and lived there until 1929. The house was obtained in 1940 by unknown entity and in 1941 it was opened as a museum for the public.
There is still more than 90% of the original interiors in the home. That includes some of the original artwork that was done by an Italian artist Giuseppe Guidicini.
This much loved landmark is one of the most important historic homes of the nineteenth century in the United States. The Museum’s main goal is to restore, maintain, and preserve the property and share this piece of history with the people from all over the world. Learn more about Great Lakes Tours and Attractions and cruising from Portland, Maine with Great Lakes Cruises.
They hired a German trained cabinetmaker and interior designer named Gustave Herter to decorate the mansion. This summer retreat is the only Herter piece of work that’s survived and still intact. Sylvester Morse passed away in 1893 a year after his wife Olive passed. After Olive’s death, Mr. Morse decided to sell the house and the furnishings to a prominent dry goods merchant Mr. J.R. Libby. The Libby family made a few changes to the property but preserved the original decor in the home and lived there until 1929. The house was obtained in 1940 by unknown entity and in 1941 it was opened as a museum for the public.
There is still more than 90% of the original interiors in the home. That includes some of the original artwork that was done by an Italian artist Giuseppe Guidicini.
This much loved landmark is one of the most important historic homes of the nineteenth century in the United States. The Museum’s main goal is to restore, maintain, and preserve the property and share this piece of history with the people from all over the world. Learn more about Great Lakes Tours and Attractions and cruising from Portland, Maine with Great Lakes Cruises.
- REGULAR SEASONAL HOURS -
- May 1- October 31 -
- Open Daily | 10:00am - 4:30pm | Last admission 3:45pm -
- Please check website for specific information and ticket pricing -
|
|
Learn more about the Victoria Mansion Museum by visiting their website.
Address: 109 Danforth Street, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 772-4841
Address: 109 Danforth Street, Portland, ME 04101
Phone: (207) 772-4841
Updated 12/21/20- LLS
