The Portland Art Museum, one of the oldest art museums in the United States, has unveiled an ambitious renovation that transforms the visitor experience while honoring its historic architecture. The $50 million expansion and renovation project, completed in phases over recent years, includes the striking new Rothko Pavilion and significant updates to the museum's existing galleries. The renovation adds approximately 30,000 square feet of gallery space, creating room for both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions. The redesigned spaces feature improved lighting, climate control, and accessibility features that allow visitors to experience art in optimal conditions while making the museum more welcoming to all community members.

One of the most exciting additions is the museum's enhanced focus on contemporary art and regional artists. The renovated galleries now showcase a more diverse range of voices, including significantly expanded representation of Native American art, Asian art, and works by Pacific Northwest artists. The museum has also created dedicated spaces for multimedia and digital art installations, reflecting the evolving nature of contemporary artistic expression. New education spaces and studios provide opportunities for hands-on workshops, artist talks, and community programming that make art more accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

The architectural updates themselves are worth the visit. The renovation preserves the museum's original 1932 building while seamlessly integrating modern design elements. Floor-to-ceiling windows in new gallery spaces offer stunning views of the South Park Blocks, creating a connection between the art inside and Portland's urban landscape. The redesigned main entrance and lobby create a more inviting arrival experience, while improved wayfinding helps visitors navigate the museum's expanded footprint. Comfortable seating areas throughout the galleries encourage visitors to slow down and spend time with individual works, transforming the museum visit from a rushed tour into a contemplative experience.

Check out the four days of free admission, activities, and events as the museum celebrates the grand re-opening! November 20th-23rd. Click here to reserve a ticket!

Art lovers will be thrilled to know that outside of these special free days, the Portland Art Museum offers multiple opportunities to visit for free. The museum provides free admission for all visitors on the first Thursday of every month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, as part of Portland's popular First Thursday art walk. Additionally, visitors 17 years old and younger always receive free general admission. The museum also offers free admission to all Oregon and Southwest Washington public school teachers with valid ID, recognizing the important role educators play in fostering arts appreciation. These free admission opportunities make it possible for everyone in our community to experience the renovated galleries and world-class collections.

Whether you're a longtime museum member or haven't visited in years, now is the perfect time to experience the transformed Portland Art Museum. The combination of expanded gallery space, enhanced collections, improved accessibility, and regular free admission days makes the museum more welcoming and relevant than ever. As someone who regularly explores our city's cultural offerings with clients, I can confidently say this renovation represents a major enhancement to Portland's already vibrant arts scene. Plan your visit during one of the free admission times and discover why this historic institution continues to be one of Portland's cultural treasures.