Often referred to as the “City of Roses,” Portland Oregon is a diverse, active and environmentally friendly city. Portland offers an active nightlife, diverse cultural attractions, beautiful gardens and a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Downtown Portland lies next to the Willamette River and offers many different activities.
Established in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest museums in the United States. It houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. Containing over 42,000 objects, the museum houses an extensive permanent collection as well as special exhibitions.
The museum also features the Northwest Film Center and the Gilkey Center for the Graphic Arts. It is open Tuesdays through Sundays.
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Ave.
Portland, OR 97205
503-226-2811
portlandartmuseum.org
The Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park covers more than one mile along the Willamette River at the edge of downtown Portland. The park features walking and biking paths as well as a boat dock. The Salmon Street Fountain operates during the summer and provides an enjoyable spot for cooling down.
Many special events occur at Waterfront Park including the Cinco de Mayo Festival, the Rose Festival and the Oregon Brewers Festival. Concerts are also held in the park throughout the year.
Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park
1020 SW Naito Pkwy.
Portland, OR 97204
503-224-4400
portlandonline.com
The largest independent bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books covers a whole city block on the north side of downtown and contains more than 1 million books. The bookstore provides maps with color-coded rooms to help customers browse easily. The store offers special exhibits and regularly scheduled author readings and visits. If you need to take a break, stop at the coffee shop located inside.
Powell’s City of Books
1005 W. Burnside St.
Portland, OR 97209
503-228-4651
powells.com
Located in the center of downtown, the Portland Center for the Performing Arts hosts artistic events such as ballet, opera, theater, the symphony and lectures. The center consists of three separate buildings: the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall, Antoinette Hatfield Hall and Keller Auditorium. The center is home to the Portland Opera, Oregon Symphony Orchestra, Oregon Ballet Theatre, Portland Youth Philharmonic and Oregon Children’s Theatre.
Portland Center for the Performing Arts
1111 SW Broadway
Portland OR 97205
503-248-4335
ppca.com
