Salem in one dayHistory and art focus

The Elsinore Theatre has served Salem for more than 90 years.

Built in 1926, the theatre was the brainchild of George B. Guthrie, a Portland attorney, and private art collector. His dream was to design the best and finest theatre in the city.

From the moment you walk in, theatergoers can feel Guthrie’s dream come alive.
The lobby of the theatre has murals designed to represent Shakespearean plays, grand staircases, and stunning stained window glass.

The Elsinore also has the largest theatre organ in a performing arts center in the Pacific Northwest, the Parks/Murdock Mighty Wurlitzer. It has a total of 1,778 pipes. In its early days, the theatre showed silent movies and vaudeville acts, including performances by Clark Gable and Edgar Bergen.

The theatre now hosts a variety of theatrical performances, live music, and movies year-round. Tours are held every Tuesday at 1 pm.

503-375-3574

Asahel Bush II, a pioneer banker, newspaper publisher and public figure, built the Bush House from 1877-1878 for his wife and four children.

The 12-room home is Italianate in style, with elaborate woodwork, marble fireplaces and a veranda. The home retains many original furnishings, embossed French wallpapers and brass fittings. It sits on a 90.5-acre park, Bush’s Pasture Park, with gardens, wooded areas, and open meadows.

Members of the Bush family resided in the home until 1953.

The Salem Art Association maintains the historic home and offers tours throughout the week.

503-363-4714

The only liberal arts college art museum in the Northwest, the museum is located near the Oregon State Capitol in the heart of Salem, Oregon.

The museum is a leader in the research on the art of the Northwest, with one of the most significant collections of Northwest art and history of important publications and exhibitions. The museum’s collections reflect the rich Pacific Northwest culture and explore the history of art around the world.

Special exhibitions range from classical works to modern masters, while the permanent galleries feature works by Pacific Northwest and Native American artists as well as a diverse collection of Ancient, European, American, and Asian art.

503-370-6855

Built in 1887, the Gilbert House is one of two large-scale examples of Queen Anne architecture in the city. It symbolizes the prosperity of the children of Oregon Trail pioneers. The Gilbert House Children’s Museum, named after Salem native A.C. Gilbert, opened in 1989. A.C. was a world-renowned toy manufacturer, Olympic athlete and magician.

The museum offers 15 hands-on exhibits, an outdoor discovery area and educational programs for children.