Built by Captain Lemuel Moody in 1807, this is the last remaining maritime signal tower left standing in the United States. The Observatory served as a communications link between incoming vessels and the waterfront. Vessel owners created a logo for their company in the form of a flag that their vessel would fly when sailing into the harbor. With his powerful telescope, Captain Moody would spot vessels about 18 miles offshore and, for a yearly subscription fee, hoist an identical flag at the top of the Observatory. This system would alert people on the waterfront that their vessel was arriving so they could secure wharf space and arrange for workers to offload cargo, increasing the efficiency of harbor operations.

The Portland Observatory is located at 138 Congress Street in the historic Munjoy Hill neighborhood. 

• Tickets are now available for Thursdays through Mondays in June 2021. 
• Groups of 8 or fewer people will be allowed in the building every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
• 45 minutes tours of the building including time to enjoy the view from the top!
• Pre-purchased, timed tickets only. No walk-ins will be allowed. Please arrive as close to your tour time as possible. 
  
• For the safety of our volunteers and staff, face coverings are required, regardless of vaccination status. 
  
• No refunds. 
• First floor is fully accessible.