Visiting Lincoln Hall Portland: Guide to Tickets, Hours, and Attractions

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in downtown Portland’s South Park Blocks, Lincoln Hall is a revered historic landmark and a thriving hub for the performing arts. Originally opened in 1911 as Lincoln High School, it now serves as the beating heart of Portland State University’s (PSU) arts scene, offering a diverse range of performances and community events (WPI Builds, Wikipedia). This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to plan your visit—from the hall’s storied history and recent renovations to practical information about tickets, hours, and accessibility.

Table of Contents

History and Significance

Lincoln Hall began its life in 1911 as the city’s flagship Lincoln High School, designed by architect Morris H. Whitehouse (WPI Builds). The building’s robust masonry, large windows, and classical details made it both an educational beacon and a neighborhood anchor. In 1952, after the high school relocated, Lincoln Hall was acquired by PSU (then Vanport Extension Center) and repurposed as the university’s first permanent building (PSU Buildings).

Since then, Lincoln Hall has evolved into the central venue for PSU’s College of the Arts, hosting music, theater, and dance performances that enrich both campus life and the greater Portland community (Friends of Chamber Music). It remains the oldest surviving high school building in the city, symbolizing Portland’s commitment to education, arts, and historic preservation.


Architecture and Renovations

Lincoln Hall exemplifies early 20th-century institutional architecture, with a brick façade and generous natural light from large windows and interior light wells (Wikipedia). Over the decades, the building has undergone several major renovations to maintain its historic character while meeting the needs of modern audiences:

  • 1966: Conversion of the basement gym into a 200-seat concert hall.
  • 1972–1974: Major interior restructuring, including the auditorium’s floor and seating updates, orchestra pit expansion, and accessibility improvements.
  • 2008–2010: A $29 million seismic retrofit, asbestos abatement, and energy-efficient upgrades. Lincoln Hall achieved LEED Gold certification for sustainability (WPI Builds).
  • 2011–2014: Addition of a striking glass tower and further aesthetic improvements, integrating the building into PSU’s evolving urban campus (PSU Buildings).

These updates have preserved original features—such as woodwork and period detailing—while enhancing accessibility and performance capabilities.


Performance Spaces and Facilities

Lincoln Hall features several performance and learning spaces, each tailored for different arts disciplines (OrpheusPDX, PSU Arts):

  • Lincoln Performance Hall: A 454-seat proscenium theater known for superb acoustics and sightlines—ideal for concerts, theater, and dance.
  • Studio Theater: An 89-seat black box space designed for intimate or experimental productions.
  • Recital Hall: A 220-seat venue with high ceilings, excellent acoustics, and a Steinway grand piano.
  • Boiler Room Acting Studio: Flexible area for rehearsals, workshops, and classes.
  • Classrooms and Practice Spaces: Equipped with multimedia technology, supporting academic and community programs.

All major venues are ADA accessible, with elevators and accessible restrooms throughout (OrpheusPDX).


Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Box Office Hours:
Monday–Friday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (extended hours on event days).
Saturday hours may vary during performances (Friends of Chamber Music).

Performance Hours:
Events are typically held evenings and weekends. Always check event listings for the latest schedules.

Tickets:

Guided Tours:
Occasional guided tours are offered by PSU and local arts organizations, focusing on history, architecture, and sustainability upgrades. Check the PSU events calendar or contact the College of the Arts for availability.


Accessibility and Visitor Amenities

Accessibility:

  • Fully ADA-compliant with step-free entrances, elevators, accessible seating, and restrooms.
  • Wheelchair seating available in all major venues.
  • Gender-neutral restrooms and baby-changing stations.
  • Assistance available—contact ahead for special needs (Resonance Choral).

Amenities:

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the building.
  • Digital event boards and comfortable lobby seating.
  • Light concessions available during major events; a variety of restaurants and cafés are nearby (Powered by Tofu).

