20 Best Architectural Buildings in Maine: Landmarks of Timeless Design

Maine is renowned for its captivating blend of historical and modern architecture.

From colonial-era buildings to sleek contemporary designs, Maine offers a visual journey through time.

What makes Maine’s architecture truly unique is the diversity of styles that reflect its rich history and cultural evolution.

Whether it’s a historic college campus or a charming coastal town, each structure tells a story of the past and present.

Discovering these architectural gems gives insight into the state’s heritage and creativity.

1. Victoria Mansion, Portland

Victoria Mansion, also known as the Morse-Libby House, stands as a prime example of the Italian Villa architectural style in the United States.

Located at 109 Danforth Street in Portland, Maine, this historic landmark is recognized for its elaborate interior design and opulent furnishings.

Built in the 19th century, the mansion showcases early technological conveniences and offers a glimpse into lavish living during that era.

Visitors can explore the mansion from May through October, and during the holiday season.

Further details can be found on the Victoria Mansion website.

2. Portland Museum of Art, Portland

The Portland Museum of Art in Maine is undergoing a major expansion and unification project.

LEVER Architecture, known for its innovative use of mass-timber construction, is leading this $100 million revamp, called the PMA Blueprint.

The project includes new galleries, a theater, studio spaces, and a rooftop sculpture park, set for completion in 2027.

For more details, visit the Portland Museum of Art website.

3. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, Portland

The Wadsworth-Longfellow House, located at 489 Congress Street in Portland, is a key historic landmark.

This house was built in 1785 by Peleg Wadsworth. It is notable for being the first wholly brick dwelling in Portland.

In 1815, a third story was added. The house is now managed by the Maine Historical Society and is open for public tours from May to October.

This building offers a glimpse into the architectural and cultural history of New England.

It gained recognition as a National Historic Landmark in 1962 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

4. Baxter State Park Headquarters, Millinocket

Baxter State Park Headquarters is a key stop for visitors to Baxter State Park.

Located in Millinocket, this building provides essential information and permits. Its design is functional and unpretentious, fitting well with the natural surroundings.

The headquarters also serves as a historical site. It reflects the park’s commitment to preserving wilderness and highlights the importance of conservation.

5. Blaine House, Augusta

Blaine House, also known as the James G. Blaine House, is the official residence of Maine’s governors. This stately mansion is located at the intersection of Capitol and State streets in Augusta.

Built in 1833, it was donated to the state by Harriet Blaine Beale in 1919. The house has been a National Historic Landmark since then and showcases the Federal style of architecture.

The Blaine House features elegant interiors and well-maintained gardens.

Much of its grounds’ design comes from the nationally-known Olmsted Brothers landscape architectural firm.

This historic residence remains a symbol of Maine’s gubernatorial history.

6. Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville

The Colby College Museum of Art in Waterville, Maine, stands out for its unique architecture.

Designed to contrast yet complement the Georgian brick buildings on campus, the museum features a pavilion with a light-filled entrance and expansive lobby.

Visitors will find the museum at 5600 Mayflower Hill Drive. It’s a notable destination for art enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike.

The museum showcases an impressive collection of American paintings and sculptures. It offers a rich cultural experience right in the heart of Maine.

7. Bowdoin College Museum of Art, Brunswick

The Bowdoin College Museum of Art, located in Brunswick, is a notable architectural gem.

Originally designed by Charles Follen McKim in 1894, the landmark Walker Art Building showcases late nineteenth-century architectural ideals.

In 2007, a significant renovation and expansion introduced modern elements.

A new glass and bronze pavilion was added, along with a floating steel staircase and a striking glass curtain wall.

This blend of historic and contemporary design makes the museum a must-visit site.

The museum is known for its diverse and impressive art collection, welcoming visitors to experience art in a vibrant environment.

For more details, visit Bowdoin College Museum of Art.

8. Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk

Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, Maine, is a significant cultural and historical site.

It opened during the Great Depression and has since focused on local heritage.

The museum features a diverse collection of artifacts, from old shipbuilding tools to 19th-century textiles and contemporary art.

It has five buildings, dating from 1810 to 1860, forming the oldest block in Kennebunk.

The museum offers rotating exhibitions throughout the year and unique programs that connect visitors with the area’s history and art.

Its operating hours are Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and weekends with varied hours.

Visit their website for more information.

9. Maine State House, Augusta

The Maine State House in Augusta serves as the state capitol of Maine.

Designed by Charles Bulfinch, the building was completed in 1832.

Constructed using Maine granite, the design of the State House was inspired by the Massachusetts State House.

The structure has undergone several additions, including work by architects John C. Spofford and G. Henry Desmond.

The landscape around the State House was designed by the Olmsted Brothers in 1920.

For more details, visit Maine State House’s official site.

10. Abbe Museum, Bar Harbor

The Abbe Museum in Bar Harbor is dedicated to the history and culture of the Wabanaki, Maine’s Native people.

It has two locations: one in downtown Bar Harbor and another in Acadia National Park.

The museum was founded by Dr. Robert Abbe, a New York physician and summer resident of Bar Harbor. It first opened to the public in 1928.

Its architecture reflects the spirit of the Gilded Age, combining historical and contemporary elements.

The museum is known for its engaging exhibits and educational programs about the Wabanaki Nations.

11. Fort Knox, Prospect

Fort Knox, located on the western bank of the Penobscot River, is a significant historic site in Maine.

Constructed between 1844 and 1869, it was the first fort in Maine built entirely of granite.

Named after Major General Henry Knox, it played a key role in coastal defense.

The fort spans 144 acres and offers views of the river across from Bucksport.

Visitors can explore its well-preserved granite structures and extensive artillery placements.

It’s a dog-friendly park, open from May to October, and a must-see for history enthusiasts.

For more details, visit Fort Knox State Historic Site.

12. Wood Island Lighthouse, Biddeford

Wood Island Lighthouse stands proudly on Wood Island in Saco Bay. This lighthouse, located near the entrance to Biddeford Pool, features a 47-foot conical tower made of granite rubble.

Built in 1808, it was the most southerly major navigational aid in Maine until 1829.

The lighthouse’s fascinating history includes tales of heroism and haunted stories.

Visitors can take guided tours during the summer, which include a half-mile walk around the boardwalk and a visit to the Keeper’s House. Tours are available in July and August.

13. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, New Gloucester

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is the last active Shaker community in the world.

Established in 1783, it is located in New Gloucester, Maine. The village features 19 historic buildings and spans approximately 1,800 acres.

Visitors can explore the farm and a living museum.

The Shakers are known for their elegant, functional architecture. The community emphasizes values of pacifism and equality.

Learn more about the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village.

14. Norridgewock Historical Society, Norridgewock

The Norridgewock Historical Society operates from the old Eaton School. This building dates back to the nineteenth century and originally served as an all-female academy.

Inside, visitors can find a Victorian parlor, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, and various exhibit rooms.

These displays include materials from local artists, Indian crafts, and antique clothing.

For more information, visit the Norridgewock Historical Society.

15. West Quoddy Head Light, Lubec

West Quoddy Head Light, located in Lubec, is the easternmost lighthouse in the contiguous United States.

The original lighthouse was built in 1808. The current tower, with its iconic red-and-white stripes, was constructed in 1858.

This lighthouse sits in Quoddy Head State Park and serves as an active aid to navigation.

Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Quoddy Channel and the Red Cliffs of Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick.

The light station remains a popular destination for sightseeing and photography.

16. Owls Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head

The Owls Head Transportation Museum is a standout in Maine for its impressive collection of more than 150 antique automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, and bicycles.

Located in Midcoast Maine, the museum offers educational programs and exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages.

To plan a visit, check out their hours, ticket information, and visitor tips.

17. Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth

Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth is a unique outdoor living history museum. It preserves a complete neighborhood that has evolved over 350 years.

Visitors can explore historic buildings and elegant mansions on their original sites.

The museum offers a glimpse into daily life from the late 1600s to the 1950s.

For more details, visit Strawbery Banke Museum here.

18. Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Bristol

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, located in Bristol, Maine, was built in 1827. This historic lighthouse has guided mariners along the coast for nearly two centuries. It sits on a dramatic 100-foot cliff, offering stunning views of the surrounding ocean.

