Pittock Mansion is 46-room French Renaissance-style château in the West Hills region of Portland that was once the home of renowned publisher Henry Pittock and is now open for the public to enjoy. Built in 1909 out of Tenino Sandstone, the 16,000-square-foot mansion is set on a 46-acre estate that is owned by the Bureau of Parks and Recreation and boasts panoramic views of Downtown Portland. Pittock Mansion has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places for more than 40 years.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. The Pittock Mansion History
© Pittock Mansion
- What is the Pittock Mansion?
- The Pittock Mansion was built as a private home for Portland pioneers Henry and Georgiana Pittock.
- Who was Henry Pittock?
- English-born Henry Lewis Pittock arrived in Oregon in 1853 on a wagon train from Pennsylvania.
- He began working for the Weekly Oregonian newspaper, which was owned by Thomas Jefferson Dryer.
- How did Henry Pittock become successful?
- Through hard work and determination, Henry Pittock took ownership of the Weekly Oregonian eight years later.
- He changed its format to a daily paper and went on to build an extensive business empire.
- When was Pittock Mansion built?
- The Pittock Mansion was constructed in the early 1900s by Henry Pittock as a private residence for himself and his wife, Georgiana.
- Who designed Pittock Mansion?
- Renowned architect Edward Foulkes was commissioned to design Henry and Georgiana Pittock’s home.
- What materials were used to build Pittock Mansion?
- In keeping with their loyalty to their home state, the Pittocks hired local artisans and craftsmen from Oregon.
- They used only materials from the Northwest to build the house.
2. The Pittock Mansion Info
© Pittock Mansion
- When did construction on Pittock Mansion begin and how long did it take?
- Construction on the house began in 1909 and took five years to complete.
- What architectural styles are present in Pittock Mansion?
- The mansion features distinct Victorian and French Renaissance architectural styles both inside and out.
- The interiors also feature Turkish influences.
- What modern luxuries did Pittock Mansion have?
- The mansion boasted modern luxuries such as intercoms, indirect lighting, and a central vacuum system.
- What was included in the final estate?
- The final estate included the 44-room mansion, the gate lodge servants' residence, a three-car garage, and a greenhouse.
- All of these buildings were spread over 46 acres of land overlooking downtown Portland.
- How much of Pittock Mansion is open to the public today?
- Today, only 23 of the 44 rooms in the mansion are open to the public.
- However, the other buildings on the estate can be explored and enjoyed.
- When did Pittock Mansion open to the public?
- Pittock Mansion opened to the public in 1965.
- How many visitors does Pittock Mansion receive annually?
- The mansion is a community landmark visited by more than 80,000 people a year.
- Has Pittock Mansion appeared in any films or TV shows?
- Yes, Pittock Mansion has appeared in several film productions, including:
- Unhinged (1982)
- The Haunting of Sarah Hardy (1989)
- Body of Evidence (1993)
- It was also the end point for the 13th season of the Emmy-winning reality game show, The Amazing Race.
3. Plan Your Pittock Mansion Visit
© Courtesy of GeorgeD - Fotolia.com
- Where is Pittock Mansion located?
- Pittock Mansion is located at 3229 NW Pittock Drive on an expanse in the West Hills in Portland.
- What are Pittock Mansion’s operating hours?
- Pittock Mansion is open to the public from February through December.
- Visiting hours are 11:00 am until 4:00 pm.
- Is there an admission fee for Pittock Mansion?
- Admission to the estate and the mansion is free.
- Is parking available at Pittock Mansion?
- Yes, there is parking on-site.
- Does Pittock Mansion have a museum store?
- Yes, the mansion has a unique museum store located in the mansion’s garage.
- The store sells an array of history-related items such as books, décor, games, accessories, and toys.
- Can visitors have picnics at Pittock Mansion?
- Yes, visitors can enjoy picnics on the grounds of the estate against a backdrop of sweeping views of downtown Portland.
- What nearby attractions can visitors explore?
- Pittock Mansion is within close proximity to many of Portland’s attractions, including:
- The Japanese Gardens
- The Oregon Zoo
- It can be visited in conjunction with other attractions to make a full-day trip.
- How can visitors contact Pittock Mansion?
- Website: Pittock Mansion
- Address: 3229 NW Pittock Drive, Portland, Oregon 97210
- Phone: 503-823-3623
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents: