Jake Rose IllustrationsVariousbyArtists20 Places to Visit and Color
St.1.
Designed by David Steinman and Holton Robinson, the St. Johns Bridge is a one-of-a-kind Gothicstyle cable suspension bridge that majestically spans the Willamette River. Completed in 1931 as the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi, the St. Johns Bridge is Oregon’s most iconic bridge and one of the nation’s most beautiful bridges. Embodying the pinnacle of bridge aesthetics, St. Johns’ beauty is solely derived from its beautiful structural design. For example, the attractive gothic arches in the bridge’s piers and steel suspension towers function as part of the structure and contribute to the bridge’s strength and stability. The bridge’s elaborate concrete anchorages are magnificent works of art. Painted verde green to better blend in with the trees, the bridge is actually easier to photograph in cloudy weather since it pops out in contrast to the gray scenery.
Photo by Steven Pavlov
Johns Bridge
Built in 1940 by Ramsay Signs for the White Satin Sugar Co., the 50 foot sign initially featured a pouring sugar sack. When it was switched on, this savory sign became the centerpiece of Portland's nighttime skyline. The sign was transformed for the first time in 1957 when White Stag Sportswear CEO Harold Hirsch replaced the sugar ad with the White Stag logo; but it was his wife Elizabeth that made the sign such a historic Portland landmark. In 1959, she told Harold that the deer needed a red nose like Rudolph for the Christmas season. Harold obliged, and an iconic holiday tradition was born–Nose Day. Taking place on the day before Thanksgiving, the stag’s red nose is lit by a flip of a switch to mark the start of Portland’s holiday season. Though the sign’s lettering has changed multiple times, its luminous stag has consistently provided Christmas cheer to all Portlanders.
A cheerful note to Portland, the White Stag sign shines bright and gives joy to onlookers everywhere.
2. White Stag Sign & Water Tower
Located next to the sign, the water tower designates the Old Town Historic District. This district was formed in 1975 when Bill Naito changed the area’s name from Skid Road to Old Town by painting "Old Town" on a rooftop water tower near the Burnside Bridge. His artistic action helped changed the area into the historic district that Portlanders know and love today.
Photo by M.O Stevens
Pittock Mansion tells the story of Portland’s transformation from pioneer town to modern, industrialized city through the history and legacy of one of its most influential families–the Pittocks.
Photo by Chrismiceli
Planned by Henry Pittock in the early 1900s as a mansion on the hill with panoramic views of Portland, the Willamette River, and the Cascades, this beautiful home was completed in 1914 and was occupied by the Pittocks until 1958. Portlanders bought the Mansion in 1964 and opened the property as a historic house museum in 1965. Formed in 1968 to furnish the Mansion, take care of the collection, and provide educational activities, the Pittock Mansion Society has been operating the historic house museum since 2007.
Pittock3. Mansion
Designed by Bennes & Herzog and opened in 1926, the Hollywood Theatre is a Portland landmark with a national reputation for award-winning film programming, innovative educational programs, and providing fiscal support for local filmmakers. Serving as a palace of luxury, comfort, and entertainment unsurpassed by any theatre on the West Coast, it proved such a popular destination that Portland's Hollywood District ultimately took its name from the Theatre. Best known for showing 2001: A Space Odyssey in 70mm, the Hollywood was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Revitalized by Film Action Oregon in 1997, the theatre now shows classic and contemporary films, hosts live performances and special guests, and produces innovative film series like Queer Horror, B-Movie Bingo, and Kung Fu Theater. Entertaining, inspiring, educating, and connecting Portland through the art of film, this historic Portland movie house provides visitors the opportunity to experience all that the silver screen has to offer.
