My Modern Met’s Complete Guide to Portland’s Arts and Culture
It’s easy to find excitement in Portland, Oregon. With its dynamic art landscape, top-tier cuisine, and breathtaking natural scenery, there’s always something enjoyable to see, taste, and experience. As Oregon’s biggest city, it acts as a cultural center brimming with unique characteristics. The world’s largest independent bookstore? Absolutely. The most genuine Japanese garden outside Japan? Yes, that’s in Portland too. A craft beer festival that’s been celebrated for nearly 40 years? You bet! Everything is waiting for you in the Rose City.
Portland combines the best of both realms. It features amazing man-made cultural sites to explore, and simply by strolling through the city, you’ll encounter the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Situated by the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the majestic, snow-covered Mt. Hood often graces the skyline. Soaking in these views while relishing the city adds a distinctly enchanting and unforgettable essence.
My Modern Met had the chance to explore the Rose City. Utilizing insights from our visit and assistance from Travel Portland, we’ve compiled an extensive guide on accommodations, dining options, and activities to enjoy while visiting this Pacific Northwest urban center.
Where to Stay in Portland
The Nines, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Portland
Merging historic elegance with a modern touch, The Nines is a luxury hotel located downtown. The chic rooms are adorned with crystal lighting, satin curtains, and leather headboards, and are just moments away from fashionable boutiques, excellent restaurants, and various local sites. The location is fitting, as The Nines occupies the Meier & Frank Building—once the largest retailer west of the Mississippi and a symbol of high fashion.
The Hoxton, Portland
Nestled in the center of historic Old Town Portland, the Hoxton is a boutique hotel featuring mid-century design and elements that reflect the city’s artistic essence. The hotel’s visuals are curated by Upfor, a Portland-based gallerist, with ceramics supplied by Clay Factor, a local studio. Enjoy one of its 119 rooms inspired by the Northwest modernist aesthetic that thrived in the 1960s.
The Ritz-Carlton, Portland
The Ritz-Carlton epitomizes luxury, and its Portland location is no exception. This downtown establishment showcases stunning views of the Rose City skyline and the Cascade Range mountains. In addition to its various rooms and suites, the hotel features an infinity pool framed by floor-to-ceiling windows, a vast fitness center, multiple dining options, and a spa renowned for its extraordinary treatments.
Jupiter NEXT
For those seeking a contemporary vibe, look no further than Jupiter NEXT. Located in the Central Eastside district, this boutique hotel offers fashionable accommodations with a striking sense of style. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that display Portland’s stunning landscapes, whether it’s the city skyline or the West Hills. Jupiter NEXT houses a restaurant named Hey Love and is also conveniently close to fantastic venues like Kaan (mentioned in this guide).
Hotel Rose, A Staypineapple Hotel
Portland is celebrated for its quirks, and Hotel Rose, a Staypineapple property, enhances its eclectic character with vibrant interiors and stylish rooms and suites. Positioned opposite Tom McCall Waterfront Park along the Willamette River, it’s in proximity to shopping, dining, and outdoor activities. If you plan to attend Project Pabst, the location is unbeatable—since the festival is just across the road.
Art and Culture Sites in Portland
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum on the West Coast, established in 1892. Today, it presents a diverse collection spanning different eras and regions. It specifically highlights Northwest art to amplify the voices of creative talents in the Pacific Northwest today. The museum features rotating exhibitions alongside film showings and discussions. A notable highlight is Look With Me, a 20-minute drop-in, guided session that concentrates on a single piece of artwork.
Portland Japanese Garden
You don’t have to travel to Japan to appreciate the serenity of a Japanese garden. The Portland Japanese Garden is regarded as the most exquisite and authentic garden outside of Japan. Enjoy the 12.5-acre area in various ways, whether it’s to engage with nature or dive deeper into a foreign culture. The garden showcases different methodologies employed throughout the history of Japanese landscape design and offers guided demonstrations and performances to impart Japanese culture to its attendees.
Portland Institute for Contemporary Art
The Portland Institute for Contemporary Art (PICA) is a contemporary and visual arts organization that has showcased “fearless, experimental, uncensored works of art” for 30 years. Its vision is global, intergenerational, interdisciplinary, and progressive. Operating hours are determined by programming. To view a complete list of events and what’s upcoming, visit PICA’s website.
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