Portland Art Museum

The Portland Art Museum has nine permanent collections along with a regular rotation of visiting works and exhibits. Permanent collections can be divided into American, European, and Asian art, as well as contemporary and modern art, Native American art, and Northwest art. The museum also has photography, graphic arts, and silver collections. Due to its central location in downtown Portland, it’s a popular stop on Portland city tours.

• Visitors are required to check backpacks and umbrellas.

• Photography is allowed in the permanent-collection galleries but prohibited in special exhibitions.

• The entire museum is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users can use either entrance.

• The Portland Art Museum is closed on Mondays.

The Portland Art Museum's red brick main building is located on SW Park Avenue, between Madison and Jefferson Streets in downtown Portland, nine blocks west of the Willamette River. The nearest MAX light-rail stop is the Library/SW 9th stop, five blocks away, and many Tri-Met buses stop nearby. Note that downtown street parking is limited; skip the hassle of driving by taking public transit or booking a tour that includes transportation.

Although Portland is best visited in the summer, this indoor attraction is popular throughout the year and offers a selection of visiting exhibits, special programs, and family-friendly programs year-round. Admission is free from 5pm to 8pm on the first Thursday of every month.

Since 2010, the Portland Art Museum has been running a project called Object Stories, a changing collection of storytelling-driven exhibits that highlight issues relevant to the local community. Past topics have ranged from social justice and activism to living with disabilities. Exhibits are rotated every three to four months.

Yes, backpacks are allowed in the Portland Art Museum, but only if they are smaller than 11 x 17 x 6 inches (28 x 43 x 15 centimeters). If you bring a small backpack, note that you must wear it on your side or front, not your back.

Yes, the Portland Art Museum is accessible. There’s a wheelchair-friendly entrance just off 10th Avenue through the outdoor sculpture courtyard, and doors can be opened using a lift button. All the galleries can be accessed via elevator, and all restrooms have wheelchair-accessible stalls.

The best day to visit the Portland Art Museum is Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday when it's at its least crowded. Afternoons are generally the least busy times to visit, especially if you come after 2pm, when any scheduled school groups will have left for the day.

Yes, the Portland Art Museum is worth it. This spacious museum is full of things to see and do, with permanent and temporary exhibits spread over six floors. Highlights include a massive collection of Native American Art from across North America and an auditorium where independent films are frequently screened.

You will need at least an hour to visit the Portland Art Museum, but you won’t be able to see everything in such a short amount of time. Ideally, give yourself two to three hours to take everything in at a comfortable and relaxed pace.

Yes, you can bring food into the Portland Art Museum, but you must ensure it remains securely in your bag during your visit. You aren't allowed to consume food or drinks inside the museum, except in the outdoor courtyard or the on-site café.