Portland Art Museum

I always enjoy spectacles where accumulation by dispossession (or the capitalist engine) steamrolls, uninterrupted, across my face. Requiring a visitor to pay nineteen dollars and ninety-​nine cents to absorb elements of the culture that creates them is one of the best examples of primitive accumulation, an example of enclosing the cultural commons to extract wealth from what belongs to the public. But thank you to the amazing Arts for All program, this remains a conceptual grievance so that I can turn the space of this review to another illustration of the capitalist agenda at work that I found during our visit on the last Saturday of Seeing Nature, an exhibit featuring landscape paintings. My interest in attending this exhibit was not the paintings themselves. Instead I was ecstatic for the opportunity to capture people interacting with these paintings and with the Western imaginary they illustrate. And so, Armed with camera, tripod, and stroller, we approached the institution.
The role that landscape painters played in visioning the West and stimulating migration lingers in the urban landscape embedding this museum. With brands like Timbers and Stumptown, pioneering culture is alive and well in Portland contemporary vernacular. And for the last few months has been consumed and re-​inacted by the publics attending Seeing Nature as well
When I «see nature» I see both resilient majesty and covert enclosure. The natural beauty witnessed on a hike or within these paintings exists prior to yet in relation with state power superimposed through the township/​range/​ownership grid. I cannot «see nature» without seeing people, settlement, ownership, political agenda, state capitalism. Landscape painters were part of a plan to enclose the vast, «unattainable» nature they depict. The federal government sought to expand power in the western frontier through the (mostly white) bodies of European/​American settlers lured west through the Donation Land Claim Act and depicted in landscape paintings such as this: And thus land that once existed communally without property now claimed /“owned” by individuals for the purpose of extracting wealth/​capital for themselves and for empire. Landscape paintings served as propaganda/​advertisement for this settlement/​migration. Today, people’s consumption of landscape paintings re-​enacts the moment in history they were created in and illustrates the continual consumption required by capitalism to function. The «West» is not the end point of a linear trajectory it is a cyclical performance re-​enacted with each plaid jacket, timbers ticket, or untouched razor. We perform «West» and until we can see this we will continue to look at nature without truly «seeing» (ourselves in) it.

Clean, quiet, full of beauty museum. So glad I put this gem on my short trip’s to do list. Lots of Contemporary art, a whole second building devoted to more modern art, it was fabulous. Great place for a date, has a cute coffee shop in gift shop as well. Enjoy the chill adventure!

I feel so lucky to have this museum in Portland where people can have opportunities to enjoy arts.
Very nice and friendly staff, from the entrance to every floor of the building. They take care good of visitors from providing clear and valuable information to politely ask visitors to leave when closing time.
I have a great night here on Friday when they have $ 5/​person for entrance fee.
Precious paintings – fabulous taste of setting up those paintings in certain order.
You wouldn’t leave here in an empty hand when you can have a photograph of yourself with many different themes by a professional photographer for FREE!
Definitely be back for more occasions!!!

We choose to maintain a membership at PAM rather than our hometown museum due to the scope of the collection and the amount of the good stuff that is now on display (years ago I worked very close by, and the amount of the collection that was displayed here was criminally small — PAM has holdings that would make most small and mid-​sized city art institutions weep). The buildings are historic and well-​kept, the special exhibits are always great even if not what I’m interested in, and it’s just generally a wonderful part of a great city. One of the most down to earth institutions on the west coast, from the tone of presentation to the friendly volunteers, it makes me proud to be a fifth generation Portlander (even if I don’t live there anymore).

I still have to get accustomed to no tax when im down in Portland. Parking near the museum is pretty pricey at 10 Dollars. But if you are up for walking a few blocks parking is down in the 4 to 7 dollar range. I found it for 5.
The Price to enter is 19.99 which is a little more than Im used to paying. Well upon entering I can see why. The caliber of the art and paintings and artifacts are above par of any Art Museum that I have ever been to. So many floors I spent hours inside. And could of spent hours more. Plus the Coat check is a nice touch. Make sure to go to the basement level as well.

