Portland State University

PortlandUnited States of America 45° N · 122° W Verified Oct 2026

Nestled in the vibrant heart of downtown Portland, Oregon, Portland State University (PSU) stands as a compelling destination for visitors interested in…

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Portland State University
BLM artifacts displayed at the Archaeology Roadshow 2017 at Portland State University
BLM artifacts showcased at the sixth annual Archaeology Roadshow held on June 3, 2017, at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. The event connected attendees with the history and archaeology of Oregon and Washington public lands, featuring exhibits on the Oregon and California Railroad's Bu
BLM archaeological artifacts on display at Archaeology Roadshow 2017 Portland State University
BLM archaeological artifacts exhibited at the 2017 Archaeology Roadshow held at Portland State University, showcasing public lands history and archaeology in Oregon and Washington.
BLM Archaeologist Lisa Rice speaks with Oregon SHPO Archaeologist Dennis Griffin at the 2017 Archaeology Roadshow at Portland State University
BLM Archaeologist Lisa Rice discusses historic photographs and artifacts with Oregon SHPO Archaeologist Dennis Griffin during the Archaeology Roadshow held on June 3, 2017, at Portland State University, Oregon. This event connected over 1000 attendees to the archaeology and history of public lands i
Attendees at Archaeology Roadshow at Portland State University engaging with exhibits on June 3, 2017
Attendees at the sixth annual Archaeology Roadshow on June 3, 2017, at Portland State University, Oregon, engaging with Oregon and Washington public lands archaeology exhibits presented by BLM staff.
BLM Archaeologist Fred Greatorex engaging with attendees at the 2017 Archaeology Roadshow at Portland State University
BLM Archaeologist Fred Greatorex speaking with attendees during the Archaeology Roadshow held on June 3, 2017, at Portland State University, sharing insights on archaeology and history of public lands in Oregon and Washington.
Main entrance of the Archaeology Roadshow event at Portland State University on June 3, 2017 with BLM staff and attendees
Entrance to the Archaeology Roadshow at Portland State University on June 3, 2017, featuring BLM staff engaging with attendees at Oregon's archaeology outreach event focused on travel and trade history.
Three planning committee members at the Archaeology Roadshow 2017: BLM's Greg Shine, PSU's Lyssia Merrifield, and Dr. Virginia Butler
Photo of three event planning committee members, Greg Shine from BLM, Lyssia Merrifield from Portland State University, and Dr. Virginia Butler, participating at the sixth annual Archaeology Roadshow held on June 3, 2017, at Portland State University. The event featured BLM staff and experts connect
BLM artifacts displayed at the Archaeology Roadshow event on June 3, 2017, Portland State University
BLM archaeology artifacts on display at the Archaeology Roadshow held at Portland State University on June 3, 2017, showcasing historic items related to Oregon and Washington public lands and promoting cultural heritage education.
BLM artifact display at Archaeology Roadshow on Portland State University campus in 2017
BLM staff showcasing archaeological artifacts and historic photographs related to Oregon's public lands and travel routes during the 2017 Archaeology Roadshow at Portland State University.
Youth volunteer demonstrating obsidian tool replication at the Archaeology Roadshow 2017 Portland State University
Youth volunteer showcasing the replication of an obsidian tool during the Archaeology Roadshow event held on June 3, 2017, at Portland State University, organized by BLM to connect the public with archaeology and history of public lands.
Volunteer from Southwest Charter School presenting at the Archaeology Roadshow 2017 at Portland State University
A volunteer from Southwest Charter School presents to students at the Archaeology Roadshow held on June 3, 2017, at Portland State University in Oregon, showcasing artifacts and history related to public lands in Oregon and Washington.
Researcher demonstrates use of an archaeological artifact at Archaeology Roadshow 2017 Portland State University
BLM Archaeologist Lisa Rice demonstrates the function of an artifact at the Archaeology Roadshow on June 3, 2017, held at Portland State University, connecting attendees to the history and archaeology of public lands in Oregon and Washington.

What the places are

Portland State University (PSU) is an urban research university in downtown Portland, Oregon, with a history shaped by resilience, education, and community engagement. Its campus sits among the South Park Blocks, combining academic spaces, green areas, and architectural highlights. Campus access is free, and visitors can explore on guided or self-guided tours.

The Pioneer Courthouse is a historic landmark in downtown Portland and the oldest federal building in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can see its Italianate design and learn about Oregon’s federal judicial history. It remains a federal courthouse for the U.S. District Court.

For visitor information, see the official Portland State University website and the PSU Visitor Center.

