Gardens to Galleries: Portland’s Cultural Icons
Portland is rich with culturally diverse attractions for meetings, conventions and events. From the renowned Portland Japanese Garden to the new Black Art and Experiences Gallery at the Portland Art Museum, meeting planners can tap into a wide array of programs to add depth and character to any agenda.
Portland Art Museum: Black Art and Native American Exhibits
The transformation is complete, and Portland Art Museum (PAM) is now home to one of the most significant Black art spaces in the country. With the opening of the Black Art and Experiences Gallery, event groups can discover local and international Black artists through exhibitions, performances and experiences. The gallery was made possible by a generous multi-year grant from the 1803 Fund, a nonprofit committed to rebuilding and strengthening the historically Black community in North and Northeast Portland.
Visitors exploring downtown can see installations through the glass facade of the new Rothko Pavilion. This added visibility helps integrate culture into daily city life, expanding the reach of Black art. The Rothko Pavilion is the centerpiece of a $111 million campus transformation project at PAM. It bridges existing structures, providing a welcoming new entrance. Designed for accessibility and inclusivity, visitors enjoy wide sidewalks, mobility ramps and gender-neutral bathrooms.
Beyond large-scale renovations, PAM is also reimagining existing collections. The Native American art exhibit began in 1918 and has expanded to 3,500 ancient and contemporary objects from Indigenous groups across the Americas. Encompassing sculpture, photography, basketry and fashion, the collection showcases the rich diversity of art in Native American culture.
Portland Japanese Garden
There’s no place that enchants visitors more than the Portland Japanese Garden. Set on 12 acres easily accessible from downtown, the garden was built in 1963 as a tribute to the cultural ties between Oregon and Japan. Now an internationally renowned institution, it boasts eight unique historical gardens, a glass-walled tea house, peaceful walkways and endless ways to experience the botanical and artistic traditions of Japan. The Jordan Schnitzer Japanese Arts Learning Center, located in the newly built Cultural Village, features workshops, lectures, exhibits and demonstrations. Learn the art of bonsai from a master or take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Guided tours are available, or visitors can simply wander through the garden immersed in the harmony of nature.
Milagro Theatre
Authentic, vibrant and provocative, Milagro Theatre is a Latinx experience not to be missed. As the city’s leading Latin American arts and culture center, Milagro has enriched communities with theatre, arts education and outreach since 1985. On the MainStage, groups can enjoy a full season of bilingual productions, an annual Spanish-language play and the signature production of the Día de los Muertos Festival, now in its 30th year. Beyond the stage, there are craft workshops, community bike rides and Tertulia: Art + Conversation — a free event series featuring emerging and established Latinx artists. Through the lens of Latinidad, Milagro creates one-of-a-kind events.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Culture blooms at Lan Su Chinese Garden, as 2025 marks 25 years in the heart of Portland’s historic Chinatown. More than just a beautiful botanical garden, Lan Su is an inspiring experience built on a 2,000-year-old Chinese tradition that brings art, architecture and nature together in harmony. Meeting planners can design events around more than 500 cultural and botanical programs each year, including the iconic Lunar New Year celebration, when dazzling lanterns light up the night. Trained docents lead guided tours through the garden’s history, symbols and curated plant collections. At Lan Su, a world of authentic Chinese culture awaits.
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