Portland, OR. The Pittock Mansion is open to the public again and administrators say they’re hoping visitors will return. Associate Director Jennifer Gritt explains, “We are thrilled to be able to reopen to the public. The year-long pandemic and multiple closures have resulted in an 80% drop in Admissions revenue which has had a significant impact on the organization.”
Gritt says the staff has been reduced both in number and scheduled hours. The nonprofit has been able to take advantage of federal and state aid including a grant and the PPP loan program. “We hope we are moving past the need for additional closures to help stop the spread of COVID-19, and once we are confident we’ll be able to remain open, we will start the slow process of rebuilding. We have seen an increase in donation support which is much-needed as we work to bridge the budget gaps created by significantly reduced revenue.”
Pittock Mansion is supported by general admission, memberships, donations, grants, and museum store purchases.
In 2007, the nonprofit Pittock Mansion Society took over museum operations. The Society works in collaboration with Portland Parks & Recreation to operate and preserve the historic buildings.
The Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance-style château in the West Hills of Portland. The mansion was originally built in 1914 as a private home for London-born Oregonian publisher Henry Pittock and his wife, Georgiana Burton Pittock.
Gritt explains, “While the pandemic and closures have been challenging, we are also learning a lot about what is important to visitors and the visitor experience. The limitations on the total number of visitors at one time and the socially distanced one-way path have resulted in a much more intimate and enjoyable tour of the Mansion. Visitors are able to spend some time and really take in everything the museum has to offer. We hope to be able to carry this forward into the future.”
Information about visiting the Pittock Mansion:
Built in 1914, Pittock Mansion tells the story of Portland’s transformation from a pioneer town to a modern, industrialized city through the history and legacy of one of its most influential families, the Pittocks. Saved from demolition by dedicated citizens in 1964, the Mansion and surrounding estate were purchased by the City of Portland and opened to the public as a historic house museum.
Current visiting guidelines: Face coverings are required when indoors and when around other guests or staff unless an accommodation for people with disabilities or other exemption applies. Face coverings are recommended but not required for visitors between the ages of 2 and 5.
Tickets are timed and must be purchased online. Please purchase before arriving. All transactions—both tickets and Museum Store—are credit card only. No cash. Exchange requests will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Members can reserve a time and check in with guests online using their Member ID number.
Entry and exit into the Mansion will be one-way and individual groups/parties will have a staggered entry from other individual groups/parties.
Maximum group size is limited to 10 people. Please note: there might be a short wait outside the Mansion before entry.
Six-feet distancing will be enforced in lines and within the Mansion and Museum Store.
Follow all capacity and one-way directional instructions throughout the Mansion and the Museum Store as stated by staff and signage.
Hand sanitizer will be available at main entrance and exit of the Mansion and Museum Store. Restrooms are also available inside the Mansion. We ask all visitors to follow CDC and Oregon Health Authority guidelines regarding handwashing and hand sanitizing.
Please refrain from touching surfaces and objects inside the Mansion and Museum Store (unless purchasing). Entry and exit from the Mansion and the Museum Store will be touchless.
There will be no access to drinking fountains within in the museum.
Elevator will be available for visitors with mobility issues but will be limited to two people per group. Visitors must be comfortable being in the elevator on their own. The elevator will be controlled by staff from the hallways on each floor. Other restrictions may apply.
Avoid visiting if you are experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, have been exposed to someone who has tested positive within 14 days, or have traveled to areas with known travel restrictions within the last 14 days.
