Oregon Jewish Museum, Portland

The Museum of Contemporary Craft is the oldest continuously-running craft institution in the United States. Located in downtown Portland’s Pearl District, the museum is dedicated to promoting craft and strives to contribute to the advancement of craft by exhibiting and documenting work from Pacific Northwest and international artists.

Museum of Contemporary Craft has occupied two locations. Its first location, 3934 SW Corbett Avenue, was home to the museum for 70 years. The art deco style building was designed by architect Ellis Lawrence, first dean of the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Allied Arts. The building underwent several renovations, most notably in 1998 when the Marlene Gable Gallery was built, designed by Northwest Regional Style architect William Fletcher. The Marlene Gable Gallery served as the permanent collection space.

In 2005 the museum board decided to move the museum’s location. In July 2007 the museum relocated to its current location, 724 NW Davis Street, in the Historic DeSoto Building on Portland’s North Park Blocks. The new location has increased foot traffic and visibility for the museum.

The Gallery at Museum of Contemporary Craft is a retail space for craft and design in the Pacific Northwest. The Gallery represents artists working in ceramics, glass, jewelry, wood, metal, fiber and mixed media.