Maryhill Museum of Art

Beautifully set up. Art, painting, dolls, so much. My interest is indigenous of the USA, my own heritage. So much to see and the museum had so much respect. I was quite proud. .ost impressed by the bead work, holy cow, wish I had the patience and spiritual stamina. The chess collection is awesome

2 Rodin rooms. 2 rooms of Post-war Parisian fashion designer miniatures. 1 large indigenous artifact room. Location is stunning.

This is a destination museum in a breathtaking setting. The collection seems to be personal and varied, but that gives it a unique personality. The setting gives you room both physically and intellectually to give you a chance to examine and enjoy each collection in a way quite different than if it was in a metropolitan museum. Taking time outside between galleries allows you to go freshly into a new experience.

This is a great museum and has many different things to see. The different exhibits are interesting and eclectic. Definitely worth the visit.

Well worth the money. Tickets can be bought on line and are good for several months. Find out who was Sam Hill

I wasn’t expecting how large the art museum was. There is a lot of art to look at, not just the chess sets. There is also a cafe but we didn’t try it when we were there. The staff were also super friendly. It’s worth the trip.

Amazing little museum in the middle of nowhere with some great pieces. The Rodins, Theatre de la Mode and Native American pieces were especially impressive. Spectacular views of the gorge too.

What a beautiful place to visit! The art and all of the history there is so interesting. Very clean, and quiet. Over all just a great experience.

Maryhill Museum is smart, striking, and unlike anything else in the region. It's what happens when curation meets conviction. It doesn't beg for attention. It always earns it. From Rodin to royal archives to Pacific Northwest grit, the collection balances intellect & instinct with unsettling precision. The current light exhibit is not a display. It's an argument. Controlled, deliberate, & designed to reframe what you thought light was for. Nothing here is passive. Every piece is representative of a decision. Perched above the Columbia River like it knows exactly what it is, Maryhill doesn't need to shout. It speaks clearly. And that is far rarer. If you're looking for art that makes you think and helps you grow, this isn't a detour. This is a destination.

We had a great time! The staff were very welcoming and informative. A really good survey of local history, art, and culture. So much to see and very affordable!

If you check the Maryhill Museum website you can find out when to see their plein air show each year. Artists from all around come to paint paintings of the Gorge landscape (under some sort of time constraint). The paintings are painted on-the-spot and hung up in frames on the wall ...WET from having been just painted! The whole thing is amazing! We stumbled onto it and I hope to go this year too. It's an event that is open the the public.

The Maryhill Museum was an amazing experience. To start, the drive to it is always amazing. Its location in the gorge is breathtaking. The staff are friendly and the diversity in the exhibits means there is something for everyone! From the collection of Queen Marie of Romania to the George E. Muehleck Jr Chess set collection (my favorite part), to the massive Rodin collection, it's all amazing. I didn't realize how long we were be here. Absolutely worth the drive. Thank you so much!

Decided as we stayed at Maryhill State Park that we should go to the Museum! It didn't disappoint one bit. 4 floors, and lots of neat history points. Only lack of info was on indigenous people area. It didn't have a lot of dates and info for when items were created or made.... Which leads me to question authenticity. Regardless of when it's made it still gave an idea of how they lived, prospered and moved throughout history. Few photos to get an idea. It's definitely worth visiting, taking in the views of the Columbia River!

They had several exhibits that were just exceptional. Virtually something for all tastes - very eclectic and so educational. A real gem. Courteous and dedicated front staff. One of the employees thought it was funny to spread his arms out wide and "usher" us out ten minutes before closing. It was over the top and made me uncomfortable. We were well aware of the closing time and found that unnecessary. Followed this visit with a drive to the Stonehenge monument. The views here were spectacular. Highly recommend!

All staff were following Covid safety procedures, we and everyone we saw were wearing mask. This place was very unusual collection of art. The Sam Hill video is a must at the very start so you will understand the whole vibe around this place. A wide gambit of art pieces & history. Like they collected stuff from around the world then dropped it into one place. Don't miss the hundreds of custom chess pieces in the lower area. The fact this place was to be a home was not surprising due to the rich story of Sam Hill. The outside art & walking area was very relaxing. Cafe was closed, but WHO CARES we didn't go there to eat. We took lots of pictures of the chess sets, because our 26 yr old grandson would love this. Don't let any negative reviews of this place stop you from checking it out for yourself. Your family can even picnic here. LOTS of RV & bus parking

This is a divine treasure in the Columbia River Gorge. Artwork ranging from Rodin, the George E. Muehleck, Jr. Gallery of Int'l Chess sets, art donated by Queen Marie of Romania - but my all time favorite is Theatre de la Mode, which appeared in the Louvre's Museum of Decorative Arts in 1945. The museum often rotates exhibits from local artists and hosts wonderful events. We attend the Star Party each year -where you are allowed to camp on the East Lawn. It's an amazing opportunity to enjoy the museum and the stars!

