The Portland Art Museum celebrated the grand opening of its massive $111 million expansion project on Thursday afternoon, welcoming hundreds of visitors to explore the new Mark Rothko Pavilion. The ambitious renovation, nearly a decade in the making, successfully connects two historic masonry buildings that were previously separated by a courtyard through an innovative glass structure.
The Mark Rothko Pavilion serves as the architectural bridge between the museum's 1932 original complex designed by Pietro Belluschi and the Mark Building, a former Masonic Temple constructed in 1927. Philip Hamp, principal at Vinci Hamp Architects, one of the two firms involved in the project, described it as "a project of a lifetime." He expressed particular pride in the glass connection and how it unifies both buildings, despite significant structural challenges.
The renovation presented complex engineering obstacles, as many floors of the original buildings were misaligned by as much as a foot and a half. Despite these challenges, the architects successfully created a seamless connection that adds 100,000 square feet of new museum space. The expansion includes new galleries with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic city views, outdoor terraces, updated facilities, and modern amenities.
The pavilion honors Mark Rothko, the renowned abstract expressionist painter who immigrated to America as a child from Dvinsk, then part of Russia. Rothko was raised in Portland, attending Lincoln High School before moving to New York to pursue his artistic career. He became a founding figure of the abstract expressionist movement and one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Visitors praised the transformation's impact on the museum experience. "It's very well done, nice and light. Which is good because I think the old museum was lovely too but there were dark corners," said museum visitor Wendy Brown. "So far what we've seen is very open and very light, more like what I think Portland is." Another visitor, Lily Doebler, appreciated the connection to the city, saying, "I just love that you can see the city from inside and it feel like you're in Portland when you're in here."
Brian Ferriso, the museum's director, emphasized how the connection has enhanced accessibility and visibility. "We've always had a beautiful active museum, but our buildings, you don't really see into them, or you can't see out of them, but this allows that to happen," Ferriso explained. After nearly 20 years leading the institution through this transformative expansion, Ferriso will conclude his tenure to become the new Eugene McDermott Director at the Dallas Museum of Art on December 1.
The four-story addition features impressive architectural elements including a floating walkway that spans between buildings, multiple gallery spaces designed to showcase various art collections, modern locker room facilities, an expanded gift shop, and two outdoor terraces that provide visitors with spaces to rest while enjoying city views. The comprehensive renovation creates a more cohesive museum experience while preserving the historic character of both original buildings.
The project's funding demonstrates strong community support, with 98% of the $111 million coming from private donations contributed by over 1,200 individual donors. This substantial investment reflects the community's commitment to enhancing Portland's cultural landscape and ensuring the museum's continued role as a premier art destination in the Pacific Northwest.
