19 Must-See Portland Art Galleries to Explore in 2024
With a bustling atmosphere, plenty of inspirational spaces and dozens of Portland art galleries, Portland, Oregon is one of the best cities for artists to create, promote and sell their work.
Even if you’re not an artist yourself, Portland art galleries have a lot to offer in terms of enrichment, entertainment and social connection.
Whether you live in the city or you’re just visiting for a weekend, you may wonder, where can I see art in Portland, Oregon? Or what famous paintings are in Portland, Oregon?
If you’re hoping to enjoy the best sculptures, paintings, prints, photography and contemporary artwork or inspiration for your own art ideas, you have to check out these 19 amazing Portland art galleries.
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- Best Portland Art Galleries for Emerging Artists
- Largest Portland Art Galleries
- Small Portland Art Galleries
- Most Unique Portland Art Galleries
Best Portland Art Galleries for Emerging Artists
1. Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art
An extension of Portland State University, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art hosts artworks made by university students, staff and faculty. The museum itself is a modest two-story gallery with all types of artwork, including paintings, sculpture and contemporary performance art.
This popular Portland art gallery is open to the public on Wednesdays through Sundays, and admission is free. Be forewarned: seeing the amazing artwork created by all these incredible students will make you want to join art classes in Portland, painting classes in Portland or pottery classes in Portland!
2. AFRU Gallery
If you’re looking for art galleries that focus almost entirely on emerging local artists, AFRU Gallery is the place to be – the gallery name itself stands for “Art Freaks R US.”
This Portland art gallery intentionally showcases artists who may have struggled to get their works accepted at mainstream galleries. In addition to adult artists, AFRU Gallery also hosts young artists' exhibitions, where creators under the age of 18 can display their best works to the world.
While people of all ages can benefit from making and appreciating art, it is especially important for young developing minds. According to Pennsylvania State University, art helps children and teens develop cognitive, sensory, social and emotional skills.
By supporting Portland art galleries like AFRU Gallery, you’re playing an important role in encouraging future generations to make great art!
3. PDX Contemporary Art
PDX Contemporary Art is one of the best art galleries in Portland, Oregon for budding contemporary talent. The Portland art gallery aims to showcase art that is both visually and intellectually stimulating, inviting patrons to slow down from their busy lives and enjoy a moment of creative inspiration.
Opened in 1996, PDX Contemporary Art features a wide range of art mediums, from sculptures to paintings and large exhibits, all collected from local and international artists. PDX contemporary art is open on Tuesdays through Saturdays.
4. Blue Sky Gallery
If you’re on the hunt for Portland art galleries that feature excellent photography, Blue Sky Gallery will bring you plenty of thought-provoking shots.
One of the best Portland art galleries Pearl District has to offer, Blue Sky Gallery features local, national and international photographers, many of whom are fresh to the scene.
This 3,700-square-foot gallery is a great place to pick up on local talent that may one day go viral. Be sure to pop by on Wednesdays through Saturdays to take a peek at their current exhibit.
Largest Portland Art Galleries
5. Elizabeth Leach Gallery
The Elizabeth Leach Gallery is one of the biggest and best art galleries Portland, Oregon has to offer. One of many famous Portland art galleries in Pearl District, the Elizabeth Leach Gallery mostly features upcoming Northwestern artists, but also balances in some famous contemporary works.
If you’re wondering where to buy art in Portland, the Elizabeth Leach Gallery is a great place to start, as the gallery prides itself on having sold art to multiple private and corporate clients. Elizabeth Leach Gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays or by appointment.
6. Portland Art Museum
Portland Art Museum is one of the oldest art museums in the country, and the oldest in the Pacific Northwest region. Founded in 1892, the museum features over 112,000 square feet of gallery space and hosts more than 50,000 art pieces at any given time.
What kind of art is in the Portland Art Museum? The vast majority of the museum is a permanent collection, with pieces dating back to ancient times and featuring many Native American artworks.
How much does it cost to get into the Portland Art Museum? General admission for adults age 18 to 62 is $25 for the entire day, but student, group and senior discounts are available. Keep an eye out for the Portland Art Museum free day, too!
7. Alberta Street Gallery
Alberta Street Gallery isn’t housed in a particularly large building, but the space is filled to the brim with amazing artwork created by dozens of local artists, so there’s plenty of art to look at.
Located in the Alberta Arts District, Alberta Street Gallery features creative contemporary works.
This is one of the best Portland art galleries that prides itself on being a beacon and meeting place for the local artist community. Alberta Street Gallery is also one of the few art galleries in Portland that are open every day of the week, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
8. Blackfish Gallery
Blackfish Gallery represents 30 consistent artists, but hundreds more have shown their work here since the gallery was established in 1979. Blackfish Gallery highlights artwork that is thought-provoking, diverse and reflective of cultural experiences and ideas.
Unlike some other Portland art galleries, Blackfish Gallery considers themselves a managed artists’ cooperative, rather than just a showroom. Being a cooperative business, the gallery is run almost entirely off of artwork sales and powered by its member artists. Blackfish Gallery is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.
9. Augen Gallery
If you’re wondering how to meet people in a new city, Augen Gallery is a great place to mingle with fellow artists and art enthusiasts. In addition to original works, Augen Gallery is one of the best art galleries to purchase high-quality prints of contemporary pieces.
Augen Gallery recently downsized their showroom space, but if there is a particular artist you’d like to see more of, speak to one of their kind attendants and they may be able to show you pieces not publicly displayed in the gallery.
This gallery is open to the public on Tuesdays through Saturdays and other times by appointment.
