"In Search of Portland, Exploring a Transforming City" Author Brian Libby Book Talk & Signing

10/17/2026 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM PT

Category

Lecture

Admission

  • Free

Description

 

More than a book about buildings, In Search of Portland reveals the stories behind the built landscape, the people, and the history that have created modern Portland.

Six excursions exploring Portland’s downtown, Old Town, and Pearl District not only focus on the city’s important landmarks and hidden gems but showcase an evolving city’s resilience and heart. Alongside his own experiences, Libby reveals how luminaries like Humphrey Bogart, Mark Rothko, Gus Van Sant, Vera Katz and Bill Walton appreciated the City of Roses. From Pioneer Courthouse Square to the Crystal Ballroom, each location in the book celebrates the spirit of place in addition to its architecture. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

Brian Libby has spent over twenty-five years as a journalist, critic, and photographer, covering architecture, visual art, and film. His work has appeared in nine sections of The New York Times, as well as The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Dwell, Metropolis, The Architect’s Newspaper, Oregon ArtsWatch, and The Oregonian, among others. He lives with his wife, Valarie, and cat, Jenny, in Portland, Oregon.

This is a free event. Please pre-register seating is limited.