Museum Facts

Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the United States and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest.

The Museum’s collection of 42,000 objects reflects the history of art from ancient times to today. The collection is distinguished for its holdings of arts of the native peoples of North America; modern and contemporary art; Asian and American art; photographs, prints, and drawings; and English silver.

With more than 112,000 square feet of gallery space, the Museum ranks in the top 25 museums in the country with the most gallery and exhibition space.

An active collecting institution, the Museum dedicates 90 percent of its gallery space to its permanent collection. In addition to its permanent collection, the Museum is recognized for its special exhibitions and intimate exhibition series, including the APEX program, a contemporary art series, and presentations in the Gilkey Center galleries.

The Northwest Film Center, established in 1978, is a regional media arts organization founded to encourage the study and appreciation of the moving image arts. The Center provides a variety of film and video exhibitions, as well as education and information programs.

About the Museum Campus

The Museum’s 2.5-block campus, the cornerstone of Portland’s cultural district, includes the modernist-style Belluschi Building, the historic Mark Building, and an outdoor sculpture court. A subterranean gallery connects the two buildings.

The Belluschi Building was completed in the 1930s, then expanded and renovated in 1969 and 2000. The Mark Building was originally a Masonic temple built in 1925. The renovation of this building was completed in 2005. The Mark Building now contains curatorial and executive offices, the Crumpacker Family Library, holding 33,000 volumes, event rental space – including two ballrooms and a theater – and the Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art.

About the Museum’s Members and Visitors

Annual membership consists of 23,000 member households, representing more than 96,000 individuals. More than 350,000 visitors are welcomed annually, including more than 50,000 schoolchildren.

About the Museum’s Operations

• The Museum’s annual operating budget is approximately $14 million.
• Approximately 150 full-time staff members and 300 volunteers work in the Museum.
• The galleries are open five days a week (Wednesday through Sunday).