Portland Museum Restoration Breathes Life Back into Local Art Scene

The New York Times reports: This November, the Portland Art Museum will be unveiling a newly renovated and expanded building, a project that cost $116 million.

The museum’s permanent collection has over 50,000 works, and the expansion will give the museum’s curators the opportunity to showcase more of the unique artwork native to the Portland area and beyond.

Starting November 20th, the following exhibits will be on display:

• The Art of Mark Rothko: This exhibit explores eight key artworks tracing Rothko’s evolution from early figurative pieces to his signature abstract color fields that evoke deep emotional and psychological responses.
• Pipilotti Rist: 4th Floor to Mildness: Step into a dreamlike environment of color, sound, and underwater imagery that invites viewers to experience a sense of weightless connection with themselves, each other, and the natural world.
• Rick Bartow: Storyteller: This exhibition celebrates Rick Bartow’s dynamic legacy as a Native American and Northwest artist, showcasing his expressive paintings, sculptures, and music that explore identity, memory, humor, and transformation through deeply personal and cultural narratives.

 

Art plays an essential role in shaping Portland’s identity, serving as both a reflection of the city’s creative spirit and a driving force behind its sense of community. 

 

From the vibrant street murals that color the Alberta Arts District to the galleries of the Pearl District and, of course, the exhibits housed within the Portland Art Museum, art speaks to the city’s soul, reflecting its diversity, resilience, and an ever-evolving sense of identity. 

 

Local artists use their work to address social issues, celebrate cultural diversity, and foster dialogue among residents. 

 

Public art programs and community events like First Thursday and Portland Open Studios ensure that creativity remains accessible to everyone, turning neighborhoods into living galleries and reinforcing Portland’s reputation as a city where art isn’t just appreciated—it’s lived.

 

From myself, Bradley Boland, President of O’Neill Transfer and Storage, and on behalf of everyone on our team, we wish the Portland Museum all the best in this new chapter in their history and we’re excited to join the broader community in visiting the new and improved Museum.

Read the full article with a New York Times subscription here.