Thanks to a major gift to the Portland Art Museum’s endowment fund, everyone 17 and under won’t have to pay admission anymore.

File photo

The Portland Art Museum's outside courtyard.

Museum patrons Gordon D. Sondland and Katherine J. Durant pledged a gift of $1 million, which will be used toward waiving kids’ admission fees.

"Katy and I strongly believe that all of the children of this community regardless of their ability to pay, should be able to come to the museum, experience its treasures and thereby have their lives enriched," Sondland said.

During the past several years, the museum has offered sporadic free days based on one-time donations or sponsorships. Last year, the Museum announced an initiative to endow free admission times to provide greater access to the Museum, its exhibitions, and collections.

“This [latest] gift will allow all children to come face-to-face with the artistic wonders of the world, past and present, and reaffirms the importance of the Museum’s core value of being an institution for all and not an attraction for a few,” added Brian J. Ferriso, The Marilyn H. and Dr. Robert B. Pamplin, Jr. Director.

There may still be minimal fees for some special exhibitions, but the usual costs are as follows:

Museum Members: FREE

Adults: $10

Seniors (55 and older): $9

Students (18 and older with ID): $9

Children (17 and younger)**: FREE

Adult Groups (12 or more): $8

Children 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

To plan a school group tour, please call 503.276.4362 or you can visit the Portland Art Museum Web site for more information.