Getting There: Parking and Transit

Address: 1620 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR

Public Transit:

  • TriMet bus lines 8, 9, 17
  • Portland Streetcar (NS, A, and B loops)
  • MAX Light Rail (Green and Yellow lines)

Parking:

  • PSU Parking Structures 1, 2, and 3 (closest is PS2, fills quickly; $5 flat rate after 5:00 PM)
  • Metered street parking ($2/hour, free after 7:00 PM)
  • Nearby City Center Parking lots (e.g., Lot #115 at 1645 SW 5th Ave)
  • Payment via Parking Kitty app or pay stations
  • Allow 30 minutes to secure parking during major events (Friends of Chamber Music)

Bike and Rideshare:
Bike racks on campus; designated drop-off points for rideshare and taxis.


Nearby Attractions

  • South Park Blocks: Green space ideal for strolls before or after your event.
  • Portland Art Museum: Renowned collection just a few blocks away.
  • Oregon Historical Society: Offers insight into the region’s cultural history.
  • PSU Farmers Market: Vibrant Saturday market on the PSU campus (Nomadasaurus).
  • Downtown Dining: Food carts, cafés, and restaurants cater to every taste.

For more, visit Travel Portland’s history and heritage guide.


Visitor Tips

  • Arrive Early: Especially for major performances, to allow time for parking and seating.
  • Check Event Policies: Photography and recording rules vary by event—consult organizers.
  • Sustainability: Lincoln Hall is LEED Platinum certified; consider carpooling or using public transit.
  • Dining: Explore local eateries before or after your event; concessions are limited onsite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Lincoln Hall’s visiting hours?
A: Box office is open Mon–Fri, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, and during events. Event hours vary—check listings.

Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Purchase online via PSU or Friends of Chamber Music, at the box office, or by phone.

Q: Is Lincoln Hall wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with accessible seating and restrooms throughout.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, by arrangement with PSU or during special events.

Q: Can I take photographs inside Lincoln Hall?
A: Policies differ by event; please check with organizers.

Q: Where can I park?
A: PSU parking structures, metered street parking, or City Center lots. Public transit is highly recommended.


Plan Your Visit

Ready to experience Lincoln Hall?


Summary and Key Travel Tips

Lincoln Hall stands as a bridge between Portland’s historic past and its vibrant, creative present. As Portland’s oldest surviving high school building and a central venue for the performing arts, it offers a rich blend of heritage, artistry, and community spirit (WPI Builds, PSU Arts). Visitors enjoy outstanding acoustics, full ADA accessibility, and a convenient downtown location near major cultural attractions.

Whether attending a performance, exploring the architecture, or joining a guided tour, Lincoln Hall offers an engaging experience for all. Plan ahead, use public transit when possible, and immerse yourself in Portland’s dynamic arts community.