Four of us visited. If staying in area it is a worthwhile stop. Unique and interesting. Met expectations set by the description of the collection as "eclectic". Story of Sam Hall, the person who had the building (and nearby Stonehenge replica) constructed, was fascinating. Breathtaking view of Columbia River valley.

The Maryhill Museum stands sphinx-like, a Beaux Arts palace, amid the Gorge-dry grass, vineyards and wind turbines. You should visit it. It was intended to be the residence of entrepreneur Sam Hill who opened up the Columbia Gorge with roads and is responsible for the first roads in the I-5 corridor. It's now a museum to his art collection. The museum is well funded nationally and by Washington patrons. That has allowed the collection to be expanded to the present. Sam Hill started as a financier. He used his wealth to support the arts and became personal friends with artists and the creative crowd of the time. That story is told in the museum. He did collect in depth in his areas of interest which is unusual for private collectors. In the museum, the deeper collections are Rodin sculptures and ephemera, items connected to the Queen of Romania, Native American crafts, large theater maquettes, outdoor contemporary sculpture and chess sets. Admission to the museum is inexpensive. They have guided group tours and the signage makes it easy to guide yourself. There are self-programmed activities for children and a small well-curated cafe with a beautiful view. The grounds are beautiful. They are perfect for a DIY picnic even if you don't visit the museum proper. The architect Brad Cloepfil https://www.yelp.com/biz/allied-works-architecture-portland has a concrete land work sculpture http://www.alliedworks.com/projects/maryhill-interpretive-overlook/ on the grounds, no museum admission required. It's set amidst the native grasses and sage on a meandering path of interpretive plaques. The museum, the new wing with cafe and the grounds are maintained with care. The web site is well designed. There is a small museum store, including many books related to the collection and some jewelry. The staff I met were professional and polite. It's worth visiting for history and especially if you are interested in any of the collection. Seeing everything will take a minimum of 90 minutes if you just read the signage for things that interest you. If you want to go deeper, visit the cafe, or picnic, you could spend more time. When I visited the Museum offered a deal on wine at the Maryhill Winery nearby. Just ask. Sam Hill, Mr. Maryhill, settled in our little Northwest before it was cool. This museum tells that story and many more.

It's a beautiful building in a beautiful setting and certainly unexpected for such an isolated area. I would recommend stopping for the views and to walk the grounds, but I thought the museum itself was lackluster. There is a collection of Auguste Rodin, but they are mostly drawings, many very rustic. I found the native American exhibit to be questionable and I strongly suspect that the extensive collections are reproductions. I may be wrong and they may be authentic, however, there should be information and dates with each item, instead there's literally nothing offered. I walked through this museum wishing that I liked it more, but my wish remained elusive. Still though, it's in a unique location and if you're in the area I'd recommend visiting. Who knows, maybe it's just my taste.

Maryhill museum is interesting and a nice visit. They have a lovely collection of Rodin and other interesting art pieces. The Native American collection is pretty extensive. Most of the pieces had no date or age listed which is something I personally like to see thus you are left wondering if they are from the 1800s or new. Please note before going in and paying if you check in on yelp you will get $2 off your admission!!!!

Staff were rude, unfriendly, and seemed to have little interest in patrons or the museums except to view them as an annoyance to be dealt with as quickly and tersely as possible. Perhaps they were in a bad mood because the place had no functioning air conditioning on the 80+ degree day we visited. A toothless, creepy security guard followed us all through the museum, making us feel as welcome as potential shoplifters. The cheap-looking prints and displays were peeling and falling apart. There appeared to be little effort or energy expended in upkeep. There were a few stand-out pieces that, like the museum as a whole, suffered from a lack of a unifying coherent explanation of their origins and significance. This place reminded me of many funky, home-grown county and local museums I've been to that amount to basically interesting, eclectic collections of junk, displayed and organized without any theme. Who was Sam Hill? Why did he collect these pieces? Why did he choose to build this house here? You're not going to find answers to these questions at the Maryhill Museum, or much else. Even their gift shop was pathetic. Maryhill is in the middle of nowhere, a waste of an afternoon, not worth the drive. Instead, spend your time being inspired by the many natural wonders in the area, which are.

On a recent visit to Hood River we made the drive to this museum. The museum's collection is best described as eclectic and may not appeal to everyone. The collection of art includes sculptures and water colors by Rodin, a wide variety of early European and American paintings, native American art, Eastern Orthodox icons, chess sets, replica stage sets from the Theatre de la Mode and so much more. There are also a number of sculptures spread across the expansive museum grounds.

