Portland Art Museum
Major exhibitions complement the museum’s strong Native American and Northwest collections.
Know Before You Go
The museum is closed on Mondays. Children 17 and under are always free. Admission is free on the first Thursday of every month from 5-8 p.m., and free admission and special family programming is offered several times a year (check calendar).
The Portland Art Museum is the largest art museum in Oregon and one of the oldest in the country. Located in two historic buildings on Portland’s South Park Blocks, the museum is central to the city’s cultural district and houses a large and wide-ranging collection of art.
Campus and History
First organized in 1892, the museums’ first exhibition was a set of magnificent plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculpture, now displayed in the upper hall of the city’s library. In 1932, the museum moved into the primary building, designed by Pietro Belluschi: a gracious contemporary update of the Georgian style, sleek-lined and advanced in its ideas. The museum’s renovation of the Masonic temple to its immediate north added more exhibition and office space to the campus in 2005.
Belluschi’s original design was ahead of its time. It was airy and admitted natural light into the museum’s galleries, especially the court beyond the entryway, and the visitor today experiences that grand space as a sort of surprise, given the museum’s relative scale. More wings were added, first to house the Pacific Northwest College of Art (then known as the Museum Art School and ultimately separated into its own institution) and then a warren of smaller galleries. The old Masonic temple has become the Jubitz Center of Modern and Contemporary Art, though its old, ornate meeting rooms have been retained.
Northwest art is a primary attraction, tracking the development of art in Oregon and Washington since the 19th century.
Portland Art Museum Collections
The museum has strong collections of prints and drawings, photography, Asian art, Native American (especially Pacific Coast) art, and Northwest art, and its European and American collections contain some extraordinary individual pieces, especially from the 19th and 20th centuries. The huge prints and drawings collection was built largely by the late Gordon Gilkey and includes Old Masters printmakers (Dürer, Rembrandt) and the most recent examples of the art forms. And under chief curator Bruce Guenther, the museum’s modern art holdings have increased dramatically, in part because of the addition of the collection of the great modernist critic Clement Greenberg, which gives the museum a unique window into the development of advanced art in the mid-20th century.
Native American Art
The Native American collection was built from two primary sources: the Rasmussen Collection of Northwest Coast art, with its fabulous masks and whaling canoes, and the encyclopedic collection of Elizabeth Cole, which brings the exquisite work of Southwest, Plains, Plateau and Woodlands tribes into focus.
Northwest Art
Northwest art is a primary attraction, tracking the development of art in Oregon and Washington since the 19th century. The museum’s curators have wisely spread this work throughout the galleries, placing the best work of Northwest abstractionists alongside their more celebrated New York peers, for example, but a gallery specifically dedicated to Northwest art supplies a good introduction to the fine artists who have worked here (C.S. Price, Mark Tobey, Morris Graves, Hilda and Carl Morris, Sally Haley and Michele Russo).
Museums & Galleries
Disjecta Contemporary Art Center
The North Portland art center's offerings range from visual art installations to collaborations with bands like the Shins.
Portland Open Studios
For two weekends every October, Portland Open Studios invites visitors to explore the houses and offices of artists across the city.
Visual Art Events
Mumvember
During the month of November, Lan Su Chinese Garden will be packed with more than 750 potted chrysanthemums artistically displayed throughout the garden. More than 75 different chrysanthemum varieties will unfurl in all colors, shapes and sizes including: spiders, quills, spoons, regular incurves, irregular incurves, reflexes, semi-doubles, anemones, brush, thistle, exotics and more. Take in…
Noritaka Tatehana: Refashioning Beauty
Portland Japanese Garden presents the art of Noritaka Tatehana in his first-ever North American solo exhibition. Installed in the Pavilion and Tanabe Galleries located within the manicured grounds of the renowned Gardens, Tatehana enchants through his use of traditional symbols of sophistication and beauty with the inclusion of new, never-before-seen artworks created especially for this…
Wild Arts Festival
The Wild Arts Festival is Pacific Northwest’s premier art show and book fair celebrating the natural world. Held each November by the Portland Audubon, the festival attracts nearly 5,000 visitors each year. New for 2019, the popular festival has moved to Pure Space in Portland’s vibrant Pearl District as the festival celebrates its 39th year….
Fertile Ground Festival
See Portland’s newest theater and dance works every January at Portland’s Fertile Ground Festival.
Portland Winter Light Festival
Brighten your February with glowing sculptures and thousands of twinkling lights at the annual Winter Lights Festival.
