Portland Art Museum’s Disputed Rothko Pavilion Nears City Council Approval

The museum had raised $27 million for the expansion without securing the permission of the City Council to take over the city-owned right of way. But all is forgiven.

This walkway at the Portland Art Museum was created in 1968, when the city set aside a portion of Southwest Madison Street for walking and biking. Now the museum wants to use the site for its new Rothko Pavilion. (Sam Gehrke)
By Rachel Monahan

A planned $50 million Rothko Pavilion at the Portland Art Museum looks like a done deal, despite criticism of closing a bicycle and walking path.

WW reported the museum had raised $27 million for the expansion without securing the permission of the City Council to take over the city-owned right of way.

But on Dec. 7, the council is expected to approve the pavilion, after the museum promised people would be able to walk through the building where the walkway currently sits. The museum has pledged that people would be able to walk through the Rothko Pavilion lobby from 7 am to 11 pm each day.

Rothko Paviilion renderings (Portland Art Museum)
Rothko Paviilion renderings (Portland Art Museum)

The museum has also argued that the new pavilion will improve access to art exhibits for people with disabilities—by connecting the museum’s two wings.

“What sealed it for me was, they have a chance to be one of the most accessible art museums on the West Coast,” says City Commissioner Nick Fish.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.