Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum (PAM), established in 1892, is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and the seventh oldest in the United States. Located in downtown Portland, Oregon, it serves as a vital cultural hub.

The museum offers a diverse array of art collections and exhibitions that span various periods and cultures.

Collection Highlights

PAM's extensive collection comprises over 50,000 objects. This includes notable holdings of Pacific Northwest art, Native Northwest Coast, Plateau, and Western Oregon art.

It also features post-WWII American photography and more than 25,000 prints, drawings, posters, and books spanning 500 years. The museum is internationally recognized for special exhibitions and its encyclopedic collection.

Campus Expansion

In late 2025, PAM will unveil its expanded campus, featuring the new Mark Rothko Pavilion. This open-air passageway will connect the museum's east and west wings, enhancing visitor experience and revitalizing downtown Portland.

The renovation aims to create a dynamic destination showcasing art from Oregon, the Pacific Northwest, and worldwide.

Accessibility and Community Engagement

PAM is committed to accessibility and offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month from 10 am to 7 pm. This effort makes art accessible to a broader audience.

The museum provides various access tools to ensure that everyone can engage with its offerings.

Campus Facilities and Visitors

The museum's campus includes landmark buildings such as:

• Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art
• Gilkey Center for Graphic Arts
• Northwest Film Center

It serves more than 350,000 visitors annually and has a membership of over 23,000 households. PAM is a premier venue for education in the visual arts.

Diversity Initiatives

PAM is dedicated to diversity with plans to open a new gallery dedicated to Black art as part of its expanded downtown campus. This initiative is supported by a five-year grant from the 1803 Fund.

The fund is a nonprofit created by Nike co-founder Phil Knight and his wife Penny in 2020. The gallery is part of broader efforts to diversify the collection and elevate historically underrepresented artists.

Summary

The Portland Art Museum offers a rich and diverse array of art collections and exhibitions. It reflects a strong commitment to accessibility, community engagement, and diversity.

Its ongoing expansion and dedication to showcasing a wide range of artists and cultures make it an essential cultural institution in the Pacific Northwest.

Location

• Portland, OR, USA - home to Portland Art Museum's campus and cultural activities.