Henry Pittock, founder of Portland's Oregonian newspaper, built this spectacular mansion in 1914 and lived there until his death in 1919. This stately mansion was created in the style of a French Renaissance chateau and boasts three floors plus an incredible view of the city. The mansion is now a museum and showcases local history through artifacts and exhibits. Guests can tour the mansion and even book space for private functions.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) offers halls dedicated to earth science, life science, computers, chemistry, traveling exhibits and hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, the Empirical Theater, a submarine to tour, a motion simulator ride and a cafe. The museum, through its various games and interactive displays, offers an opportunity to exercise the grey cells and leave with more knowledge and information.
Created in 1892 primarily to promote visual arts, the museum is set up with several large and open viewing rooms. Do not miss the Native American collection, and the artists' works featured in the European collection will also surprise you. Also check out the North Wing's Jubitz Center, which houses modern and contemporary art. In the spring, the museum's Northwest Film Center hosts the annual Jewish Film Festival.
Walk through the grand plaza and step into Oregon's past. Located in Portland's cultural district, The Oregon Historical Society has bountiful collections of historical artifacts, photographs, moving pictures, maps and more. Many exhibits are interactive, and the atmosphere is friendly. The museum is very well-maintained and curated in a way to provide easy navigation, it appears as though you are living history as you navigate your way through the interior. The center's shop is full of Native American jewelry, baskets and pots. The book collection covers all of the Northwest's history for adults and children.
Dating back to 1927, the "Schnitz," as referred to by the locals, is a Portland treasure. Part of Portland'5 Centers for the Arts and home to the Oregon Symphony, it was overhauled in the 1980s and now provides a multitude of amenities. The concert hall seats 2,776 people with an upper and lower balcony for special views. Visit the concession stand for sandwiches, drinks and a selection of beer or wine. Located off the lobby is a gift shop offering a wide selection of Oregon Symphony merchandise that includes recordings.
Great entertainers such as Marvin Gaye, James Brown and the Grateful Dead have performed in this historic ballroom that is now owned by the McMenamin Brothers. Three on-site bars—including a popular nightclub, Ringlers - will satiate your hunger and thirst. It is worth a visit just to behold the local landmark's ornate chandeliers, picturesque windows and a 7500-square -foot (696.7728 square meters) dance floor that floats on ball-bearings.
This gallery has a wide range of art, including painting, etchings, jewelery, photography and more. Oil, pastel, watercolor and even glazes are used to interpret the spirit of the Northwest and beyond. The gallery even features work from local artists. Custom framing is also available.
Located in the midst of charming Northwest Portland, this architecturally fascinating church is a sight to behold. Built in 1905, First Immanuel Lutheran Church's graceful lines, sloping roof, A-frame dormers and steeple all add to its astonishing beauty. Like many other Portland churches, mission outreaches are a high priority and this church is no exception. Its congregation is involved in various community and neighborhood programs. All are welcome to attend services.
Built in 1890, John Palmer House has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1978. Over the years it has changed hands many times. From being the base of the Multnomah Conservatory of Music to a B&B and an event space, this lovely structure still holds its charm.
In a bid to enhance and foster individual growth, the Alton L. Collins Retreat Center was founded. A short drive away from the bustling cacophony of the city, this retreat center is idyllically located in a Pacific Northwestern forest. Surrounded by the soothing confines of nature where cedar, spruce, fir and maple trees make an appearance, this place is conducive to introspection and reflection. Guests at this retreat are aided by experienced professionals, and it is also equipped with a full-service kitchen that provides wholesome meals. Other features include an organic garden, 23 motel-style rooms with private balconies and recreation facilities.
Founded in the year 2011, Mask and Mirror is a one-of-a-kind community theater collective that prides itself on offering its guests a truly unique and immersive theater experience. The topics that the theater group covers is unusual yet fresh and generally leaves an everlasting impression on its viewers. Guests can also attend their play reading sessions if they wish to experience the action in all of its rawness.