Frequently Asked Questions

Select from the headings below to jump to a section, or scroll for all FAQs:

Tour & Ticketing Information

  • Purchasing tickets, ticket costs, opening hours for regular & holiday seasons, etc.

Before & During Your Visit

  • Getting to the Mansion, parking, nearby food & attractions, photography & COVID policies, etc.

Family & Group Information

  • For guests traveling with children or with groups of 10 or more people

Event, Media & Rental Information

  • Inquiries and upcoming public events (please note: Victoria Mansion is not available for weddings/private receptions)

Other Queries

Tour & Ticketing Information

  • When do you open? What are your hours?

    • Our regular season runs May 1 – October 31. Victoria Mansion is open daily from 10am-4pm during the regular season.
    • Victoria Mansion is closed on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
    • Victoria Mansion is closed to the public from November 1st through Thanksgiving, then re-opens for the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving (see holiday season FAQ below). 
    • Sign up for our newsletter for Mansion updates, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

  • When can I buy tickets for your holiday season? What are your holiday season hours?

    • Tickets for the 2024 holiday season are now on sale.
    • The 2024 holiday season will run from November 29, 2024 – January 5, 2025. The theme this year is Stories of the Season.
    • During the holiday season, Victoria Mansion will be open Tuesdays – Sundays, 10am-4pm. Closed Mondays. Closed December 25th and January 1st. Closing early (final admission 12pm) on December 24th and 31st.
    • Tours are self-paced and docent-facilitated during the holiday season, with entries every half-hour starting at 10am. The final admission each day is 3pm (except 12/24 and 12/31, final admission 12pm).

  • I want to purchase tickets for 10 or more people. What should I do?

    • Our ticketing service cannot be used for reservations for parties of 10 or larger. A group rate is available for parties of 10 or larger. If you are interested in bringing a group of 10 people or more, please contact Staci Hanscom, Director of Education & Public Programs, at (207) 772-4841 ext.104 or shanscom@victoriamansion.org.
    • Groups of 10 people or more MUST call to book tickets in advance. We cannot guarantee day-of admission for groups.
    • More information about group tours is available on our Group Tours page.

  • How long does it take to view the Mansion?

    • Guided tours at Victoria Mansion are approximately 45-55 minutes long. Self-paced tours generally take 30-60 minutes, though most guests take approximately 30-45 minutes. Please take a look at the Calendar to check which tour experiences are being offered on a given day. All of our tour experiences are given by our wonderful corps of experienced docents and guides.
    • If you are taking a guided tour, please plan accordingly and plan for at least one hour onsite. Because of the nature of our guided tours, it can be difficult to leave a tour early. However, if you need to leave in case of an emergency, please inform your guide and they can help you find the nearest exit.

  • Can I tour the Mansion on my own?

    • No. While on some days we offer self-paced tour experiences, all experiences are docent-facilitated. GUESTS MUST CHECK IN AT THE GIFT SHOP PRIOR TO ENTRY, EVEN IF YOU ALREADY PURCHASED YOUR TICKET. Please check our Calendar for self-paced dates. Days not marked as self-paced are exclusively guided tours. Dates subject to change. Docents and guides are stationed throughout the Mansion to answer questions on self-paced days. Holiday season tours are self-paced only.
    • Victoria Mansion is proud to offer various tour experiences that are enhanced by the knowledge and enthusiasm of our docent corps. Groups are kept small to allow for conversation. Whether guided or self-paced, all tour experiences at Victoria Mansion are docent-led and supported. Audio tours are not available. If you have questions about accessibility, please call (207) 772-4841.

  • What is the cost of a ticket, and what is included in my ticket?

    • Admission rates are:
      • $19.25 adults
      • $17.25 seniors (62+)
      • $8.00 college/university/graduate students (with valid ID)
      • $6.00 children ages 6-17
      • $41.75 family rate (2 adults of the same household and up to 5 children ages 6-17 of the same household)
      • $2.00 Museums for All (SNAP/EBT cardholders with valid ID and EBT card, up to 4 tickets)
      • FREE for children ages 5 and under
      • FREE for Victoria Mansion members
    • All prices listed above reflect a small service charge added to defray costs of our registration system.
    • Your admission is for the tour experience offered on your selected day (either a guided or self-paced tour). If you wish to purchase tickets for an educational event, please keep an eye on our Events page, as events require separate admission.

