PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland State University is getting its first art museum, thanks to a generous $5 million donation from Jordan Schnitzer.
The philanthropist and businessman made the announcement Thursday morning, before a crowd and PSU President Wim Wiewel.
The art museum will be located at a renovated Neuberger Hall, and will occupy 7,500 square feet over two floors. It will be named the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, and house state of the art galleries, offering free and accessible art experiences to the PSU community and public.
Neuberger Hall is located along Portland’s “Cultural Corridor” and the art museum will feature art by Northwest artists, faculty and students, as well as exhibitions by national and international artists.
“From time and memorial, artists have always been chronicles of our time. They force us to deal with the issues that face society, and if you look at the issues facing this city, this state, this country, it’s more critical than ever that we deal with issues around us,” said Schnitzer.
The Legislature has approved $60 million in bonds for the renovation. The renovation will cost a total of $70 million. $5 million is from Schnitzer, the other $5 million is expected to come from philanthropy.
The project is expected to take two years to complete.