Small Portland Art Galleries
10. Nationale
Sometimes you don’t want to walk through massive Portland art galleries, but you still want to enjoy a spark of artistic inspiration. While the venue may be small, the artwork, performances and publications are powerful and stunning examples of culture.
When you need a quick fix of awesome art, head to Nationale. Established in 2008, Nationale displays artwork by emerging artists gaining traction across the nation. Nationale is located in the Kerns neighborhood and is open to the public Thursdays through Mondays
11. Russo Lee Gallery
One of the most well-known art galleries in the area, Russo Lee Gallery has showcased some of the Pacific Northwest region’s best and brightest artists.
Although the gallery itself is small, the halls feel spacious, bright and welcoming. This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for quiet, creative date ideas in Portland.
For over 30 years, Russo Lee Gallery has won the hearts of visitors with its well-curated exhibits and truly impressive pieces of art. Russo Lee Gallery is located near the Pearl District and is open to visitors Tuesdays through Saturdays.
12. Eutectic Gallery
If you’re on the hunt for galleries that focus on ceramics and sculptural arts , Eutectic Gallery in the Kerns neighborhood is the place for you.
All of Eutectic Gallery’s exhibits come from local, national and international artists who work in 3D media, mainly earth-based materials like clay. Pieces include pottery, vessels, busts, cups, plates and other sculptural pieces.
Since opening in 2012, the Portland art gallery has featured dozens of artists, many of whom reign from Portland. Eutectic Gallery is currently open by appointment only, but pieces can be viewed, purchased and shipped from their online store.
13. PDX Tiny Public Art Gallery
Quite literally the smallest of all Portland art galleries, PDX Tiny Public Art Gallery is a visual arts take on the classic “little library” boxes found in neighborhoods across the nation.
The PDX Tiny Public Art Gallery features miniature figures, tiny paintings, jewelry pieces and more. The project is hosted by PDX, one of the best art galleries Portland, Oregon has to offer.
You can find the PDX Tiny Public Art Gallery in the Foster-Powell neighborhood, off of Southeast 57th Avenue and Rhone Street. Visitors are welcome to take or add pieces that speak to them, and together the community of Portland creates an interactive exhibition that is constantly changing.
14. Sidestreet Arts
Sidestreet Arts is one of the best Portland art galleries to visit if you appreciate intimate settings and small but detailed art collections.
One thing that visitors love most about Sidestreet Arts is their accessible price range and wide selection of trinket artworks like jewelry, pottery and dolls. If you’re looking for the perfect gifts for artists, anything from Sidestreet Arts is sure to please.
Keep an eye out for special events and artist interviews at Sidestreet Arts. Regular business hours are Thursdays through Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
Most Unique Portland Art Galleries
15. Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
If you’re looking for unique art galleries that border on strange and experimental, head to the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum.
Laserbeams, Bigfoot, aliens, gory scenes and mysterious “artifacts” are just some of the odd and eclectic art pieces you can look forward to at this interactive art gallery. To commemorate your unforgettable experience, the Peculiarium also sells T-shirts, art prints, postcards and other weird trinkets.
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum is open from 11 p.m. to 7 p.m., every day of the week except Wednesdays. While the Peculiarium is one of the best Portland art galleries for adults to enjoy chills and thrills, some exhibits may be too scary and disturbing for children.
16. The Morrison Street Minigallery
Another tiny wonder in the Portland art scene, the Morrison Street Minigallery was established in 2017. The box-sized gallery is maintained by a husband and wife duo, who collaborate with local artists to bring fresh and new, pint-sized exhibits every month.
The Morrison Street Minigallery can be found at 3229 SE Morrison Street. Park on the lovely neighborhood street and marvel at the minis for as long as you’d like! If you fall in love with a piece, you can contact the gallery owners via email.
17. Blind Insect Gallery
Ask anyone on the street where to buy art in Portland, and you’ll likely hear about the Alberta Arts District, where Blind Insect Gallery resides.
A funny name for a shop that rarely has anything to do with insects, Blind Insect Gallery is one of the best Portland art galleries for eclectic and interesting art, from beetle wing jewelry to intricate wood carvings and other curiosities.
Blind Insect Gallery displays work from multicultural artists and emerging creators, many of whom are new to the Portland art scene. The art gallery is open Thursdays through Mondays.
18. Splendorporium
Are you feeling stuck in a rut about how to find your art style? Splendorporium is sure to help you think outside the box. This Portland art gallery was founded in 2007 and focuses its collection on eclectic, mystical and funky interactive exhibits.
Splendorporium is one of the special Portland art galleries that maintains a children’s section, featuring works by artists under the age of 18. They also host pug yoga events on occasion. Splendorporium is open Mondays through Fridays.
19. Zymoglyphic Museum
Part art museum, part science museum, part history museum — kind of — the Zymoglyphic Museum features sculptures made from found objects. These sculptures detail the creatures and artifacts of the Zymoglyphic era — a time period completely made up by founder Jim Stewart.
Since 2000, Stewart has run the museum inside his home, located in the Mount Tabor neighborhood of Portland. The museum is open on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, and admission is free to the public.
Strange animals, weird dioramas, curious cabinets and abstract artifacts await you here at one of the most unique Portland art galleries.
When you’re in Portland, it’s hard to ignore the vibrant and artistic culture that surrounds this beautiful city, but if you want to see the lifeblood of Portland up close and personal, you have to check out Portland art galleries.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate collection or Portland’s finest fine arts or a fun and unique interactive experience, we hope this list of the best Portland art galleries has inspired you to find inspiration!
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