References


Visit The Most Interesting Places In Portland

5Th Avenue Cinema
5Th Avenue Cinema
|
  Acadia: A New Orleans Bistro
| Acadia: A New Orleans Bistro
Ainu And Native American Power Boards
Ainu And Native American Power Boards
Akadi
Akadi
Alberta Park
Alberta Park
Alphabet Historic District
Alphabet Historic District
Ankeny Square
Ankeny Square
Arbor Lodge Park
Arbor Lodge Park
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Bagdad Theater
Bagdad Theater
Berkeley Park
Berkeley Park
Berrydale Park
Berrydale Park
Bipartisan Cafe
Bipartisan Cafe
Bit House Saloon
Bit House Saloon
Biwa
Biwa
Blackstone Hall
Blackstone Hall
Bloomington Park
Bloomington Park
Bluehour
Bluehour
Bob White Theatre
Bob White Theatre
Brasserie Montmartre
Brasserie Montmartre
Brentwood Park
Brentwood Park
British Overseas Restaurant Corporation
British Overseas Restaurant Corporation
Broadway Bridge
Broadway Bridge
Brushstrokes
Brushstrokes
Burnside Bridge
Burnside Bridge
Bust Of York
Bust Of York
Cadillac Cafe
Cadillac Cafe
Captain William Clark Monument
Captain William Clark Monument
Caruthers Park
Caruthers Park
Cathedral Park
Cathedral Park
|
  Cheryl'S On 12Th
| Cheryl'S On 12Th
Chiles Center
Chiles Center
Chiming Fountain
Chiming Fountain
Chinatown Gateway
Chinatown Gateway
Cinemagic Theater
Cinemagic Theater
Clinton Park
Clinton Park
Coffin Club
Coffin Club
Colonel Summers Park
Colonel Summers Park
Columbia Park
Columbia Park
Coming Of The White Man
Coming Of The White Man
Commodore Hotel
Commodore Hotel
Concordia University Portland
Concordia University Portland
Congregation Neveh Shalom
Congregation Neveh Shalom
Congregation Shaarie Torah
Congregation Shaarie Torah
Consulate Of Mexico, Portland
Consulate Of Mexico, Portland
Couch Park
Couch Park
Council Crest Park
Council Crest Park
Crystal Ballroom
Crystal Ballroom
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Cully Park
Cully Park
Dan And Louis Oyster Bar
Dan And Louis Oyster Bar
Darcelle Xv Plaza
Darcelle Xv Plaza
Darcelle Xv Showplace
Darcelle Xv Showplace
Davenport
Davenport
David Campbell Memorial
David Campbell Memorial
Dawson Park
Dawson Park
Delta Cafe
Delta Cafe
Delta Park
Delta Park
Der Rheinlander
Der Rheinlander
Director Park
Director Park
Dog Bowl
Dog Bowl
Duniway Park
Duniway Park
East Portland Branch, Public Library Of Multnomah County
East Portland Branch, Public Library Of Multnomah County
Eastbank Esplanade
Eastbank Esplanade
Echo Theater
Echo Theater
Ed Benedict Park
Ed Benedict Park
Eem
Eem
Either/Or
Either/Or
|
  Elk Rock Gardens Of The Bishop'S Close
| Elk Rock Gardens Of The Bishop'S Close
Errol Heights Park
Errol Heights Park
|
  Esparza'S
| Esparza'S
Essex Park
Essex Park
Farewell To Orpheus
Farewell To Orpheus
Farragut Park
Farragut Park
Flavel Park
Flavel Park
Forest Park
Forest Park
|
  Frank'S Noodle House
| Frank'S Noodle House
Fremont Bridge
Fremont Bridge
Gabriel Park
Gabriel Park
Gammans Park
Gammans Park
George Himes Park
George Himes Park
George Park
George Park
George Washington
George Washington
Ghost Ship
Ghost Ship
Grant Park
Grant Park
Gypsy Restaurant And Velvet Lounge
Gypsy Restaurant And Velvet Lounge
Harney Park
Harney Park
Hawks Pdx
Hawks Pdx
Hawthorne Bridge
Hawthorne Bridge
Hazeltine Park
Hazeltine Park
Heathman Hotel
Heathman Hotel
Henry Thiele Restaurant
Henry Thiele Restaurant
Holladay Park
Holladay Park
Hollywood Theatre
Hollywood Theatre
Holon
Holon
Horse Brass Pub
Horse Brass Pub
Hoyt Hotel
Hoyt Hotel
|
  Huber'S Restaurant
| Huber'S Restaurant
International Harvester Company Warehouse
International Harvester Company Warehouse
International Rose Test Garden
International Rose Test Garden
Interstate Bridge
Interstate Bridge
Irving Park
Irving Park