Volcano! Mount St. Helens in Art
Marking the 40th anniversary of the eruption of Mount Saint Helens, this exhibition explores the overwhelming power of nature and the epic cycles of volcanic destruction and regeneration with stunning photographs, paintings and drawings of the mountain from 1845 to the present day. Curated by Dawson Carr, Ph.D., The Janet and Richard Geary Curator of…
Art and Race Matters: The Career of Robert Colescott
The first comprehensive retrospective of one of America’s most compelling and controversial artists, Art and Race Matters traces the work of Robert Colescott (1925-2009), who established his career in Portland with the support of gallery owner and philanthropist Arlene Schnitzer, then made his mark in the 1970s with a series of deconstructed art-historical masterpieces that…
Design Week Portland
This annual springtime festival showcases Portland’s creative community, with a week full of lectures, design events and open houses.
Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and Mexican Modernism
Internationally beloved artists Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) and Diego Rivera (1886–1957) played a crucial role in defining and establishing the Avant-Garde cultural movement in Mexico in the early 20th century. Their famously stormy marriage reflected their diverging artistic styles: While Rivera’s art projected itself outward, often in vast murals and concerned itself with the construction of…
To Bear Witness – Extraordinary Lives
To Bear Witness – Extraordinary Lives will capture, share and preserve the stories of 10 to 12 people from varied backgrounds who left their homelands for safe haven in the United States. Although these refugees had survival on their minds when they first arrived, they jump-started their lives with remarkable determination, finding their way in…
Ansel Adams in Our Time
Oct 17, 2020 – Jan 24, 2021 Ansel Adams in Our Time celebrates the visual legacy of the acclaimed American photographer and includes some of his most iconic images, from a symphonic view of snow-dusted peaks in The Tetons and Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming (1942) to the sublime Moon and Half Dome,…
APEX: Laura Fritz
Laura Fritz combines an immersive installation and video-based work for her contribution to the APEX exhibition series. Working closely with the architectural space that APEX inhabits, Fritz has created a site-specific installation that responds to various points of corners, walls and the floor, taking signals from furniture that allude to tables, cabinets or other ergonomic…
Being Present
Being Present: Revisiting, Somewhat Unfaithfully, Portland’s Most Experimental Art Experiment, PCVA From 1972 to 1987, the Portland Center for the Visual Arts (PCVA) was a major force in the Pacific Northwest, introducing progressive forms of contemporary art from around the country to Portland audiences. Temporary site-specific installations by major, mostly New York-based sculptors, announced its…
Color Line: Black Excellence on the World Stage
At the International Exposition of 1900 in Paris, American sociologist, historian, and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois put together “The American Negro Exhibit,” a remarkable collection of more than 300 photographs of African-American men and women, homes, churches, businesses and universities. These photographs were paired with a series of charts and graphs designed by…
Curator’s Choice: Japanese Print Acquisitions of the Past Decade
Retiring Curator of Asian Art Maribeth Graybill presents her personal favorites from among more than 600 Japanese prints acquired during her tenure at the Museum. The exhibition includes works by leading masters of the 18th and 19th centuries, chosen for their exceptional condition; warrior prints, a genre previously neglected in the collection; and prints by…
Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal
Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal … is the first major survey of the work of one of America’s most important conceptual artists. Throughout his career, Hank Willis Thomas (American, born 1976) has fearlessly addressed racism, inequality and bias in bold, skillfully crafted works. Through photographs, sculpture, video, audience-activated digital animation and collaborative public…
Isaka Shamsud-Din: Rock of Ages
Isaka Shamsud-Din: Rock of Ages is an intimate exhibition celebrating the Portland artist’s masterful paintings, rich in a narrative combining personal stories and folklore. Shamsud-Din’s paintings also celebrate and honor individuals by capturing portraits. Tightly composed and with a vibrancy of color, the works invite viewers to be among these individuals and warm settings. The…
No Human Involved: The Fifth Annual Sex Workers’ Art Show
