Portlandia

Portlandia Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Guide to Portland Historical Sites

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Portlandia statue is a defining symbol of Portland, Oregon—a monumental copper repoussé sculpture perched above the entrance to the Portland Building at 1120 SW 5th Avenue. Designed by Raymond Kaskey and installed in 1985, Portlandia is the second-largest copper statue in the United States, surpassed only by the Statue of Liberty. This guide details Portlandia’s artistic and historical significance, practical visitor information including hours and ticketing, and tips for exploring this and other nearby Portland historical sites. Whether you are a local or a visitor, this resource will help you experience one of Portland’s most celebrated landmarks.

(Travel Oregon; Wikipedia; Must Do Things)

Origins and Commissioning of Portlandia
Construction, Transportation, and Installation
Artistic and Cultural Significance
Intellectual Property and Public Access
Portlandia in Public Art Context
Visiting Portlandia: Hours, Tickets, and Location
Visitor Tips and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Preservation and Responsible Tourism
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

Origins and Commissioning of Portlandia

Portlandia was envisioned as a public art centerpiece for the Portland Building, an iconic postmodern structure completed in 1982 and designed by Michael Graves. The city commissioned the statue through its Public Art Program to reflect Portland’s identity and community spirit (Travel Oregon). Raymond Kaskey, a renowned sculptor, was selected to create the work. Drawing inspiration from the city’s seal, Kaskey designed a classical female figure—“Lady Commerce”—symbolizing Portland’s commercial vitality and natural bounty. The Art Nouveau influences are evident in the flowing lines and intricate details of the statue (Fotospot).

Construction, Transportation, and Installation

The statue stands 34 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 6.5 tons, making it a feat of engineering and artistry (DGuides). Fabricated in sections using the repoussé technique—hammering copper from the reverse side—the pieces were assembled at Kaskey’s Maryland studio before being transported by rail and barge across the country. In a celebrated arrival, the statue was floated up the Willamette River and hoisted into place above the Portland Building’s entrance in September 1985. The installation was a major civic event, drawing public attention and media coverage (Travel Oregon).

Artistic and Cultural Significance

Portlandia’s classical form and symbolic elements—the trident, sheaf of grain, and cogwheel—represent the city’s maritime heritage, agricultural roots, and industrial progress (Oregon Encyclopedia). The statue’s outstretched hand, inspired by Kaskey’s wife, conveys a sense of welcome and hospitality, echoing Portland’s reputation for friendliness and creativity (PDX Today).

A poem by Ronald Talney, inscribed on a plaque below the statue, adds literary depth to the site:

“She kneels down, and from the quietness of copper reaches out.
We take that stillness into ourselves, and somewhere deep in the earth our breath becomes her city.
If she could speak this is what she would say:
Follow that breath. Home is the journey we make.
This is how the world knows where we are.”

Portlandia’s presence atop the Portland Building—a pioneering example of postmodern architecture—cements its status as a central figure in Portland’s artistic and civic landscape (Tracey and Michael).

Intellectual Property and Public Access

Raymond Kaskey retains copyright over Portlandia’s image, strictly limiting its commercial use (Willamette Week). While personal photography is encouraged, commercial reproduction is rare, contributing to the statue’s mystique. Official souvenirs are limited, but the statue’s image has permeated local culture and occasionally appears in city-branded merchandise (Must Do Things).

Portlandia in Public Art Context

Portlandia is a highlight of Portland’s extensive public art collection, which includes sculptures such as the Elk by Roland Hinton Perry and Sacajawea by Alice Cooper. The city’s “One Percent for Art” program, which funded Portlandia, ensures public buildings incorporate significant artworks, reinforcing Portland’s reputation as a creative hub (Southeast Examiner).

The statue’s installation in the 1980s coincided with a wave of urban renewal and a growing appreciation for integrating art into public spaces, sparking ongoing conversations about the role of public art in shaping civic identity.

Visiting Portlandia: Hours, Tickets, and Location

Location: 1120 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, Oregon, above the Portland Building entrance (Travel Portland).
Viewing Hours: Portlandia is outdoors and accessible 24/7, with no restricted hours.
Tickets: No tickets or reservations are required; viewing is free from the public sidewalk.
Photography: Personal photography is permitted; commercial use is restricted.
Accessibility: Sidewalks, curb cuts, and crosswalks make the area accessible to visitors with disabilities. The Portland Building lobby is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM, and may offer additional viewing opportunities.
Best Viewing: The optimal vantage point is from the sidewalk across SW 5th Avenue. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best lighting for photos.
Interactive Map: View Portlandia on Google Maps

(Must Do Things; PDX Today)

Visitor Tips and Accessibility

Getting There: The site is easily accessible via TriMet MAX Light Rail, bus routes, and bike lanes. Public parking garages and metered street parking are available nearby.
Accessible Facilities: Wheelchair users will find curb cuts, wide sidewalks, and ADA-compliant public transit stops. Tactile paving and audible crosswalks assist visually impaired visitors.
Nearby Visitor Center: The Portland Visitor Center at 1132 SW Harvey Milk St #104 offers maps, tour details, and accessibility resources (Travel Portland).
Guided Tours: While there are no tours dedicated solely to Portlandia, many downtown walking and architecture tours feature the statue as a highlight.
Safety: The downtown area is generally safe, particularly during daylight. Exercise standard urban awareness and secure your belongings.

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Combine your visit to Portlandia with these nearby sites:

Pioneer Courthouse Square: Known as “Portland’s living room,” hosting events and markets year-round.
Portland Art Museum: A ten-minute walk away, featuring diverse art collections.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park: Scenic green space along the Willamette River.
Portland Building: Notable for its postmodern design; occasional lobby exhibits about Portlandia.
Dining and Shopping: Numerous cafes, restaurants, and food carts in the vicinity (Nomadasaurus).

For additional travel resources and interactive downtown maps, visit Travel Portland.

Preservation and Responsible Tourism

Portlandia underwent significant restoration in 2019 to address weathering and preserve its copper facade (Must Do Things). Visitors are asked to respect the site, avoid touching or climbing on the statue, and observe posted guidelines. Supporting local arts organizations and participating in guided tours helps sustain Portland’s vibrant public art scene.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an admission fee for Portlandia?
No, Portlandia is free and accessible 24/7 from the sidewalk.

What are Portlandia’s visiting hours?
The statue is visible at any time. The Portland Building lobby is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Are guided tours available for Portlandia?
Yes, Portlandia is included in many downtown walking and architectural tours.

Is the statue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the sidewalks and building entrance are wheelchair accessible.

Where is the best place to photograph Portlandia?
Directly across SW 5th Avenue, especially in morning or late afternoon light.

Can I buy souvenirs of Portlandia?
Merchandise is limited due to copyright restrictions, but some items may be available in local shops and visitor centers.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Portlandia is a powerful emblem of Portland’s artistic ambition, civic pride, and cultural uniqueness. Its prominent location, free public access, and symbolic resonance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Portland’s historical sites. Embrace Portlandia’s story by experiencing it in person, learning about its artistic legacy, and exploring the vibrant downtown area and its cultural amenities.

For real-time updates, guided tour options, and travel tips, download the Audiala app and follow us on social media. Take advantage of Portlandia’s 24/7 accessibility and enrich your visit with nearby attractions and local events.