Portland Art Museum's Mark Rothko Pavilion Opening Remarks

November 20, 2025

Thank you for inviting me to celebrate this incredible moment for Portland and for Oregon’s arts community. I especially want to thank Brian Ferriso. His leadership paved the way for where we stand today, and he is leaving the Portland Art Museum, and this community, better than he found it. Thank you, Brian.

As one of the largest arts and culture capital projects in Oregon’s history, funded by 40 unique contributions—not just a few large ones—this new wing breaks records for our state. More importantly, it stands as a testament to what’s possible when we all raise our hands to make our community a better, more beautiful place.

When I came to Oregon 38 years ago, I knew it was somewhere I could build a life and truly be myself. Over the years, I’ve heard that same sentiment from so many others. That feeling comes from many things: access to breathtaking nature; some of the best restaurants and markets in the country, fueled by our rich farmlands; reliable transportation; a diverse and vibrant community unafraid to be visible and be heard; and world-class art within reach. Together, these create a legacy of welcome and acceptance in Portland and for the rest of our state.

With this expansion, the museum continues to highlight its greatest collection strengths, Native American art from the Pacific Northwest, photography that captures the remarkable landscapes of our region, and an exceptional collection of Asian art, especially Japanese prints. This expansion further inaugurates a new gallery dedicated to Black artists and experiences in the United States. And the attention to accessibility is present in every detail of this new space: reminding us that art is for everyone.

That message carries through every aspect of this project, inside and out. The glass Rothko Pavilion, glowing day and night, is a living metaphor for openness and light. It isn’t just built to attract visitors, it’s built to re-energize the people who live here. Whether you pass the museum on your way to work or school, or see it from your window, our surroundings shape how we feel about a place, and even how we feel about our own lives.

This project deepens that legacy. The museum has long been an anchor for downtown, and today that anchor extends even further. Portland is on the rise again – even though not everyone in D.C. wants to admit it – and it’s projects like this that tell the real story of our city.

We know that Portland’s success is critical for Oregon's success. Portland is the economic and cultural engine of our state, and a front door to visitors coming to our beautiful state. This museum brings the world to Portland and brings Portland to the world. And opening with free days for the public places the museum’s values exactly where they belong: in action.

Thank you to every person who made this possible.