1200 SW 1st Ave.
The Multnomah County Central Courthouse opened in 2020. This modern building replaced older court facilities and was designed to be safe, efficient, and welcoming to the public.
Unlike older stone courthouses, this one uses glass and steel. The large glass walls let in natural light and reflect modern ideas about openness and transparency in government. The structure is built to be earthquake resistant, an important feature in Oregon. It also includes energy-efficient systems that reduce environmental impact.
Artwork in the Courthouse
Public art is an important part of the building’s design. In the main lobby, a large glass mural by Portland artist Lynn Basa stretches across the wall. The mural is made from many panels of colored, kiln-formed glass. The flowing colors suggest movement from challenge toward calm and hope. The artwork was inspired by conversations with people connected to the justice system and reflects themes of community, change, and healing.
In the Courthouse’s “Crane Room” (2nd floor) is a 20-ton overhead gantry crane. It is a historic feature from the original 1909 Jefferson Station building, formerly an electrical substation for the Portland Railway Light & Power Company. It was kept during renovations to honor the building’s industrial past.
Other artworks appear throughout the courthouse. Some exterior metal panels include designs that reference local landscapes, bridges, and community stories. Art on different floors helps make the building feel more human and less intimidating. These works were funded through a Percent for Art program, which sets aside part of the building budget for public art.
The art shows that buildings where serious decisions happen can still include color, light, and stories about people — reminding us that the justice system serves the whole community.
Time Capsule in the Courthouse
Multnomah County opened its new Central Courthouse during a historic time: the peak of a global pandemic and months of daily racial justice demonstrations.
Time capsules tell an important story for future generations. The courthouse time capsule holds numerous items that help tell the story of the last few years, including letters from Multnomah County judges, a judge’s robe and gavel, face masks, a COVID-19 test, notable front pages of the local newspaper, key press releases, photos of leaders involved in the courthouse project, and pictures of Portland’s empty streets during the earlier days of quarantine, as well as those taken during major demonstrations for racial justice in downtown Portland. The time capsule is set to be opened 100 years from 2020.
Note to Guides: It needs to be determined where this Time Capsule is located and if we can see it. The information came from a UTG member in a newspaper article. Finding out where it is and our ability to see it is still under investigation.
The upper floors of the Courthouse are great places to see the Willamette River and many of the bridges.
Why It Matters
The courthouse shows how Portland combines modern architecture, safety, and art in public spaces. It represents the community’s effort to create a justice building that is not only functional, but also meaningful and welcoming.
What to Point Out on a Visit
– Glass exterior and modern design
– Open, light-filled lobby
– The large colorful glass mural
– Exterior art panels
– Earthquake-safe construction
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Discussion Questions:
Why is it important for buildings to have art?
Do you have a favorite piece of art?
Can you identify any of the bridges?
Vocabulary: Transparency. mural, justice, courthouse
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State Education Standards:
Social Studies 3.11. Describe how individuals, groups, events, and developments have shaped the communities and regions. Historical Knowledge.
Social Studies 3.17. Use a variety of historical sources (artifacts, pictures, documents) to identify factual evidence. Historical Thinking
VA:Re8.1.3a. Interpret art by referring to contextual information and analyzing subject matter, form, and materials. Visual Arts Responding