Portland Art Museum

Situated in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, the Portland Art Museum (PAM) stands as a beacon of artistic and cultural heritage. Established in 1892, PAM is one of the oldest art museums on the West Coast and is renowned for its vast and diverse collection, which spans over 42,000 works of art. With its impressive 112,000 square feet of gallery space, the museum offers a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.

The Founding and Early History

The Portland Art Museum was born from the vision of seven business and cultural leaders who sought to create a cultural institution for the burgeoning city of Portland. Henry Corbett's generous donation of $10,000 funded the museum's initial collection, consisting of one hundred plaster casts of Greek and Roman sculptures. These pieces were carefully selected by Winslow B. Ayer and his wife during a trip to Europe, with guidance from curators at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Initially housed in the Multnomah County Library, the museum soon outgrew this space and moved to its own building at SW 5th and Taylor in 1905. The new location debuted with an exhibition of watercolors and paintings from the Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition. The museum's first original piece of art, Afternoon Sky, Harney Desert by American impressionist Childe Hassam, was acquired in 1908, marking the beginning of its permanent collection.

Expansion and Growth

The Portland Art Museum continued to expand throughout the early 20th century. In 1913, it hosted an exhibition featuring works from the famous 1913 New York Armory Show, introducing American audiences to modern art. The exhibition included pieces by Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, Manet, Renoir, and Marcel Duchamp’s controversial Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2.

In 1932, the museum relocated to its current location at the corner of SW Park Avenue and Jefferson Street. Designed by architect Pietro Belluschi, the building's modernist design emphasized the artwork within rather than the structure itself. The museum's growth continued with the addition of the Hirsch Wing in 1939, doubling its gallery space.

Post-War Developments

The Portland Art Museum celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1942, albeit subdued due to World War II. The following decade saw record-setting exhibitions, including a 1956 exhibition of paintings from Walter Chrysler's collection and a 1959 Vincent van Gogh exhibition. The proceeds from the latter were used to purchase Claude Monet's Water Lilies.

In the 1960s, the museum underwent a major renovation with the construction of the Hoffman Memorial Wing, designed once again by Pietro Belluschi. This expansion created additional gallery space, classrooms, studios, and an auditorium, allowing the museum to realize Belluschi's complete vision.

The Modern Era

The 1990s and early 2000s marked significant growth for the Portland Art Museum. The acquisition of the neighboring Masonic Temple in 1992 led to the creation of the Mark Building, housing the Jubitz Center for Modern and Contemporary Art, the Crumpacker Family Library, and various meeting spaces. A major renovation in 2000 added over 50,000 square feet of new gallery space, including the Grand Ronde Center for Native American Art and the Arlene and Harold Schnitzer Center for Northwest Art.

Recent years have seen the museum continue to expand its collection and facilities. In 2016, PAM announced the construction of the Rothko Pavilion, a glass-walled expansion uniting its two existing buildings. This addition was made possible through a partnership with Mark Rothko’s children, who agreed to provide loans of major Rothko paintings from their private collection over the next two decades.

Exploring the Collections

The Portland Art Museum's permanent collection is a treasure trove of artistic masterpieces. Visitors can explore a wide range of artworks, including Castel Gandolfo by George Inness and Mount Hood by Albert Bierstadt from the American Art Collection. The Asian Art Collection features the Edo-period screen Arrival of the Westerners by the Kano School, while the Modern and Contemporary Art Collection boasts works such as Paul Cézanne's Paris: Quai de Bercy — La Halle aux Vins and Claude Monet's Water Lilies.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to see. The Northwest Film Center, a component of the museum, offers a wide range of film festivals, classes, and outreach programs focused on the moving image arts.

A Cultural Landmark

The Portland Art Museum is not just a repository of art; it is a cultural landmark that reflects the rich artistic heritage of the Pacific Northwest. Its commitment to preserving and showcasing diverse artistic expressions makes it a must-visit destination for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a local or a visitor to Portland, a trip to the Portland Art Museum promises an enriching and inspiring experience.