Arts District (Portland, Maine) facts for kids

Congress Street, seen from High Street

The Arts District is a special part of downtown Portland, Maine. It was created in 1995 to help grow the city's art and culture scene. This area covers a big part of Congress Street. It stretches from the West End all the way to Portland City Hall and its Merrill Auditorium concert hall.

What is the Arts District?

The Arts District is a lively area where creativity thrives. It's a place where artists, performers, and art lovers come together. This district helps Portland's creative economy grow. A creative economy means jobs and businesses are linked to art, design, music, and other creative fields.

Arts and Culture Hotspots

This district is home to many exciting places for art and learning. You can find lots of art galleries here. There are also museums, a theater company, and schools.

Famous Art Schools and Museums

• The Maine College of Art (MECA) is located right in the district. It's a great place for students to learn about art.
• The Portland Museum of Art is also here. It's a fantastic museum where you can see many different kinds of art.

Other Important Places

• The Maine Historical Society helps us learn about Maine's past.
• The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a historic home you can visit. It belonged to a famous poet.
• The Maine Charitable Mechanics Association supports local crafts and skills.
• The Portland Public Library is a wonderful place to read and learn.

Entertainment and Media

The Arts District also has places for entertainment and media.

• You can find two television stations, WCSH and WMTW, here.
• Several radio stations also call this district home.
• The State Theatre building hosts many concerts and shows.
• The Portland Stage Company puts on amazing plays.
• One Longfellow Square is another popular spot for live music.
• There are also many coffee shops, bars, and restaurants to enjoy.

Parks and Squares to Explore

The Arts District has several beautiful parks and squares. These are great places to relax and enjoy the city.

Congress Square Park

• This is a small city park right across from the Portland Museum of Art.
• Many people call it the "Heart of the Arts District."
• It often hosts fun events like art shows, performances, and markets.

Monument Square

• This square is on Congress Street, near Preble and Elm streets.
• It's surrounded by many restaurants and shops.
• In the center of the square, you'll see the Our Lady of Victories monument.

Longfellow Square

• This square is where Congress Street and State Street meet.
• It features a statue of the famous 19th-century poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He is shown sitting down.

First Friday Art Walk

One of the most exciting events in the Arts District is the First Friday Art Walk.

• This is a special self-guided tour.
• It happens on the first Friday of every month.
• The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• During this time, all the art galleries, museums, and local businesses open their doors.
• You can walk around and see all the amazing art happening in the community.
• Many galleries offer food and drinks during the event.
• The Portland Museum of Art even opens its doors for free on these evenings!