Photo by Visitor7
Hollywood6. Theatre
Founded in 1924 by Servite Father Ambrose Mayer and blessed by Archbishop Alexander Christie, The Grotto–The National Sanctuary of Our Sorrowful Mother–is a Catholic shrine that offers a place of peace, prayer, and natural beauty for all people. Built on the site of a former quarry, this natural cathedral is the perfect tribute to Mary as it contains a replica of Michelangelo’s Pietà (Mary holding the body of Jesus after his crucifixion). Its Chapel of Mary, designed by L. L. Dougan and dedicated in 1955 by Archbishop Edward Howard, hosts diverse events such as concerts, indoor Masses, and weddings. In 1983 the shrine was designated a national sanctuary. Over the years, millions have marveled at The Grotto’s serene environment and experienced its godly beauty. The Grotto continues to meet the needs of the people in a changing world through compassion, hope, and faith. When people come to The Grotto, they have the opportunity to encounter God in prayer and in nature.
The8.
Grotto
Photo by ARTYOORAN
Opening in 2000, Lan Su Chinese Garden is one of Portland's greatest architectural and naturalistic treasures. A result of a collaboration between Portland and their sister city of Suzhou, China, Lan Su is one the most authentic Chinese gardens outside of China. Cultivating an oasis of harmonious beauty that inspires, engages, and educates the global community in the appreciation of a richly authentic Chinese culture, Lan Su envisions a world where people of all backgrounds are valued, all cultures are celebrated, and community members have a more immersive world view. More than just a botanical garden, Lan Su is a creative wonder – an experience based on a 2,000-yearold Chinese tradition that melds art, history, architecture, design, and nature in perfect harmony. Offering over 500 cultural and botanical programs each year, Lan Su is a window into authentic Chinese culture and a platform for the Asian American community.
Photo by Zack Knowles
Su Chinese Garden
Lan9.
Chinatown Gateway
Portland10.
Serving as the official entrance to Portland's Old Town Chinatown neighborhood, this 38-foot tall paifang features eye-catching depictions of 78 dragons and 58 mythical characters. As tradition requires, one bronze lion is male and the other is female (representing yin and yang), while the Chinese letters on the front and back respectively read "Portland Chinatown" and "Four Seas, One Family". Proposed by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association in 1984, the gateway was designed and built by Ting Hwa Architects in 1986. Engineered by Harlan Luck and advised by Jimmie Luey, it was presented to Portland as a gesture of goodwill from the Chinese community. Costing $256,000, Portland's gate is the United States’ second largest paifang after the Friendship Archway in Washington, D.C. Once the center of a cultural community bustling with Chinese grocery stores, businesses, and restaurants, the gate now serves as one of the few remaining symbols of the neighborhood's history.
Photo by Cacophony
Rail heritage Center
Opened in 2012, the Oregon Rail Heritage Center is a place where locomotive aficionados can unite in their love for this powerful mode of transportation. Preserving and operating Portland’s historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts, ORHC educates the public about Oregon’s rich and diverse railroad history through its massive turntable and three historic steam locomotives (Southern Pacific 4449, Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700, and Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. 197.). Hosting a variety of vintage passenger cars, diesel locomotives, and other rolling stock, the Heritage Center allows these rail treasures to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Oregon11.
Photo by Steve Morgan
Oregon14. Maritime Museum
Established in 1980, the Oregon Maritime Museum maintains facilities dedicated to displaying maritime objects, collects and preserves maritime records, provides meeting opportunities for maritime interpretation and education, serving as a memorial to mariners, and encouraging interest in Oregon’s maritime heritage. The Museum’s most notable attraction is the Portland–the United States’ last operational steam-powered sternwheel tugboat. Built in 1947, the Portland assisted ships to dock, turn, and pass through the bridge spans on the Willamette River with her massive rudders. Retired in 1981, the Portland was acquired by the Oregon Maritime Museum in 1991, restored in 1993, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. At the Portland, you can tour the engine room and pilot house, hear stories of the rivers and their history, and discover ship models, maritime artifacts, and interesting memorabilia. By visiting the steamer Portland, you can feel the boat come alive as the sternwheel rotates and the sound of the whistle fills the valley.
Photo by Bohan Zhao
Through its 24 beautiful black-and-white line drawings and detailed descriptions, “Color Portland” masterfully highlights what makes the Rose City so special to its residents and visitors.
www.colorourtown.com
Color Portland is filled to the brim with the town's most iconic settings, like the Rose Gardens, Pittock Mansion, and Witch's Castle, among many others.