Owned by the Coast Guard, the lighthouse tower is leased to the American Lighthouse Foundation.

The old keeper’s house is now the Fishermen’s Museum, displaying artifacts and maritime history.

Visitors can climb the lighthouse and enjoy the beautiful landscape. The site is part of the Pemaquid Point Lighthouse Park.

Learn more about this historic beacon at Pemaquid Point Lighthouse.

19. Farnsworth Art Museum, Rockland

The Farnsworth Art Museum in Rockland celebrates Maine’s contribution to American art.

It houses over 10,000 works, focusing on American artists from the late 18th to 20th centuries.

Located at 16 Museum Street, this museum offers 20,000 square feet of gallery space.

You can find works by renowned 20th-century artists. Visit the museum’s site to learn more about its exhibits.

20. Portland Observatory, Portland

The Portland Observatory, built in 1807 by Captain Lemuel Moody, stands as an iconic octagonal tower on Munjoy Hill. Rising 86 feet, it served as a vital communication station for the bustling harbor below.

Visitors can explore the maritime history of Portland during guided tours. The Observatory provides stunning views of the city and surrounding bay, making it a must-visit site.

Learn more about its significance at Portland Observatory.

Historical Significance

Maine’s architectural landscape tells a rich story of its historical development, from colonial influences to the impact of notable architects who shaped its towns and cities.

Maine’s Architectural Evolution

Maine’s architecture reflects its journey from colonial times to the present.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, buildings showcased Colonial and Federal styles, with simple lines and symmetrical designs.

During the Industrial Revolution, Maine saw an influx of wealth, leading to the construction of grander buildings.

Towns like Camden feature quaint inns and maritime structures. As time progressed, Victorian and Queen Anne styles, such as the Norumbega Inn, became prominent.

Modern architecture in Maine is a mix of preservation and innovation.

Efforts to maintain historical integrity while incorporating contemporary elements are evident in various renovations and new constructions.

Influence of Early Settlers and Architects

Early settlers and architects left a lasting mark on Maine’s architectural heritage. Influential figures like George Coombs, Francis Fassett, John Calvin Stevens, and Eaton Tarbell played significant roles. They contributed to Maine’s distinctive architectural identity through their designs and practices.

Stevens is known for popularizing the Shingle Style in Maine, characterized by wood shingles on roofs and walls, often used in coastal homes.

Fassett’s work in the Italianate and Second Empire styles can be seen in many of Maine’s public buildings, showing a blend of elegance and functionality.

The legacy of early architects continues to influence Maine’s architectural practices, blending historical appreciation with modern needs.

Architectural Styles in Maine

Maine boasts a rich architectural heritage with a variety of styles. Key styles include Colonial Revival, Victorian, and Modern Architecture, each with distinctive features and historical significance.

Colonial Revival

Colonial Revival architecture in Maine became popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This style draws inspiration from early American colonial architecture, particularly Georgian and Federal styles. Homes often feature brick or wood exteriors, gabled roofs, and symmetrical facades with centered front doors.

Many buildings include classic columns, decorative entryways, and multi-pane windows.

Examples of Colonial Revival can be seen in historic towns like Castine, where the architecture reflects the area’s early colonial history.

Victorian

Victorian architecture flourished in Maine during the late 19th century, characterized by its elaborate and ornate designs.

This style includes several substyles like Queen Anne, Stick-Eastlake, and Italianate. These buildings often have asymmetrical shapes, intricate trim, and decorative detailing.

Towers, turrets, and expansive porches are common features.

John Calvin Stevens, a notable architect, contributed to this style in Maine. His work includes many quintessential Victorian homes that remain iconic in towns like Camden and Portland.

Modern Architecture

Modern Architecture in Maine began to emerge in the mid-20th century, focusing on simplicity, functionality, and innovative materials.

This style often features clean lines, open floor plans, and large windows that integrate the indoors with the outdoors.

Buildings in this style use materials like steel, glass, and concrete to create minimalist yet functional spaces.

Bowdoin College’s recent additions reflect this modern influence, blending new designs with the historical context of the campus.

The link here highlights Bowdoin College’s blend of historical and modern architecture.