Thanks again goes out to the Portland Art Museum and Paul G. Allen family collection. Took in 1^st Thursday and was pretty impressed w/​the new exhibits. A Netsuke Menagerie is a showcase of a collections of Netsukes. Seeing Nature: Landscape Masterworks from Paul G. Allen family collection is a vast collections of paintings. Look for Monet’s (5?) and high quality art from this collection. Also moved all the sculptures and put them in the entry room along with covering the walls to the ceilings with paintings. I think they raised the price to $ 20?

You know you are old when you go to a museum on a Friday night and you ask about what discounts they offer. I thought I read that it was free Friday’s after 5pm but it wasn’t. But it was $ 5 dollars after 5pm. I didn’t know that full price was $ 19.99. I think for $ 5 dollars, it was totally worth it but for $ 20, I am not so sure.
They had some stuff from Monet which was cool since I had last seen Monet’s work in a Paris museum. The museum has a few different floors so you can wander about and each area has different types of art. Overall, it is worth a visit if you have time during your Portland vacation but it is not a must-​do thing.

Tiny tinny museum compare to other big cities in the US. The settings for pop-​up arts a bit strange. You can hear another artist performing from different floors while listening to another artists performed example on the third floor you can hear another artist from below.
Paintings on the first floor are too high often can see the details with no details written.
Very strange settings.

This place had a great variety of pieces from different time periods, locations and art styles. I really enjoyed their selections of contemporary art and their «seeing nature» exhibit. It’s sort of pricey but definitely worth going at least once while visiting Portland.

Did you know that the Portland Art Museum was founded in 1892, making it the oldest art museum in the Northwest and the 7^th largest in N. America? Mind blown. Haha. Not really, it’s just some Wikipedia knowledge.
But in all seriousness, I absolutely loved this place. It was just $ 19.99 to enter, and well worth it. This place is massive, scaling a small city block. I was sooooooo fortunate to see a piece of Monet’s Water-​Lily (Las Nympheas) here too! Bucket list checked. And what was even more rewarding is that the PAM doesn’t seem to have super stuffy rules. Besides the obvious «Don’t Touch!» And «No Camera Flash!» Rules, most art pieces aren’t blocked off by a velvet cord. This place allows you to get up close to really enjoy the art! And must I say, it’s such a wide assortment of art as well!
You have pieces ranging from canvas, steel, statement, photography, poly, ancient art pieces, post modern, etc. etc. etc. this could literally take a whole day to truly appreciate and patiently walk through each gallery.
So don’t hesitate to take a break at Coffee grounds like I did, for a pick me up. Espresso and Art mix oh so well!

This museum is one of the oldest art museums in the US, and is in the top 25 for largest. I think a lot of people miss quite a bit of it because the don’t explore. Unless a hall is blocked off, go down it! I love to go here and see what new things I can find. My five-​year-​old adores this museum. She loves the paintings, though some pieces in the photography exhibits overwhelm her a bit. Sometimes I like to go alone, find a dim room, and sit against a wall and just take in what I can see. It’s very relaxing and beautiful.

I’ve been a member for several years now, and I always enjoy the museum. They have a pretty decent variety with their special exhibitions, and the permanent collections are nice as well. I often forget to walk through the underground walkway to access the contemporary gallery. I spent an hour or two the other day exploring that side alone. The latest exhibit they have are the bronze zodiac sculptures by Ai Weiwei, and I highly recommend it. The artwork was beautiful, and the story behind the masks was very interesting. Great not only for the art, but for escaping the heat and wild fire smoke we had this summer! Nice, cool, AC. Ha!