  • Should I buy tickets in advance or can I buy tickets when I arrive?

    • We tend to sell out our available tickets each day, sometimes selling out prior to opening on a given day, especially on weekends and rainy days. We highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance online. If you experience any difficulties booking tickets online, please call (207) 772-4841. Generally, purchasing tickets 24 hours in advance is recommended to ensure that you will be able to book a tour on your preferred date and time.
    • Groups of 10 or more must arrange their visit in advance. Please visit our Group Tours page for more information.

  • I have a child under 6. Do I need to reserve a ticket for them if admission is free?

    • Yes, all attendees on a tour must have a reservation. Children under 6 (ages 0-5) receive free admission, but must still be included in the full attendee count for a given entry time. Capacity in the Mansion is limited. If you have any questions about tour capacity, please call (207) 772-4841.

  • Can I bring my dog/pet?

    • Pets are not allowed in Victoria Mansion, for the safety and security of our collections, guests, and staff. Please plan accordingly for pet care if you are traveling with a pet and wish to visit the Mansion.
    • Service dogs are always welcome to accompany the person for whom they are performing a trained task.
      • The ADA website defines service animals as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities.” Additionally, “dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.”

  • What if I can’t make my tour time (due to traffic, unforeseen delays or events, etc.)?

    • If you know in advance that you will be unable to arrive by the time on your ticket, please give us a call at (207) 772-4841. WE CANNOT GUARANTEE ADMISSION IF YOU ARRIVE AFTER YOUR TICKETED TIME. Due to our tendency to sell out all tickets well in advance, we may not be able to accommodate late arrivals on either the booked time or a later time that same day. We appreciate any advance notice for late arrivals that you can give. While we cannot guarantee admission during a later entry time, we will do what we can to swap your tickets onto another future time that would work for your schedule.
    • Some Portland restaurants may have unforeseen delays or staffing shortages, even if you have made a reservation. It can take 10-20 minutes to walk from several downtown areas to Victoria Mansion. Please plan accordingly and give us a call if you know you will be running late.

  • Do you offer refunds if I can’t make my tour?

    • Refunds are granted on a case-by-case basis. We understand that unforeseen events do arise, such as extreme travel delays, illnesses, emergencies, and bereavement. We appreciate any advance notice that you can give if you know that you will be unable to make it for your scheduled tour time, and we will be able to refund your tickets. We are also happy to swap your tickets onto a later date and time that works for your schedule.
    • If you are unable to call us in advance and were unable to make it to your tour due to illness, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances, please give us a call any day at (207) 772-4841, 9am-4pm.
    • IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO REQUEST A REFUND, PLEASE CONTACT US DIRECTLY BEFORE DISPUTING A CHARGE ON YOUR CREDIT CARD. WE ARE HAPPY TO DISCUSS THE EXCHANGE OR REFUND OPTIONS.

  • I was unable to use a ticket (due to weather, unforeseen event, etc.). Can I swap it for a tour in a different season?

    • Tickets must be used within the season for which they were originally purchased. Please call us at (207) 772-4841 to discuss options if this is not possible. You may request a refund or choose to exchange your tickets for gift passes that can be redeemed for any future season.

  • Are you open year-round?

    • Victoria Mansion is open most years from May 1st-October 31st for our regular season. We are open for our holiday season from the day after Thanksgiving through the Sunday after New Year’s Day. Victoria Mansion is closed to the public January through April.
    • Victoria Mansion is closed on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day during the regular season, and on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day during the holiday season.

  • I have a gift pass left over from a previous season. Can I redeem my ticket onsite or online?

    • Gift passes can be redeemed at any time, but gift pass ticket holders must reserve an entry time in order to guarantee admission on your desired day. Please call us at (207) 772-4841 to reserve spots if you are a gift pass holder.

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Before & During Your Visit

  • Do I have to wear a mask? What are your COVID-19 policies?

    • Masks are not required at this time. Disposable masks are available upon request.
    • We ask that you be supportive of those who are still masking, including Mansion staff and docents. We reserve the right to return to full masking if the situation warrants.
    • If you or anyone in your party are exhibiting any symptoms of COVID-19 as detailed on the CDC website, we ask that you please remain home. Please give us a call at (207) 772-4841 to swap your ticket onto a different time or to request a refund.
    • Thank you for helping us keep all of our guests, staff, volunteers, and families safe and healthy!

