Hours & locations > Central > Collins Gallery
Collins Gallery
Collins Gallery
The Collins Gallery on Central Library's third floor hosts regular educational and artistic exhibits. The gallery is open the same hours as Central Library, and admission is free.
If you or your organization are interested in exhibiting in the Collins Gallery please review the exhibits policy and complete an application.
Location & hours
- 3rd floor, Central Library
- Monday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Sunday: noon–5 p.m.
Featured exhibitions
Defining Moments: An Exhibition of Works by Bryan Collier
September 27–November 6
A self-guided tour of Bryan Collier's original picture book art, including books to read and explore, will be available to groups throughout the exhibit. All groups who take the self-guided tour will receive complimentary Bryan Collier buttons! To reserve a tour, call 503.988.5340 beginning September 1.
A small selection of Colliers's work will also be on display at Gregory Heights, Hollywood, North Portland and Gresham libraries.
Meet Bryan Collier
Thursday, October 23, 4:30–6 p.m.
Please join us as we celebrate the exhibit of this acclaimed illustrator. A book sale and signing will follow the presentation.
Gems of the Private Press Movement: Kelmscott, Ashendene, Doves, Golden Cockerel
November 13–January 4
In January 1891, William Morris established the Kelmscott Press at Hammersmith, England, a suburb west of London. For the next seven years, the press produced more than 50 books, all by hand using the finest quality materials and modeled after 15th century books, which Morris highly admired. The Kelmscott Press reinvigorated book design and production at a time when standards were greatly diminished because of increased reliance on industrialization.
Following the Kelmscott Press, other private presses — especially the Ashendene Press in 1894, the Doves Press in 1900, and the Golden Cockerel Press in 1920 — were founded in Britain to carry on and transcend Morris' ideals in the book arts. Each press had unique characteristics.
The John Wilson Special Collections of Multnomah County Library is particularly rich in books and other materials from these four presses, thanks to the generosity of donors during the last century. This is the first time these beautiful works have been exhibited together in Portland. The exhibition will also include earlier books that inspired the presses, later works influenced by them, and materials borrowed from a private Portland collection.
Opening Reception
Saturday, November 15, 2–3:30 p.m.
Please join us for comments by exhibition curator and John Wilson Special Collections Jim Carmin, and a brief talk on the Kelmscott Press by author and book collector Jack Walsdorf. Refreshments will be served.