Take a drive to rural Washington and spend an afternoon viewing Rodin sculptures, American Classical Realism paintings, and a collection of jewelry and furnishings that belonged to Queen Marie of Romania – all in a magnificent mansion overlooking the mighty Columbia River. Maryhill Museum of Art, located in rural Goldendale, Washington, is a private museum that features an astonishing and eclectic array of art and artifacts. The museum is open daily from mid-March through mid-November.

World-Class Art at the Columbia River Gorge

What You’ll See at Maryhill Museum of Art

Maryhill Museum boasts a world-class permanent collection, exceeding expectations for a rural area. Thousands of visitors from the Pacific Northwest and beyond flock to the museum during its open months.

Notable highlights of the museum’s treasures include:

• Rodin Sculptures & Watercolors
• American Classical Realism paintings
• Queen Marie of Romania royal regalia
• Native American artifacts
• Theatre de la Mode Mannequins
• Chess sets
• Russian icons
• European paintings, primarily British, Dutch, and French
• American paintings, including works by C.M. Russell and Thomas Hart Benton

Moreover, special exhibitions and programs take place throughout the season, enhancing the visitor experience.

Maryhill Museum History

The museum resides in a grand mansion, initially built on over 6,000 acres owned by Sam Hill, a notable businessman and Quaker pacifist. He intended to establish a Quaker agricultural community named after his daughter, Mary Hill. However, due to his focus on other ventures, this community was never realized.

Encouraged by Loie Fuller, a modern dance movement pioneer, Sam Hill’s mansion transformed into an art museum. Fuller’s support was pivotal, especially in acquiring the museum’s collection of Rodin sculptures.

In 1926, Queen Marie of Romania dedicated the museum at its opening ceremony. She arrived bearing crates of artwork, grateful for Hill’s assistance to her country post-World War I. Her contributions included Russian icons, Faberge objects, a coronation gown, crown jewels, and furniture.

Following Sam Hill’s passing in 1931, Alma Spreckels, a prominent San Francisco sugar heiress, oversaw the museum’s completion. Her significant donations from her personal art collection led to the museum’s opening on May 13, 1940, coinciding with Hill’s birthday.

Maryhill Museum Location and Directions

Maryhill Museum of Art is located 100 miles east of Portland, Oregon. It can be accessed via State Highway 14 on the Washington side of the river, or Interstate 84 on the Oregon side. The museum is perched on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, just west of State Highway 97.

For more information, visit the Maryhill Museum of Art
35 Maryhill Museum Drive
Goldendale, Washington 98620
Phone: 509-773-3733

Other Attractions at Maryhill Museum of Art

Maryhill Museum of Art offers more than its outstanding art collection. Attractions such as a full-scale Stonehenge replica, the Loops Road, a sculptural overlook, and the rich history of Lewis & Clark enrich your visit.

Maryhill’s Stonehenge

Sam Hill commissioned this full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge as a tribute to the Klickitat County soldiers who lost their lives in World War I. Memorials for World War II, Korea, and Vietnam are also located on-site.

Loops Road

The 3.6-mile Loops Road welcomes bicyclists and pedestrians. Sam Hill’s passion for road construction led to the innovative building of this road in 1907, incorporating seven experimental methods.

Sculptural Overlook

The Maryhill estate is beautifully situated on a bluff, offering breathtaking views of the Columbia River Gorge. The sculptural overlook provides numerous vantage points to appreciate the scenery, complemented by interpretive panels that share the history of the region.

Lewis & Clark History

The expedition led by Lewis and Clark arrived on Maryhill’s land on April 22, 1806. Interpretive panels throughout the museum’s gardens and galleries highlight this significant expedition’s impact.

Additionally, the museum features a café, a gift shop, gardens, and picnic areas for a delightful day out.