  • Can I take photos or videos?

    • Non-flash, non-commercial still photography is allowed in Victoria Mansion. We appreciate you tagging us in your photos on Facebook and Instagram @victoriamansion!
    • We do not allow videography/recording/streaming, selfie sticks, or tripods in the Mansion for the safety of our docents, visitors, and collections. 
    • If you have press or commercial photography requests, please contact Executive Director Tim Brosnihan at (207) 772-4841 ext. 100, or at tbrosnihan@victoriamansion.org. Please contact Victoria Mansion with at least 48 business hours’ notice for press or commercial photography inquiries, including for online publications.

  • What is your cell phone policy?

    • Cell phones must be silenced inside Victoria Mansion. No phone calls or FaceTime/video chats may be made inside the Mansion during your tour. Please take calls outside of the Mansion except in cases of emergency.
    • Phones may be used for personal, non-commercial, non-flash still photography only.
    • Taking videos of any kind is not permitted without prior approval.

  • I have my ticket – where do I enter?

    • All guests are asked to check in at the Carriage House Museum Shop, at the top of the stone driveway. Tours begin in the back courtyard. Guests must check in at the shop prior to beginning their tour.

  • Where do I park to visit Victoria Mansion?

    • There is no designated parking at Victoria Mansion, but there is a great deal of on-street parking throughout the neighborhood around the property, and two parking garages within walking distance. There are no meters for on-street parking near the Mansion, and most parking is either 2-hour or all-day. Please do not park directly across from the Mansion’s driveway in the 15-minute spots, as they will ticket.
    • There are two handicapped parking spots on the corner of Park and Danforth streets, close to the Victoria Mansion sidewalk. There are two handicapped parking spots near the corner of High and Danforth streets on the left as well, less than one block from the Mansion.
    • This map shows the timed parking in the Victoria Mansion area. Please be aware that current city construction projects may affect parking.
    • There is limited motorcycle/moped parking at the corner of Danforth and Park streets, diagonally across from Victoria Mansion.
    • Visitors traveling by bicycle are welcome to park their bicycles at the rack located in the courtyard outside the Carriage House Shop for the duration of their visit. We ask that guests please lock their bicycles on the rack in the courtyard rather than on the trees or driveway handrail.
      • Portland has a bikeshare program through Tandem Mobility. Information about renting bicycles can be found at their website.

  • How do I get to Victoria Mansion?

    • Location (for shuttle, ride share, walking maps, etc.):
      • Victoria Mansion is located at 109 Danforth Street. The nearest cross street is Park Street.
    • Directions from the Old Port:
      • Walk west from the Old Port via Spring Street, Fore Street, Congress Street, or Commercial Street. Fore Street turns into Danforth Street at the intersection near the statue of John Ford at the end of Danforth Street. Turn from Spring, Congress, or Commercial Street onto High Street and walk west to Victoria Mansion. Please plan for anywhere from 15-30 minutes, including hills and some brick/cobblestone areas, when walking to Victoria Mansion from most Old Port locations. Sidewalks may be slippery in the rain and in the winter, please walk with caution.
    • Directions by car:
      • From Interstate 295 (North or South) take exit 6A
      • Follow Forest Ave up the hill until it ends
      • Turn right onto Congress Street
      • Turn left at the light onto State Street (second light)
      • Turn left at the light onto Danforth Street
      • Victoria Mansion is located on the left at Park Street
      • Arrangements can be made for wheelchair/walker drop-off. For more information call 207-772-4841.
    • Directions by public transit:
      • Victoria Mansion is accessible from three of Portland’s bus routes. Bus routes 1, 8, and 9 stop within walking distance of the museum. Visit Greater Portland Metro for more information on route schedules and ticket pricing.

  • Is the building ADA accessible?

    • The first floor of the building is accessible to all guests regardless of level of mobility, however the second floor can only be reached by climbing a set of stairs. We do offer a digital slide-show tour of the second floor spaces for guests who cannot see them in person.

  • Do you have a place to leave bags during the tour?

    • We do not allow large bags, including backpacks, in the Mansion during tours, because they frequently bump and damage the original wall paintings. Bags can be stored at your own risk near the coat rack in the covered walkway between the Mansion and the Carriage House. However, we do not recommend bringing bags/luggage with you to our campus due to space constraints.

  • Do you sell food and drinks/have a café onsite?

