The Portland Art Museum is a world-class art museum in Portland, Oregon. Located in the heart of downtown Portland, it is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and one of the top 25 art museums in the United States. The museum is home to an extensive permanent collection of more than 42,000 works of art from around the world, spanning thousands of years of cultural history.
The Portland Art Museum was founded in 1892 by the Portland Art Association, a group of local art enthusiasts who wanted to bring art to the city. The museum’s first building opened in 1906 and was designed by the renowned architect, A.E. Doyle. The museum has since moved to its current location, occupying two buildings on the South Park Blocks. The museum’s main building, the Mark Building, houses the majority of the permanent collection, including art from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Impressionist periods, as well as modern and contemporary art. The second building, the Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, features more contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries.
The museum’s permanent collection includes works by some of the world’s most renowned artists, such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso. The collection also features pieces from local and regional artists, including those from the Pacific Northwest. The museum holds special exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing works from its own collection as well as those from other institutions and private collections. It also hosts lectures, workshops, and other educational events.
The Portland Art Museum also houses a library and research center, which is open to the public and contains more than 350,000 books, periodicals, photographs, and archives. The library is an invaluable resource for art historians, students, and researchers. It is also home to the museum’s Conservation Center, which is responsible for preserving and restoring works of art in the museum’s collection.
The Portland Art Museum is a vibrant and dynamic institution that has something for everyone. It is a place to explore the history of art, discover new works, and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. The museum provides an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for something to do on a rainy day, the Portland Art Museum is sure to provide an enriching and memorable experience.