Our Story:

Businessman and philanthropist Jordan Schnitzer made a $5 million contribution through the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation to create the first art museum at PSU — one of the most vibrant and accessible urban university museums in the United States. 

Schnitzer’s commitment to fund the opening of the museum stipulates that it offer rich creative, educational and research opportunities to PSU students and faculty in departments across campus, as well as enable new occasions for collaboration in the humanities, science, technology and design. Those connections are enhanced by the museum’s location in a building that is home to eight academic departments in the arts and sciences, and an administrative center for Portland State students.

_{Many people view museums as some place for someone else, but I firmly believe art is for everyone. I’m trying to take down those perceived walls. A university campus is just the place to do it,” Schnitzer said. “The arts are the highest ideals of every society. They are the ultimate legacy we leave for future generations. This new museum will reach out to every student on campus, every young person in the surrounding counties, every adult within the Portland metropolitan area—providing activities that will enrich their hearts, minds, and souls.}