    • Sparkling water is sold in the Carriage House Museum Shop, but otherwise no food or drink is sold or served onsite. Food, drink, chewing gum, and chewing tobacco are not allowed inside Victoria Mansion, to preserve our collections.

  • What is your smoking/vaping policy?

    • Smoking and vaping of any kind are not permitted on the Victoria Mansion property. This includes the grounds, museum building, shop, and restroom. Victoria Mansion is private property and any  guests not adhering to the smoking/vaping policy will be asked to leave.

  • Where can I get food/drinks nearby the Mansion while waiting for/after a tour?

  • What other historic sites and museums are in the area that I can visit after my Victoria Mansion tour?

  • When is the gift shop open?

    • The Carriage House Museum Shop keeps the same opening hours and schedule as the Mansion, daily from 10am-4pm during the regular season and Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-4pm during the holiday season. Closed Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day during the regular season, and Christmas Day and New Year’s Day during the holiday season.

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Family & Group Information

  • Is the tour appropriate for kids?

    • Our tours are primarily aimed at adults, but kids are welcome to come on tour. We request that you make sure that any children in your group follow our rules regarding touching and attempting to climb on historic surfaces.

  • Can I bring a stroller on tour?

    • We do not allow strollers in the Mansion due to limited hallway space. Storage for strollers is available at your own risk near the coat rack in the covered walkway between the Mansion and the Carriage House.

  • What do I do if I want to bring a group larger than the ticketing service allows?

    • Please call ahead to (207) 772-4841 for day-of availability for groups larger than 8 people. Groups larger than 10 people must make reservations in advance.
    • Please visit our Group Tours page for groups of 10 or more.

  • Do you offer a group rate?

    • Groups of 10 or more can receive a discounted rate. Please visit our Group Tours page for rates and booking information.

  • Can I book a group or school tour during your off-season (January-April)?

    • If you are a teacher interested in our educational programs conducted during our off-season, please contact Staci Hanscom, Director of Education & Public Programs, at (207) 772-4841 ext. 104 or shanscom@victoriamansion.org.
    • For more information about A Century of Change, our interdisciplinary program for Maine classrooms, you can read the brochure here.

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Event, Media & Rental Information

  • Can I rent Victoria Mansion for a party, event, or wedding?

    • Thank you for your interest. Victoria Mansion is not available for weddings or private parties/receptions at this time, due to multiple ongoing large-scale historic preservation projects. We are not taking requests for future events at this time.

  • Can I rent Victoria Mansion for a personal or company photoshoot?

    • Thank you for your interest. Victoria Mansion is not available for professional photoshoots at this time, due to multiple ongoing large-scale historic preservation projects. We are not taking requests for future photoshoots at this time.
    • Non-flash, non-commercial photography is permitted during regular tours. Videography/recording, streaming, selfie sticks, and tripods are not permitted during regular tours.

  • I have another press/media request. Who should I contact?

    • Any media coverage inquiries (e.g., news or social media, interviews, etc.) must be received at least 48 business hours prior to the time you would like to visit for your story. Please call (207) 772-4841 ext.111 Monday-Friday for press/media inquiries. 
    • For more information, please see our Press Kit.

  • Will there be any public events this season?

    • Public educational events are scheduled throughout the year, often in the spring, mid- to late summer, October, and December. Please stay tuned to our Events page for more information.
    • Victoria Mansion also hosts smaller, private events for our members throughout the year. Learn more about becoming a member here.

  • Will Victoria Mansion donate tour passes to my organization’s charitable auction event?

    • Victoria Mansion is sometimes able to donate tour passes as silent auction items. Please direct charitable auction requests to our Development & Communications Coordinator, Brittany Cook, at bcook@victoriamansion.org or by mail to Victoria Mansion, 109 Danforth St., Portland, ME 04101. Our Development office will review your request and respond in as timely a manner as possible. Please note that Victoria Mansion is not able to accommodate all requests we receive.

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Ready to schedule your visit?

Return to the Plan Your Visit page to select the date and time you wish to visit.

Still have questions?

Contact us at (207) 772-4841.

Please note that Victoria Mansion’s office hours are 8am-4pm Monday through Friday. Inquiries made over the weekend or outside of office hours are not likely to be received before start of the next business day.

The Mansion is closed on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day during the regular season. 

The Mansion is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day during the holiday season.

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