Perched 1,000 feet above Portland’s skyline, Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance château that offers more than just sweeping views of the city and distant Cascade peaks. This 16,000-square-foot estate, completed in 1914, stands as a testament to Portland’s transformation from a pioneer town into a modern metropolis.
Henry Pittock, an English-born entrepreneur, arrived in Oregon in 1853 and eventually became the owner of The Oregonian newspaper. His wife, Georgiana Burton Pittock, was a civic leader and founder of the Portland Rose Society, instrumental in establishing the Portland Rose Festival. Together, they envisioned a home that reflected their success and contributions to the city.
Construction of their dream home began in 1909 on a 46-acre estate in the West Hills. Designed by architect Edward T. Foulkes, who trained at the École des Beaux-Arts, the mansion was completed in 1914. The couple moved in with eight family members, but sadly, both passed away within five years of its completion.
Pittock Mansion is renowned for its French Renaissance architecture, featuring:
A grand central staircase and ornate plasterwork
Eclectic interior styles, including Jacobean, Turkish, and French Renaissance
Advanced amenities for its time, such as a central vacuum system, intercoms, elevator, and a walk-in refrigerator
The mansion’s design harmoniously blends aesthetic grandeur with the technological innovations of the early 20th century.
Surrounding the mansion are meticulously maintained gardens, reflecting Georgiana Pittock’s passion for horticulture. She was instrumental in promoting rose cultivation in Portland, earning the city its nickname, “The City of Roses.” The estate's grounds offer panoramic views of Portland and, on clear days, five volcanic peaks: Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, and Mount Jefferson.
After the Pittock family vacated the mansion in 1958, it suffered significant damage during the Columbus Day Storm of 1962. Community efforts led to the City of Portland purchasing the property in 1964. Following extensive restoration, Pittock Mansion opened to the public in 1965 as a historic house museum. Today, it attracts approximately 80,000 visitors annually.
Location: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, OR 97210
Hours: July–October: 10:00 am–5:00 pm; November–June: 10:00 am–4:00 pm; opens at noon on Tuesdays
Admission: Adults: $15.50; Seniors (65+): $13.50; Youth (6–18): $11.50; Children under 6: Free
The mansion is accessible by car and public transportation, with nearby hiking trails in Forest Park leading to the estate.
Pittock Mansion has been featured in various films and television shows, including the 1977 film First Love and the 1993 thriller Body of Evidence. Its historical and architectural significance earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.
Perched 1,000 feet above Portland’s skyline, Pittock Mansion is a French Renaissance château that offers more than just sweeping views of the city and distant Cascade peaks. This 16,000-square-foot estate, completed in 1914, stands as a testament to Portland’s transformation from a pioneer town into a modern metropolis. Origins: The Vision of Henry and Georgiana […]