Visit Portland City Hall to admire one of Portland’s most important works of architecture. Admire the restored 19th-century façade and then step inside to find art exhibitions. The City Hall covers an entire city block and serves predominately as the headquarters of Portland’s city government.
Stand at the main entrance and marvel at the building’s grand Italian-Renaissance architecture. Originally built in 1895, the building underwent a renovation process in the 1990s. Look for the characteristic three-story rotunda and its colonnaded ground floor, which serves as the building’s main entrance. Check out the replica of the Liberty Bell, a symbol of American independence. The original is in Philadelphia. Find the bell in a grassy plaza in front of the building.
Inside, Portland City Hall provides a space for the city’s public art collection. See work by Norie Sato and a mural by local artist Michael Brophy. The building also hosts changing visual art exhibitions that showcase interpretations of Portland’s social and urban landscapes.
City Hall is a short walk from other major Portland attractions. Wander around the lobby of the adjacent 15-story Portland Building to see displays of work by local artists. Check out the Portlandia statue, an imposing mythological character designed by American sculptor Raymond Kaskey. See work by European masters and American artists at the nearby Portland Art Museum.
While in the area you might also want to visit the Plaza Blocks, made up of Chapman Square and Lownsdale Square. Sit on a bench and relax beneath large elm trees or observe the collection of sculptures in the large park space. Look for Elk Fountain, one of Portland’s oldest sculptures.
Portland City Hall sits in the heart of downtown Portland and is easily accessibly by public bus and light rail. Pay for parking in the surrounding streets. Admission to City Hall is free.