History

PSU was established in 1946 as the Vanport Extension Center to serve returning World War II veterans. The Vanport Flood of 1948 destroyed its original site. The university relocated and survived, earning the reputation of “the college that wouldn’t die.” Its history of resilience and transformation remains central to its identity and its mission of service, innovation, and engagement with Portland’s diverse communities.

The Pioneer Courthouse was built between 1869 and 1875. It originally served as both a courthouse and post office, playing a role in Oregon’s federal judicial history. It is a rare surviving example of 19th-century federal architecture in the western United States and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What to see

Portland State University

  • South Park Blocks A tree-lined pedestrian corridor with outdoor events, markets, and community gatherings.
  • Smith Memorial Student Union A center of campus life, with art galleries, eateries, and event spaces.
  • Shattuck Hall Ecological Learning Plaza Sustainable design and native landscaping.
  • Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Rotating exhibitions of contemporary and Native American art.
  • Collaborative Life Sciences Building A LEED-Platinum-certified building, interdisciplinary research site, and showcase of PSU’s sustainability commitment.
  • PSU Library and University Archives Historical exhibits and collections tracing the university’s evolution.
  • Academic & Student Recreation Center Fitness and wellness amenities.
  • Multnomah and Indigenous Heritage Sites Cultural events and recognition of the region’s Indigenous history, including the annual Naimuma Pow Wow.

Public lectures, art exhibitions, performances, and the PSU Farmers Market are among the campus’s cultural events.

Pioneer Courthouse

Guided tours cover the building’s architectural features and historical significance. They last approximately 45 minutes and include the grand lobby, historic courtrooms, and architectural highlights. Self-guided brochures and digital resources are also available.

Practical visiting information

Portland State University

Address: 1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201

Campus hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–10:00 PM
Welcome Center hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed 12:00–1:00 PM
Smith Memorial Student Union hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM; Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays

Campus admission is free. Some tours and events may require registration or tickets. Museum admission is free for PSU students; discounted rates are available for the public, and non-PSU visitors may be charged admission.

PSU offers standard campus tours covering campus life, facilities, and student services; academic department tours; housing tours; Honors College tours focused on the honors curriculum and housing; group tours for schools and organizations; and Spanish-language tours. Advance registration is recommended, especially for specialized or group tours. Register through the PSU Visit page. Self-guided visitors can download maps and audio guides from the official website.

PSU is at the South Park Blocks, in a central, pedestrian-friendly area. The Urban Center is a major transit hub, and public transportation is a convenient way to reach campus. Options include MAX Light Rail, the Portland Streetcar, and TriMet bus lines. Bike racks and Portland’s bike-share program are available. On-campus and nearby garages offer parking, though availability may be limited during events.

The campus offers wheelchair-accessible routes, ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking spaces. PSU describes the campus as fully accessible. Visitor information is available in English, Spanish, and Arabic. Assistance and accommodations are available through the PSU Disability Resource Center; contact [email protected].

Campus and nearby downtown Portland offer dining options including food carts, cafes, and restaurants. Several dining venues are in the Smith Memorial Student Union.

Pioneer Courthouse

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed on federal holidays
Admission: Free; all visitors must pass through security screening.

Guided tours by request are led by docents or court staff. Check the official U.S. District Court website for tour bookings and any changes to hours. Public areas may be photographed; courtroom restrictions may apply. Self-guided brochures and digital resources are available on the courthouse website.

The courthouse is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. It is adjacent to the Pioneer Courthouse/SW 6th Ave MAX Light Rail station and near multiple bus lines and bike racks. Downtown garages and street parking are available.

Nearby places

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an entrance fee to visit Portland State University?
No. Campus access is free. Some tours and events may require registration or tickets. The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is free for PSU students, while public visitors have discounted rates and may be charged admission.

Are campus tours available?
Yes. Guided and self-guided tours are available. Specialized or group tours are best booked in advance through the PSU Visit page.

Is the PSU campus wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The campus is fully accessible, and additional accommodations are available upon request through the PSU Disability Resource Center. Contact [email protected].

Can I find parking near PSU?
Paid parking is available in campus and downtown garages and lots, but availability may be limited during events. Public transit is recommended.

Are there dining options on campus?
Yes. Multiple dining venues are in the Smith Memorial Student Union, with food carts, cafes, and restaurants on campus and nearby.

Is there an admission fee for Pioneer Courthouse?
No. Admission is free, but all visitors must pass through security screening.

Are guided tours of Pioneer Courthouse available?
Yes, by request. Check the official website for scheduling.

Can I attend a Pioneer Courthouse hearing?
Many hearings are open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Is Pioneer Courthouse accessible?
Yes. Accessibility features include elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms.

Is parking available near Pioneer Courthouse?
Yes. Downtown garages and street parking are available.