I cried tears when I saw Theatre De Mode exhibit, which is home in this museum, thanks to Lady Spreckles (from the sugar fortune). The story of it's journey to this museum is as incredible as the museum itself. It is a small scale "couture display show"; dresses made by the premier designers in France of the early 50's. I think I have never laid eye on a more beautiful presentation of fashion. Especially if you awe "authentic vintage couture" you cannot not go feast your eyes on what is to come. It's worth a special trip (include the NEON MUSEUM in The Dalles as well) when you go. They literally had to escort me out of the museum at closing time because I just couldn't pull myself away. I could have examined the creations for hours (I arrived "latish"). I just didn't know I would have need a goodly amount of time GO, I'll go with you. Who knew?????

Very impressive collection for a rural area with a fun history to the building itself.

Hidden gem!! We were not expecting how expansive and extraordinary the collection was. We were absolutely blown away by the grounds and the collection. A must visit!!

The building itself is so beautiful, just that alone is a must see. Some of the art is a little different. The scenery and views are beautiful would recommend more food items in the cafeteria but the salad was good.

This castle on the Columbia Gorge is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen (and I live in Bellingham, so that's saying something). Its setting overlooking the stark beauty of the gorge, combined with the lush beauty of the grounds, makes this place so special. It is worth going there just to see the grounds and the remarkable outdoor sculptures. For decades one of the "signatures" of Maryhill was the flock of peacocks who lived on the grounds, but sadly they are no longer there. Inside, one room is devoted to the history of Sam Hill, who built Maryhill as well as the Peace Arch in Blaine. Sam Hill was a visionary and "Renaissance man" who influenced the development of Washington State in the early part of the 1900s, and it is fascinating to learn about him. I enjoy the variety in the rest of the museum. There is some art or some display that nearly everyone can enjoy. There is also a cafe that is open part of the time. I am not crazy about the modern glass addition that has been tacked on to the back of the museum but it does offer a spectacular view of the Columbia Gorge on days when the weather is too bad to be outside.

I'm a Rodin fan so I checked out Maryhill Museum along Columbia River Gorge. Spectacular setting and very unexpected place for a Rodin collection. There are many other interests beyond Rodin too but I mainly enjoyed the drawings and studies / sculptures. The collection isn't grand like the ones in Paris or Philly, but still glad I visited. The drive was gorgeous along the pear orchards and views of the Gorge.

A fascinating museum located in the middle of nowhere. While I enjoyed the exhibits, I found the story of Sam Hill the most interesting part of the visit. I would also recommend taking the time to stroll around the far eastern end of the property and read the posted plaques which give the history of the area. If you have a nice day, this is not a bad spot to bring a picnic lunch and a bottle or three of wine.

A large Rodin exhibit, an impressive Native American Indian exhibit, a Loie Fuller exhibit, outdoor sculptures from Portland artist Mike Suri, an extensive collection from Queen Marie of Romania and fashions of post-World War II France set in the Théâtre de la Mode...and so much more. WOW! All for $9 per adult. A must see.

Great variety in beautiful location...the curators do a great job giving information with the installations

This is an amazing museum in a stunning location. We only came for the tango lessons, but were able to walk the lovely grounds and see all the outdoor art. On the way downstairs to the tango lesson room, we were able to view their exceptional chess collection. These used to be in a really uncomfortable viewing space. So lovely now. For sure this place is worth a visit. And we didn't even get into the galleries!

I have never been more surprised by the collection of a museum when considering the location and size of a museum. This is by far one of my top 10 museums, and I have visited many across this great nation and throughout South America and Asia. What a strange find and odd story this provides the traveler willing to stop in and spend a few hours. I hate to spoil the fun shock of what you will find. It has a variety of things from the area, modern art, and artifacts from the Romania Royalty. Parking is good, there is an elevator inside for those unable to use the stairs, a small cafe and coffee shop as well. We brought a picnic and enjoyed the lawn area with a nice shade tree and views of the Columbia River. I encourage anyone to go take a look and find out more about Sam Hill and his gift to all of us. Side note...travel down the road, back North on the highway about 4 miles to Sam Hills Stonehenge war memorial. Worth it.

Great Museum to visit if you're down the gorge sightseeing. Lots of history and things to see inside. Well worth the time to explore.

Really nice museum with outstanding views of the Columbia River. Nice section on Rodin and very interesting pieces from royalty. We really enjoyed the cafe for lunch.