Irving Street Kitchen
Irving Street Kitchen
Irvington
Irvington
|
  Jaciva'S Bakery And Chocolatier
| Jaciva'S Bakery And Chocolatier
|
  Jake'S Famous Crawfish
| Jake'S Famous Crawfish
Jamison Square
Jamison Square
Joan Of Arc
Joan Of Arc
Joe Etzel Field
Joe Etzel Field
Johnson Creek Park
Johnson Creek Park
Keller Fountain Park
Keller Fountain Park
Kelley Point Park
Kelley Point Park
Kelly Butte Natural Area
Kelly Butte Natural Area
Kennedy School
Kennedy School
Kenton Park
Kenton Park
Kern Park
Kern Park
|
  Kim Jong Grillin'
| Kim Jong Grillin'
King Albert Hall
King Albert Hall
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
|
  Ladd'S Addition
| Ladd'S Addition
Lair Hill Park
Lair Hill Park
Laurelhurst Park
Laurelhurst Park
Laurelwood Pub And Brewery
Laurelwood Pub And Brewery
Le Happy
Le Happy
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Legacy Emanuel Medical Center
Lents Park
Lents Park
Lincoln Hall
Lincoln Hall
Lloyd Center
Lloyd Center
Lloyd District
Lloyd District
Lone Fir Cemetery
Lone Fir Cemetery
Lovejoy Columns
Lovejoy Columns
Lovejoy Fountain Park
Lovejoy Fountain Park
Loyal B. Stearns Memorial Fountain
Loyal B. Stearns Memorial Fountain
Lutz Tavern
Lutz Tavern
Marquam Nature Park
Marquam Nature Park
Martini Glass Sign
Martini Glass Sign
Mccoy Park
Mccoy Park
Mckenna Park
Mckenna Park
Merchant Hotel
Merchant Hotel
Mill Ends Park
Mill Ends Park
Moda Center
Moda Center
Montavilla Park
Montavilla Park
Morrison Bridge
Morrison Bridge
Mt. Scott Park
Mt. Scott Park
Multnomah University
Multnomah University
National Cash Register Building
National Cash Register Building
Ned Flanders Crossing
Ned Flanders Crossing
Neuberger Hall
Neuberger Hall
Normandale Park
Normandale Park
Northwest Film Center
Northwest Film Center
Nostrana
Nostrana
Nuestra Cocina
Nuestra Cocina
O Cruceiro
O Cruceiro
Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Amusement Park
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
Ocean City Seafood Restaurant
Ocean City Seafood Restaurant
Old Town / Chinatown
Old Town / Chinatown
Old Town Pizza
Old Town Pizza
Olive Or Twist
Olive Or Twist
Oregon College Of Oriental Medicine
Oregon College Of Oriental Medicine
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Health & Science University
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon Historical Society
Oregon Holocaust Memorial
Oregon Holocaust Memorial
Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry
Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry
Oregon Park
Oregon Park
Oregon Zoo
Oregon Zoo
Oriental Theatre
Oriental Theatre
|
  Otto'S Sausage Kitchen
| Otto'S Sausage Kitchen
Overlook Restaurant
Overlook Restaurant
Pambiche Cocina And Repostería Cubana
Pambiche Cocina And Repostería Cubana
|
  Papi Chulo'S
| Papi Chulo'S
Paris Theatre
Paris Theatre
Parklane Park
Parklane Park
Peace Chant
Peace Chant
Peninsula Park
Peninsula Park
Peter Stott Center
Peter Stott Center
Pettygrove Park
Pettygrove Park
Pier Park
Pier Park
Pioneer Courthouse
Pioneer Courthouse
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Courthouse Square
Pioneer Place
Pioneer Place
Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion
Por Que No
Por Que No
Portland Art Museum
Portland Art Museum
Portland Building
Portland Building
Portland City Grill
Portland City Grill
Portland Firefighters Park
Portland Firefighters Park
Portland Institute For Contemporary Art
Portland Institute For Contemporary Art
Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport
Portland International Raceway
Portland International Raceway
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland State University
Portland State University
Portlandia
Portlandia
|
