Businessman and philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer made a $5 million contribution to create the first art museum at Portland State University. Housed at the university’s Neuberger Hall, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art will occupy 7,500 square feet over two floors, housing state-of-the-art galleries offering free and accessible art experiences to the PSU community and public.
Located along Portland’s Cultural District, the museum will feature art by Northwest artists, faculty and students as well as exhibitions by national and international artists. “I believe that every student on every university campus should make going to an art museum part of their ordinary campus life,” said Schnitzer, whose renowned collection of contemporary prints includes today’s most celebrated artists. “Art museums are not just for some elitist few. They are for every student and every member of our community.
Schnitzer’s contribution will help trigger public bond funds to renovate PSU’s Neuberger Hall, which is near the top of the list of capital projects to be funded by state bonds later this legislative session. Once approved, the Neuberger project is expected to take two years to complete at a total cost of $70 million, with $60 million from state bonds.