Portland Art Museum 🎨 | Walking Tour of Portland in a Day

Audio Guide Portland | Walking Tour of Portland in a Day

Portland Art Museum 🎨

Welcome to the Portland Art Museum—the oldest art museum on the West Coast and one of the city's premier cultural institutions. With a diverse collection ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the museum offers visitors a chance to explore a world of art and creativity across time and cultures. From special exhibitions to an impressive permanent collection, there’s always something new and inspiring to experience at the Portland Art Museum.

(1) 📍 Google Maps Link:

Portland Art Museum on Google Maps

(2) 🚇 Nearest Subway Station:

The Pioneer Courthouse Square MAX Station (served by the Blue and Red lines) is the closest light rail stop, just a 5-minute walk from the museum. You can also take the Portland Streetcar to the SW 10th & Jefferson stop, which is about a block away from the museum entrance.

(3) 🍽️ Good Places to Eat Nearby:

The Portland Art Museum is located in downtown Portland, close to a variety of excellent dining options. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a more leisurely meal, here are some nearby favorites:

• 🥪 Southpark Seafood: Just a short walk from the museum, this restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes, including oysters and sustainable seafood options. Their menu is perfect for lunch or dinner after a day of art appreciation.
• 🍕 Grassa: A casual spot for delicious handmade pasta dishes and Italian-inspired fare. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something quick and satisfying before or after your museum visit.
• 🍛 Tasty n Alder: Known for its creative brunch and dinner menus, this trendy spot offers everything from Korean fried chicken to steak frites. It’s a popular local favorite, so reservations are recommended.

For coffee:

• ☕️ Stumptown Coffee Roasters (SW 3rd Ave): Just a short walk away, this local favorite is perfect for grabbing a cup of Portland’s famous coffee.
• ☕️ Case Study Coffee: This cozy café is nearby and offers excellent espresso drinks and pastries, ideal for a quick coffee stop before heading into the museum.

For drinks:

• 🍸 The Multnomah Whiskey Library: If you’re in the mood for a sophisticated cocktail or a whiskey flight, this stunning bar offers a cozy, library-like atmosphere and an impressive selection of spirits. It’s just a few blocks from the museum.
• 🍺 The Independent Sports Bar & Grill: A more casual option, offering a wide selection of local beers and pub-style food. Great for grabbing a drink after your museum visit.

(4) 📸 Best Photo Spots:

The Portland Art Museum is not only full of captivating art but also offers some great photo opportunities. Here are a few spots worth capturing:

• The Sculpture Garden: Just outside the museum, the Sculpture Garden features a number of modern sculptures set against the beautiful downtown backdrop. It’s a great spot to take photos, especially in the afternoon light.
• Main Entrance Staircase: The grand entrance of the museum, with its elegant steps and columns, makes for a classic photo opportunity. Snap a shot of yourself before heading inside!
• Inside the Exhibit Halls: Many of the museum’s galleries feature stunning, large-scale art pieces and well-lit spaces that are perfect for capturing photos (but remember to check if photography is allowed in specific exhibits).
• The Native American Art Collection: The collection is beautifully displayed and offers a chance to photograph intricately designed artifacts and cultural items in a thoughtfully presented space.

(5) ⏰ Opening Times:

• Wednesday through Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Admission prices:

• Adults: $25
• Seniors (62+): $22
• Students (18+ with ID): $22
• Youth (17 and under): Free

Free admission is offered on the first Thursday of every month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It’s a great way to experience the museum on a budget!

(6) 💡 Insider Tips:

• Check for special exhibits. The museum frequently hosts traveling exhibitions that feature world-renowned artists, so be sure to check the current exhibitions before your visit. Some of these exhibits may require an additional ticket, but they’re often well worth it.
• Plan for two hours (or more). While you can breeze through the museum in an hour or so, you’ll want to set aside at least two hours to fully explore the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions at a relaxed pace.
• Explore the Museum Store. Don’t miss the museum’s gift shop, which offers a curated selection of art books, prints, unique gifts, and local artisan goods. It’s a great spot to find a special souvenir or gift.
• Parking: The museum doesn't have its own parking lot, but there are several public parking garages nearby, such as the SmartPark Garage on SW 10th and Yamhill. Alternatively, the museum is within walking distance from many downtown hotels and public transit stops.

(7) 🌟 Hidden Gem:

One of the lesser-known treasures of the museum is the Asian Art Collection on the upper floors. It’s often quieter than other parts of the museum, and the collection includes stunning pieces from across Asia, including ancient Chinese bronzes, Japanese woodblock prints, and intricate Buddhist sculptures. It’s a peaceful and contemplative space that many visitors overlook.

(8) 🚻 Public Bathrooms Nearby:

The museum has clean, well-maintained restrooms located on each floor. They are easy to find and accessible. If you're outside the museum, there are also public restrooms available in nearby parks like Director Park and Terry Schrunk Plaza.