  Portland'S Centers For The Arts
| Portland'S Centers For The Arts
Powell Park
Powell Park
Produce Row Café
Produce Row Café
Providence Park
Providence Park
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Rimsky-Korsakoffee House
Ring Of Time
Ring Of Time
River View Cemetery
River View Cemetery
Rose City Park
Rose City Park
Ross Island Bridge
Ross Island Bridge
Sacajawea And Jean-Baptiste
Sacajawea And Jean-Baptiste
Sacajawea Park
Sacajawea Park
Salmon Street Springs
Salmon Street Springs
Screen Door
Screen Door
Sellwood Park
Sellwood Park
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Sellwood Riverfront Park
Sewallcrest Park
Sewallcrest Park
Shanghai Tunnel Bar
Shanghai Tunnel Bar
Shift Drinks
Shift Drinks
Shriners Hospital For Children
Shriners Hospital For Children
Simon Benson House
Simon Benson House
Skidmore Old Town Historic District
Skidmore Old Town Historic District
South Park Blocks
South Park Blocks
South Waterfront Greenway
South Waterfront Greenway
South Waterfront Park
South Waterfront Park
|
  Spanish–American War Soldier'S Monument
| Spanish–American War Soldier'S Monument
Spanish–American War Veterans Memorial
Spanish–American War Veterans Memorial
Spirit Of 77
Spirit Of 77
St. Helens Court
St. Helens Court
St. Johns Bridge
St. Johns Bridge
St. Johns Park
St. Johns Park
St. Johns Racquet Center
St. Johns Racquet Center
Star Theater
Star Theater
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Abraham Lincoln
Statue Of Paul Bunyan
Statue Of Paul Bunyan
Stratum
Stratum
Sunnyside School Park
Sunnyside School Park
Swan Island Municipal Airport
Swan Island Municipal Airport
Tanner Springs Park
Tanner Springs Park
Tasty N Alder
Tasty N Alder
Terry Schrunk Plaza
Terry Schrunk Plaza
The Alibi
The Alibi
The Dime Store
The Dime Store
The Dream
The Dream
The Fields Park
The Fields Park
The Oregonian Printing Press Park
The Oregonian Printing Press Park
The Parish
The Parish
The Roxy
The Roxy
The Woodsman Tavern
The Woodsman Tavern
Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Rider
Theodore Roosevelt, Rough Rider
Thor
Thor
Tideman Johnson Natural Area
Tideman Johnson Natural Area
Tikitotmoniki Totems
Tikitotmoniki Totems
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge Of The People
Tilikum Crossing, Bridge Of The People
Tom Mccall Waterfront Park
Tom Mccall Waterfront Park
Toro Bravo
Toro Bravo
Town Club
Town Club
Trenton Park
Trenton Park
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Tryon Creek State Natural Area
Two Plum Park
Two Plum Park
Union Station
Union Station
Union Station / Northwest 6Th & Hoyt Street
Union Station / Northwest 6Th & Hoyt Street
University Of Portland
University Of Portland
University Of Western States
University Of Western States
Unthank Park
Unthank Park
Urban Hydrology
Urban Hydrology
Urban Plaza
Urban Plaza
Uss Blueback
Uss Blueback
Vault Cocktail Lounge
Vault Cocktail Lounge
Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park
Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Virginia Cafe
Virginia Cafe
Voices Of Remembrance
Voices Of Remembrance
Voodoo Doughnut
Voodoo Doughnut
Walk Of The Heroines
Walk Of The Heroines
Wallace Park
Wallace Park
Warner Pacific University
Warner Pacific University
Wellington Park
Wellington Park
Wells Fargo Center
Wells Fargo Center
Westmoreland Park
Westmoreland Park
White Stag Block
White Stag Block
Wildwood
Wildwood
Willamette National Cemetery
Willamette National Cemetery
Willamette Park
Willamette Park
Wilshire Park
Wilshire Park
Winter Rider No. 2
Winter Rider No. 2
|
  Wong'S King
| Wong'S King
Woodlawn Park
Woodlawn Park
Woodstock Park
Woodstock Park
Yale Union Laundry Building
Yale Union Laundry Building
Yankee Champion
Yankee Champion