First Thursdays of each month are a great opportunity to visit the Pearl District. Art galleries stay open late for receptions and new show openings. Receptions typically take place in the evening and are free and open to the public. Check out the artists selling their creations on many of the closed off streets. You need only to hop on the Streetcar from campus (free with a student ID!) and the Pearl is a handful of stops away.

Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “Keep Portland Weird”. That philosophy is embraced by The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum, a combination oddities museum, art gallery and ice cream parlor (dried bug toppings available). While there is an admission cost, those who arrive in what they deem “decent costumes” get in FREE.

Look no further than right on campus for some imaginative and inspiring public art installations. The Knowledge (pictured) — a mural depicting books from PSU’s Millar library, Urban Hydrology — Oversized granite diatoms situated in bioswales reflect environmental science research at PSU. There is a map to guide you on a tour of PSU’s sculptures and murals.

The Portland Art Museum always has impressive special exhibitions, and it also boasts a superb permanent collection of Native American and Asian art, as well as a large modern and contemporary wing. The Portland Art Museum is home to the NW Film Center which focuses (ha, get it?!) on the study, appreciation and utilization of the moving image arts. They have many festivals and exhibitions throughout the year.