I’ve lived in Portland since 2007 and went to the Museum for the first time this past Saturday.
As a student, I was able to get a year’s pass for a little more than the price of admission. I was caught off guard because the website clearly quotes a different price, but I didn’t want to quibble over a few dollars. I feel frustrated by this lapse in continuity. After my experience I would recommend that no one ever pay full price for entry.
The layout of the museum is not intuitive and although maps are available, we bypassed these to save paper, instead opting to enjoy our exploration. We found there were few signs to encourage and clarify movement from one area to another. Going up staircases often felt like being somewhere off limits, especially because of the orientation of the exhibits.
The written descriptions of both the permanent and special exhibits felt shallow and «safe.» Although I certainly appreciated the individual placards on the pieces describing either technical aspects or subject matter, the longer descriptions providing history and context really did neither.
My beau and I spent many hours in the museum and were there until it closed. We looked around the gift shop, which, although packed to an overwhelming extent with things to look at, was largely a disappointment. A few minutes into our browsing, I realized museum security was herding us and the other people out of the gift shop, as they were standing halfway through the gift shop, just watching us! I felt so embarrassed since I thought the gift shop would naturally stay open a little longer than the museum itself.
I got my partner, who was still deeply browsing their books and oblivious to the guard who had actually moved a few feet closer to him and was just standing there like some art museum weeping angel. I wish they had just told us they were closed! My partner bought a book he’d been looking at, and I practically ran out of the museum.
The only reason I’m not giving fewer stars is because I know I’ll be back, and I didn’t come anywhere close to seeing all of the exhibits. I’m hoping the art museum can come through on the redemption round.

The Portland Art Museum was an unplanned stop during my trip in Portland. I didn’t expect it to be so large, and it’s easy to get lost in the art here for a few hours.
There are several exhibits going on, and I felt like I was lost half the time. It’s always nice to look at the paintings and read the descriptions of what was being conveyed.
My boyfriend loved the museum and wished we could have stayed longer to look at everything.

I have been a member of the museum off and on for years. It is quite a good value, you can come and go as you like. That means that unlike when I pay per visit I don’t feel I have to see it all to get my money’s worth. It’s nice, if I have some time to kill in the downtown area I can pop in and see the latest exhibit, or the impressionists (which I visit for a bit every time) or the amazing Native American collection…
The museum is in two different buildings linked by a tunnel and there are 2 entrances both are in the main museum building. The entrances in the Mark building don’t access the museum but the ball room and entrance is very nice.
The museum has a great space for hosting special exhibits, The exhibits over the years have covered quite a range from fashion to individual artists to regional art. As the only big art museum in town they do suffer from trying to be all things for all people but I always glad I came.
It is a good idea to check the maps until you really learn the layout, I have gone with friends who think they know the museum and surprise them by taking them to the upper floors. The Main building is much taller then it looks from the outside.
My method for touring, especially Mark building is to take the elevator to the top and work my way back down by the stairs.
My plug for membership is that it is 15 dollars per person per visit you can get a membership start at 55 dollars for individuals and 85 dollars for dual memberships, With memberships you also get opportunities for special events, committees etc.
Over the years the powers that be here have done an excellent job of making a good museum. There are no Famous paintings here but there are works by Famous artists.

The Portland Art Museum is a mix of old and new art in two buildings. Whether you like classic landscapes, historical artifacts, impressionist wonder, memorable sculptures, or modern mish-​mash, there is something for everyone. There aren’t a lot of great masterpieces, but the PAM is still worthy of a Day (or evening) at the Museum.
* Open daily 10am — 5pm daily except Mondays
* Open late until 8pm Fridays & Saturdays
* Adult: $ 15; Seniors: $ 12; Children (17-​): Free
* 4^th Friday of every month is free from 5 — 8pm
* 1^st weekend of the month is free for B of A customers
* Closed July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, & Christmas
* Main Building starts with Japanese, Korean, & Chinese art
* The 2^nd floor has American & European art
* Native American art is on floors 2 & 3
* The Mark Building has Contemporary art
* Impressionism art of Paris & New York is there, too
* Photography is allowed except for special exhibits
A few favorites to check out:
* Waterlillies by Claude Monet (1914 – 15)
* Charrette de boeuf (The Ox Cart) by Vincent van Gogh (1884)
* The Seine at Argenteuil by Pierre-​Auguste Renoir (1874)
* Paris: Quai de Bercy — La halle aux vins by Paul Cezanne (1872)
* Pape l’arbre by Dale Chihuly (2001)
* Madonna & Child with St. John by Follower of Agnolo Bronzino (1540 – 1560)
* Still Life with Flowers, Fruits, a Parrot, & a Monkey by Antione Monnoyer (1690 – 99)
* George Washington, Second Quarter by Rembrandt Peale (1850)
* Peanuts by De Scott Evans (1890)
* Macadam Avenue and Ross Island by Cleveland Rockwell (1884)
The Portland Art Museum ranks among the best in the Pacific Northwest and is a must visit for any art lover in Portland. The architecture and presentation won’t rival much more famous museums, but it does offer a few pieces from well-​known masters and a growing Native American collection making it an a-​ok 3-​star Day (or evening) at the Museum for $ 15.

