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”Pittock Mansion
Pittock Mansion is a historic landmark in the scenic Columbia River Gorge. It’s located less than two hours from Portland and offers a variety of tours to explore its history and architecture. The Pittock Mansion grounds are beautiful and offer plenty of opportunities for a relaxing stroll or picnic lunch. You can also see an exhibit of the first owner’s firearms and personal belongings collection. The mansion sits on a steep hill above downtown Portland and offers some of the city’s best views.
Tour Schedule: The Pittock Mansion tours are open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
The tour schedule varies, so please check their website before visiting to ensure they are open during your preferred dates or tour times. The tours are guided and last about one hour long, but you do have the option to tour Pittock Mansion by yourself after your guide has finished giving information or if you would like a private tour.
-Tours run from April – October (closed Mondays)
-Closed November – March (except for special events)
-Group rates are available for parties of ten or more with advance notice.
If you’re looking for something exciting and unique to do in the Portland area, be sure to visit Pittock Mansion – you won’t be disappointed!
History of Pittock Mansion
The idea of a large estate on such an exposed site was conceived by Henry Pittock, the founding editor, and publisher of The Oregonian newspaper. He had bought about 150 acres (0.61 km²) in 1879 to set out as his private residence. Still, after building a house with directions obtained from Andrew Jackson Downing’s Treatise on the Theory and Practice of Landscape Gardening, Pittock abandoned it as too small.
In 1911 he engaged Portland architect Albert E. Doyle to design a French Renaissance château-style mansion high above the city. The house was completed in 1914 at the cost of $165,000. An additional $20,000 in a trust fund was expended on a carriage house, greenhouse, and other structures at the site.
The building’s exterior is faced with blocks of dark brown sandstone from Oregon quarries; its roof has asphalt shingles that resemble slate tile. Its interior features rich wood paneling and ornate ceilings, decorated as beams or tree boughs.
The Pittock Mansion was built around a steel frame and is the first in Portland fireproof from foundation to roof. It has been through three major renovations: after Pittock died in 1919, it served as headquarters for The Oregonian newspaper until 1948; then became home of the Western Forestry Center until 1953 when that organization moved to a larger building nearby.
In 1963 the city of Portland purchased the Pittock Mansion from The Oregonian for $450,000 and used it as a rental office until 1972, when they plan to restore it for use as a historic house museum. In 1976 extensive work began on Jules Jacquemart, one of America’s foremost art glass craftsmen. He replaced the mansion’s roof, which had leaked for years, and restored or recreated 219 windows of various types in the exterior walls using more than 100 tons of custom-made hand-blown glass he created himself in his New York City studio. Local history buffs will enjoy the museum’s displays of historical artifacts and photographs.
Facts About Pittock Mansion
– Pittock Mansion is a popular tourist destination in Portland, Oregon.
– The Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 for Henry and Georgiana Pittock.
– It is located in the West Hills of Portland and surrounded by a large park.
– Pittock Mansion provides visitors with stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape.
– The historic Pittock Mansion is open to the public, and tours are available.
– Pittock Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
– Visitors are allowed to climb up the tower for a panoramic view of Portland.
What to See in Pittock Mansion
If you are interested in history, architecture, or gardening, this is the place to be! It has 22 acres garden that offers an excellent view of Mount Hood. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the colorful roses, covering approximately half of them. They will love the Natural History Museum, located in Pittock Mansion’s basement if you have kids.
The Pittock Mansion has 46 rooms filled with furniture and art from the 19th century. The highlights are the ornate ceilings, carved woodwork, marble fireplaces, and stained glass windows. You can also see Pittock’s personal belongings, like his collection of firearms and hunting trophies.
Pittock Mansion is worth a visit if you are in Portland!
Activities and Events in Pittock Mansion
Guided Tours: Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn about its history, architecture, and inhabitants.
Concerts: Pittock Mansion often hosts concerts featuring classical and contemporary music.
Art Exhibitions: The museum features rotating art exhibitions from local and international artists.
Receptions: The mansion is often used to host receptions and weddings.
Classes: Pittock Mansion offers gardening, art, and architecture classes.
What Not to Do in Pittock Mansion
- Smoking is not allowed in the mansion.
- Pets are not allowed in the museum.
- Food and drink are not allowed in the museum.
- Please do not touch the art pieces.
What to bring in Pittock Mansion
- Comfortable shoes: The mansion is spread out over 22 acres, and there is a lot of walking involved.
- Sunscreen: The museum is located in the West Hills, and it can be quite sunny.
- Insect repellent: There are many trees and vegetation at Pittock Mansion, and bugs can be an issue.
- Umbrella: The weather in Portland can be quite changeable, so it’s best to bring an umbrella.
- Money: There is a gift shop and cafe located on the premises.
- Camera: Pittock Mansion is a photographer’s paradise, and you will want to take pictures of everything!
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr, Portland, OR 97210, United States
Phone: +15038233623
Website: pittockmansion.com
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 11:00am – 04:00pm
Price: $12 for adults, $11 for seniors and students with ID, free for kids aged 12 and under. Self guided-tour tickets are also available.
Parking: There is plenty of free parking available in the lot adjacent to the mansion. The street that it’s located on is also bus route 28 if you would like to take public transportation.
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