The museum holds an extensive collection of over 2,500 Native American objects, including works from the Northwest Coast and Plateau cultures.
It is the only museum in the Pacific Northwest to have a designated center for regional art, the Center for Northwest Art.
The Mark Building, part of the museum campus, was formerly the Portland Masonic Temple, built in 1924.
The museum's collection contains rare Japanese prints and a notable assortment of Gandhara sculptures.
The institution was founded in 1892, establishing it as the oldest art museum on the West Coast.
The collection of Native American art includes works dating back thousands of years alongside contemporary pieces.
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum on the Pacific Coast and the seventh oldest in the United States. It occupies a multi-building campus spanning an entire city block in downtown Portland. The permanent collection features over 42,000 objects, including significant holdings of Native American, Asian, and American art. The museum houses the Center for Northwest Art, which highlights regional creators. Its holdings include a massive collection of prints, drawings, and photographs. The museum frequently hosts international traveling exhibitions alongside its historical collection. The campus connects two distinct buildings, the Main Building and the Mark Building, via an underground tunnel. It serves as a regional repository for the cultural history of the Pacific Northwest.
The Grand Staircase in the Main Building foyer.
Use the underground tunnel to easily transit between the Main Building and the Mark Building without exiting to the street.
Check the museum website for rotating special exhibitions, as these can occupy entire galleries and change seasonally.
Look for the museum's rotating spotlight exhibits that highlight pieces from the permanent collection not usually on view.
Trying to see every single gallery in one visit; the collection is extensive, so focus on specific collections or current temporary exhibits.
Generally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Refrain from touching artwork, using flash photography, or bringing large bags and backpacks into the galleries.
