Portland City Hall

Portland has a vibrant civic life. With an active and engaged community, Portland City Hall is a great place to visit. It offers stunning architecture combined with history and political activism make it a must stop while sightseeing in downtown Portland.

Portland City Hall is located between Madison and Jefferson Street with the main entrance on 4th Avenue. While it may not be as tall as the modern surrounding buildings, Portland City Hall is hard to miss. The building’s elegant and tasteful design provides a great backdrop for trip photos.

Built in 1895, the building is a marvel to see. Styled in the Italian Renaissance theme, the building fits into its surroundings in a way that accents Portland’s focus on urban renewal. While other city’s buildings boast vertical prowess, Portland City Hall balances European flair with a uniquely Pacific Northwest feeling.

On the west-facing side of Portland City Hall is an immaculately landscaped entrance. With rose gardens and a bell monument, it shows off Portland’s natural beauty in an urban setting. The building is on the National Register of Historical Places and despite numerous renovations, still exudes a turn-of-the-century charm.

Inside, Portland City Hall balances busy civic work while displaying public art. For the best visit, walking around and taking a peek inside should suffice. Inside, there is a coffee bar for those in need of a drink or snack.

Want to peek inside Portland’s local government? Each Wednesday at 9:30 am, the city holds its weekly city council meeting. You can attend for free and see the inner workings of a city’s council. Everything is discussed from large issues to small concerns.

Portland City Hall will add to your Portland visit. Its importance cannot be overlooked and the sheer beauty of the building should make it a stop for any itinerary. Whether it is just for an outside photo or to sit-in on a council meeting, you will see how Portland City Hall balances its stylish exterior with a civic-minded interior.

HelloPortland Tip: Looking to cool off after you visit? Nearby Irv Keller Fountain makes a perfect place to visit on hot summer days.

- by William Crane, Portland Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

William Crane

William Crane is an accomplished print and online journalist (http://www.william-crane.com) His work covers a variety of topics including features, local community news, sports, music, and political/social issues. Graduating from Seattle University with a B.A. in Journalism, William's writing has appeared in a variety of different publications including the Stranger, Capitol Hill Times, the Skanner, Backfire Magazine, and the Internationalist.