It’s a neat museum. I was here a few weeks ago when I visited Portland with a friend. We had a few hours to kill, so one of his friends recommended the Museum as a great place to see some art and while away a couple of hours. I’m used to Atlanta’s High Museum which I would say is considerably larger, but I still enjoyed the experience. I like art, and I like paintings and sculptures and culture, and I don’t get to view a lot of out-​of-​state museums.
Thankfully, I was able to use my student ID for a discount, so that’s always nice. I had a nice time, though there seemed to be an insane amount of stairs and I was hobbling up them slowly because we’d been walking everywhere. I thought the main exhibit was okay– it was Italian Fashion and Style, with gowns and jewelry, etc. I’m not really much for fashion these days, so I gave it a passing look, and I could admire the beauty of a few pieces. I did really enjoy the Classically Modern: The Portraiture of Věra Prášilova Scott images. I’m a sucker for that kind of vintage look, and I’m amazed at how basically everyone single person is beautiful. We’ve come a far way from that.
There’s also a lot of really awesome Native American art and clothing, as well as a pretty extensive amount of Asian art. Not a lot of statues/​sculptures, from what I saw, though. Those are some of my favorite things to look at in museums: undulating forms and hair, with detailed shoes and dimples. Out of frickin’ stone.
All in all, it was a fun place to spend a few hours, soaking up some culture after we’d spent the majority of the weekend soaking up booze and food.

Portland Art Museum is pretty decent for a city the size of Portland.
They have some permanent pieces from Europe, China/​Japan, and NW as well as rotating special exhibits.
It’s actually located in 2 separate buildings attached through an underground floor.
It’s worth a visit if you are visiting Portland or if you live here if you are interested in any of their special exhibits that rotate a few times a year.

Sadly, I haven’t been to the Portland Art Museum for period longer than I’m comfortable with. My family visited the museum often throughout my growing-​up years because of the Native American art collection there (my dad was an Oregon history buff). For quite awhile in adulthood, I had a membership to the museum and found that to be a real super entertainment value. The special exhibitions I’ve seen there have been spectacular (The Impressionists, Dale Chihuly, and King Tut amongst many others). However, time flies, I got busy, and I just plain forgot to do some things that are of great value to me.
Last Sunday morning, I walked up through the Park Blocks and was really amazed and awed by the building-​size «poster» for the new Italian Design Exhibit. It made me very sad to think how I would have been one of the first in the door in other years to see that. I think I’m going to stay late downtown after work Friday night and take a look at this Exhibit and perhaps stay for a snack at the Behind the Museum Café. I’ll let you know what I think in an update, but I’m sure it’s well worth the time as suggested by some of the other reviews here.
So, Portland Art Museum, I’m excited to be coming back into the fold after too long a time. I hope you will forgive me and believe my promise it won’t be so long this time between visits.

Spectacular new exhibit at the museum is the Italian Style. World famous designers, see up close their mind-​blowing (current fashion) evening gowns and dresses are impressive — provocative, wispy, exquisite, gaudy, sleek, radiant, — ready for a Royal red carpet — or Hollywood gala — designers Armani, Valentino, Garavani, Marras, Capucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Gucci, etc. — none of these designer fashions in our wardrobe! I had some Armani sunglasses once.
Also, see (1945 – 80’s) evening gown, women/​men suits exhibit. Fashion designs helped Italy to re-​tool textile factories post World War II. Sophistication, elegance and style — timeless! You can see the care, love and creativity of the dress by its designer. Functional (or not), colorful, playful and kooky fashions too. I like it! Marvelous! Must see! Bravo!
No pictures allowed! Rats! Come check it out. A membership is the best deal so you can come back as much as you want – impossible to see whole museum in a day anyway. Plan 1 – 2 hours to see Italian Style exhibit. Entrance is $ 15 adult, single member $ 55 per year! Family plans too. You go 4 times, you break even. We go 10, 20 … 25 times a year. We go a lot. Always a lot of events, talks, tours, new exhibits, parties, etc. going on at the museum for members!