The end of the American Revolution saw a building boom in Portland, with the McLellan-Sweat Mansion one of the finest period examples. Built in 1801, the redbrick structure and its well-preserved interior offer a glimpse of what life was like for the well-heeled inhabitants of what was then Massachusetts. Now preserved as a museum attached to the Portland Museum of Art, it is a gateway into one of Portland’s Golden Ages and a way to see how the city has evolved over time. Visit the McLellan-Sweat Mansion to admire the exterior then go inside to see some of the preserved period furnishings and decorations.
From the street, admire the construction, which stands in marked contrast to the white Greek style of the Charles Q. Clapp House next door. Note the enduring brickwork, set on a granite foundation. The small Grecian touches, including Doric columns, are a nod to the neoclassicism that was in vogue at the time.
Go through the Portland Museum of Art, browsing the collections, before continuing onto the mansion itself. Notice the fine woodwork on the walls of the reception rooms on the first floor. Some of these were commissioned by Major Hugh McLellan, the shipping magnate who first built the house. Listen for the ghost of his wife, who still haunts the house, according to Portland children.
Continue exploring or relax in the Reading Room with all the comforts available to a 19th-century gentleman.
The McLellan-Sweat Mansion forms an integral part of the Portland Museum of Art complex and can be accessed only from the museum. Find the museum on the southern side of downtown Portland, not far from many of the city’s other attractions. Take the bus from the airport in 35 minutes or drive in 15 minutes. Portland’s Transportation center is a 12-minute bus ride, 35-minute walk or 10-minute drive away. Plenty of parking is available nearby in the museum’s public lots, metered street parking and private garages.
The museum is open daily from mid-morning to early evening, with slight seasonal variations. There is a fee for entrance.
