Pioneer Courthouse Square strives to serve a broad community demographic. In order to bring enjoyment to all park users Pioneer Courthouse Square has a number of amenities that include historic and artistic elements to visit within the Square, as well as a variety of shops and services.
Theater on the Square
KGW NewsChannel 8’s televised special “Portland’s Living Room”. This half-hour special, hosted by KGW’s Russ Lewis and Brenda Braxton, highlights the fascinating history of Pioneer Courthouse Square. “Portland’s Living Room” will be shown regularly in the Theater on the Square, adjacent to the Visitor Information Center, Monday-Saturday every half hour between 10:00am – 2:00pm.
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For large groups or information regarding theater rental click here or contact Lindsay Clute in the Square Administrative office at 503.223.1613.
Weather Machine
Designed and constructed by Omen Design Group Inc., this innovative creation consists of three weather symbols, each representing an element of Portland's typical climate. Each day at noon a musical fanfare initiates a two-minute sequence that displays the three weather symbols:
HELIA: A stylized sun, for clear sunny days.
BLUE HERON: For the days of drizzle, mist and transitional weather.
DRAGON: Stormy days of heavy rain and wind.
The final display symbol represents the weather of the day with the illuminated bulbs displaying the temperature in 10 degree increments.
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Allow Me
Serving as a signature Portland icon, this bronze life-sized sculpture of a man offering his umbrella, was created by nationally known artist J. Seward Johnson of Princeton, New Jersey. The sculpture joins a number of Johnson's works in public spaces in cities such as New York, Kansas City, Los Angeles and Oakland, California.
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Bronze Chess Boards
Resting on the fallen column of the Morrison Street side of the Square, three bronze chess boards were installed to showcase the chess playing activities that occur on the Square. Designed by Soderstrom Architects P.C., these bronze chessboards were added to the Square in June 2003.
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Echo Chamber
Stand on the round marble stone in the center of the small amphitheater, face the steps and speak. You will be amazed at what you hear.
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Historic Tiles
Located in the small amphitheater, the bronze tiles handmade by Gail Martin, depict scenes from Portland's past.
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Mile Post Sign
Distances to nine sister-cities and other geographical destinations are listed on this whimsical signpost.
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Named Bricks
The named bricks, which pave the Square's surface, were purchased
by citizens and local businesses to raise money to build and
maintain the Square. There are more than 71,165 named bricks
currently in the Square. Famous bricks located in the Square
are: Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Dan Rather, Sherlock Holmes,
George Washington, and even Mr. Bill.
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Portland Hotel Gate
Located exactly where it once stood at the original hotel entry, the exquisite gate is directly across from Pioneer Courthouse. The wrought iron gate and fence are believed to have been designed by McKim, Mead and White, architects of the Portland Hotel. During the hotel's history only one president, Warren Harding, did not pass beneath this lovely feature.
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Waterfall Fountain
In keeping with a city celebrated for its fountains, Pioneer Courthouse Square features a central waterfall fountain. The waterfall cascades down a series of large granite blocks into a reflecting pool below. The fountain serves as the major entry into the Visitor Information Center.
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Keystone Lectern
Located at the top of the “Waterfall Fountain” this lectern was designed to be used as a focal speaking platform for the Square. The lectern is a great vantage point from which to view the Square's many activities. Also note the mosaic tiles on the floor of the lectern depict the design of the Square.
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