No Human Involved: The Fifth Annual Sex Workers’ Art Show November 8 – December 14, 2019 The phrase “no human involved” (“NHI”) is a slang term that has been commonly used by police to refer to crimes involving the murder or injury of sex workers, drug users, gang members, immigrant and transient folks, with Black…
Norma Bassett Hall: Color Block Prints in Oregon Collections
Norma Bassett Hall was born in Halsey, Oregon, in 1888. Just 18 years later, she entered the School of the Portland Art Association in its first year and by 1929, she had achieved national recognition for her art. Yet, with her local roots and strong ties to Oregon art, her work has never been the…
Portraiture from the Collection of Northwest Art
In the rich tradition of portraiture reflected in Northwest art, there is an exemplary range of individuals and styles of depiction. For this exhibition, the artist Storm Tharp was invited to help select works from the collection through his keen eyes as a fellow portraitist. As he combed through the collection, some themes in portraiture…
Question Bridge: Black Males
Presented in conjunction with Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal…, on view in the Main Building, Question Bridge: Black Males is a project of Cause Collective, a long-term project-based collaboration between Thomas and a team of artists, designers and ethnographers who create innovative forms of public art that spark cross-cultural conversations. Question Bridge: Black…
The Art of Reading
The artistic poster first flourished in the United States in the 1890s. Initially following design trends pioneered in Europe, American artists soon created their own unique style. Magazines were among the first to adopt this new form of advertising, employing outstanding designers such as Will Bradley, Edward Penfield and Maxfield Parrish to advertise periodicals including…
Toughened to Wind and Sun: Women Photographing the Landscape
During the early 20th century, Pictorialist photographer Anne Brigman regularly hiked and camped in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range, photographing the rugged landscape with her 4×5-inch view camera. She later recalled, “I slowly found my power with the camera among the junipers and tamarack pines of the high, storm-swept altitudes.” Toughened to Wind and Sun…
A Kind of Movement, Organized By Jay Wehnert
The concept of the outsider artist revolves around the essential solitude of the artist and the isolation of their creative life from the conventions and influences of the art world. As outsiders, they are not aware of art canons and history, nor do they respond or react to art trends or movements. Their art is…
Chasing Jessie Applegate: New Works by Kirista Trask
Chasing Jessie Applegate, a new solo show at Ford Gallery, is a visual art exhibition of work created by Portland artist Kirista Trask. Through the abstract exploration of place the artist seeks to reconcile her genealogy as a seventh generation Oregonian in relationship to her families long struggle with inter generational trauma. Chasing Jessie Applegate…
Akunnittinni: A Kinngait Family Portrait
Loosely translated, the Inuktitut word Akunnittinni means “between us.” This exhibition chronicles a visual dialogue between an Inuk grandmother, mother, and daughter – Pitseolak Ashoona, Napachie Pootoogook, and Annie Pootoogook. Their work provide a personal and cultural history of three generations of Inuit women and sardonic references to pop culture that now infuses everyday life…
Looptworks Retail Workshop Tour
Looptworks uses only what already exists to create new functional products (including upcycled bags, apparel and accessories). Looptworks is committed to upcycling and closed loop solutions. Its intent is to reduce and eliminate waste in its industry headed to the landfill. Participate and witness the Looptworks upcycling production and circular economy firsthand. Tour Schedule &…
Mumvember
Inspired by incredible Chrysanthemum displays found in gardens in China, Lan Su Chinese Garden presents the biggest and most impressive ‘Mumvember’ display ever held in garden. During the month of November, Lan Su will be packed with hundreds of potted chrysanthemums artistically displayed throughout the garden. In partnership with Ben Auth of Spark Floral &…
The Way Things Fall
New work from Peter Christian Johnson. Meticulously constructed porcelain grid systems become the architecture over which fluid skin is allowed to warp or collapse the structure in the transformative heat of the kiln, exposing the relationships between soft and hard and capturing the moment of entropy embodied in the process. Opening reception November 1, 6-9…
Creative Workshops
Get creative! Radius Art offers opportunities for both the beginning and the experienced artist to learn the basics or build on their current skills. Learn ceramics, painting, drawing, printmaking, leatherworking, fabric dying and more.
Brenda Mallory: Gather Back
In her first solo exhibition at Upfor, artist Brenda Mallory presents new 2D and relief works in an array of materials both found and created, from linen firehose to kiln-formed glass, to addresses ideas of repetition, interference and disruption in nature and human culture. She often combines relatively simple components into complex, abstract compositions, reworking…
Nancy Lorenz: Works on Paper
PDX Contemporary Art is pleased to present new works on paper by New York-based artist Nancy Lorenz. Lorenz starts every drawing with spontaneous, faint and gestural lines and imagery. Building on that initial drawing, the Artist adds metal leaf materials and raised, leafed surfaces. Drawing inspiration from the history of ink painting and time spent…
Rain Spark Seasonal Gallery
Rain Spark Gallery has a new location this year at 310 N. State St. Suite #108 in Lake Oswego. Dates Open: October 24-December 29, 2019. The hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. The gallery is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. This is the ninth year of the…
Blue Sky Ahead: Futures
Blue Sky Ahead: Futures is a new exhibit featuring photography by Ebenezer Galluzzo, Emma Kisiel, Jamila Clarke, Nolan Streitberger, Sam Wrigglesworth and Troi Anderson. Exhibit dates: November 7-December 1, 2019. First Thursday opening reception: November 7, 6-9 p.m. Panel Discussion with Blue Sky Ahead: Futures Artists. moderated by Julia Dolan, Ph.D., the Minor White Curator…
$5 After 5
Every Friday evening, the Portland Art Museum (PAM) invites you to play, to have a different Museum experience—a little bit more relaxed, more interactive and more social experience. Admission is just $5 after 5 p.m. Here’s what PAM has in store: Beer, wine, and food at Art Pub in the Museum Grounds Cafe. Occasional special…
Don’t Shoot Portland Printmaking Workshop
Join social justice nonprofit Don’t Shoot Portland as they combine forces with community members to widen the lens of racial identity. This workshop is an opportunity to become a part of the artistic justice movement by creating posters, screen prints, tote bags and more – all in the name of driving civic engagement. Presented in…
Art Museum Public Tour: Prints in the Galleries
Explore the museum with a docent skilled in bringing art to life. Public tours depart from the Park Avenue entrance.
Art Museum Public Tour: All Things Being Equal…
Explore the Museum with a docent skilled in bringing art to life. Presented in conjunction with the special exhibition, Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal… Public tours depart from the Park Avenue entrance.
Mesmerica
In these fast-paced, and often challenging times, music and art can provide us with relief from stress, and provide us with a sense of peace, tranquility and renewal. Experience the magic of this 360 degree immersive art and music cinema experience in the OMSI Kendall Planetarium. Mesmerica is a visual music journey that brings the…
Art Museum Family Tour: Abundance
Explore the museum with a docent skilled in bringing art to life. Public tours depart from the Park Avenue entrance.
Art Museum Public Tour: Highlights
Explore the Museum with a docent skilled in bringing art to life. Public tours depart from the Park Avenue entrance.
Circulation: Artist Talk and Adult Story Time Performance
Circulation, a month-long pop-up library at Blackfish Gallery explores art, book and forest. Join the artists this evening for a lecture by Geordie Duckler and Adult Story Time, a library performance written by Merridawn Duckler.
Art Museum Public Tour: Slow Looking
Explore the museum with a docent skilled in bringing art to life. Public tours depart from the Park Avenue entrance.
Bridge Tour
Join up for a morning walking tour that’ll go around, across, under and inside the unique and storied spans that shape the lives in Portland. Strolling along the waterfront, this tour will plan to cross several bridges, pausing at the Morrison Bridge to meet the bridge operator and to see the view from the control…
Holiday Wreath Making
Bring the beauty of the forest home this winter by creating a winter wreath. Participants will be introduced to a variety of natural materials that can be used for home decoration during the holiday season. Younger children will also be able to make a cone craft and other small items. All materials and supplies are…
Arts Council of Lake Oswego’s Holiday Marketplace Returns
Join the Arts Council of Lake Oswego for its third annual hand-selected, all-media Holiday Marketplace at its ARTspace Gallery from November 30 – December 28, 2019. Holiday Marketplace showcases work including fine art, wood, ceramics, jewelry, handmade gifts, ornaments, leather goods, textiles and accessories and is located in beautiful downtown Lake Oswego. A staple of…
Flash Day
On the last Saturday of every month, the artists at Icon Tattoo Studio put out their books of designs for clients to choose from. They only work from their books of designs, and they do not make appointments for this event. Flash Day is a super fun and popular event. Since the artists only work…
Art Museum Public Tour: Women In Art
Explore the Museum with a docent skilled in bringing art to life. Public tours depart from the Park Avenue entrance.
Art Museum Public Tour: Native American Art
Explore the Museum with a docent skilled in bringing art to life. Public tours depart from the Park Avenue entrance.
Art at Lan Su: Brian Oaster & Angelita Surmon
See new work by artists Brian Oaster and Angelita Surmon on display in Lan Su Chinese Garden’s pavilions in December 2019. Admission to Lan Su: $12.95 General, $11.95 Seniors, $9.95 Students (under 18 or w/ College ID), free for children under 6 and members.