I feel like a princess here. Oh if only there was a way I could get my hands on the gilded replica coronation crown of Queen Marie of Romania that sits in a glass case in the main gallery of this little museum. I would have it made... Of course if that fairy tale actually came true I wouldn't be the first fancy lady to be in the presence of this steel and concrete mansion dated from 1914; the brainchild of a guy by the name of Sam Hill, who from what I gather, was QUITE the ladies man. He had to have been... I mean, he "developed lasting friendships" with a Romania queen, a sugar heiresses, and an avant-garde artist in his day, all of whom he met on his travels throughout the world as an international businessman. Yet Hill also was known for constructing the major roads that run the Columbia River gorge, and starting up a small community named for his daughter Mary. At the center was to be his home, and a place for countless guests to visit. Yet due to his extensive travels, this never became to be. Rather the getaway became a museum open to the public that features collections from Rodin, the Native People of North America, Marie - Queen of Romania, and the Theatre de la Mode. I got to see a small, but well planned temporary exhibition on some of Andy Warhol's famous faces. Not something you'd expect on in the middle of nowhere Washington. Walking the grounds and being ignored by wild peacocks that roam the site I couldn't help but get a twinge of fear in thinking that while everything is lovely, it would have been a wholly depressing place to live. To be this far out in the Columbia Gorge isn't so bad today but nearly 100 years ago, I could imagine would have been awfully lonely, not to mention a little terrifying come dusk. But what I wouldn't give to take in the night sky out here at least once. That would be an experience fit for royalty.

I've been visiting Maryhill Museum since early childhood. Up until I was probably in my twenties, I didn't find it all that unusual that such a beautiful place full of such an eclectic variety of items stood out in essentially the middle of nowhere in Washington; after all Maryhill was an old friend, and you sometimes just don't question the existence of old friend, just love and treasure them. As I grew older and learned the whole story of Sam Hill, his travels, and his vision, I learned to look at my old friend in a different light, and found that my old friend was not just anybody, but was really royalty. Once I realized that, the place and its story took my breath away. I think one of the first things I ever loved there was the Theatre de la Mode, way ahead of the Barbie doll, and I yearned for those beautiful outfits for my own Barbie dolls. These days, I'm still partial to that, but find all the icons and items from the Romanian royalty speak to me in a different way, and I feel the pull. I'm really excited about the new wing addition to the museum and also the sculpture garden, and love how they've managed to update and modernize, but still keep the focus on the main museum and its history. Bring a picnic lunch with you whether or not it's good weather. Where else do you get this kind of view with your lunch? If you let your mind wander a little, you can get a feel for why Sam Hill built his dream house here and even see what things looked like in the gorge back when he built it. That it has a little bit of a tragic history in terms of his family not wanting to live there just adds to the depth of feeling you get when you visit. And don't forget the peacocks; they actually run the place (and have full run of it as well). Maryhill has an excellent website. Google it and check it out. It's well worth it because you will find there a list of dates throughout the open season where there are free admission weekends for residents of various counties in Oregon and Washington. Figure out the date for your county, plan a trip to the gorge with Maryhill as your focus, and then fan out from there. What a great way to discover this gem and all the other wonderful things about the Washington side of the gorge (and don't forget that Maryhill Winery is right next door to the museum).

I would have given them 5 stars for the experience, but I want to see this museum continue to grow. If you haven't been, it is a great place to visit. I walked away feeling enriched. I had been wanting to stop in for years and never did. The location alone is intriguing. While The Gorge is beautiful, it is rather desolate. Once you get into the museum, you will begin to see a bit why it was built and get an idea as to why there. But, don't miss a quick trip to Mr. Hill's rendition of Stonehenge while you are there. Some of the collections are very interesting. Chess pieces, a dancer, Native American crafts and tools, and a lot of Rodin. One of the more interesting collections was from one of the early advocates of the museum. I didn't expect to see items from a Swedish royal in BFE Washington. While the new wing is impressive, it doesn't feel fully utilized, so that will be something that if it changes will warrant a new trip back. So, go there and enjoy. You won't be disappointed.

The Maryhill Museum of Art is the Pacific Northwest version of Hearst Castle. Millionaire Sam Hill had a huge art collection--there are Eastern Orthodox icons, Catholic rosaries, chess sets, Rodin, gifts from Queen Marie of Romania. Like William Randolph Hearst, Sam Hill like hobnobbing with the rich and famous. Except he didn't have Hollywood royalty. He named his estate for his wife Mary, despite the fact he fathered children with his secretaries/mistresses. There's plenty of scandal as well. Maryhill is a fascinating little curio in the Columbia River Gorge. Sam Hill even built a concrete Stonehenge in honor of those lost in WWI. Maryhill is an interesting, out of the way destination in the Pacific Northwest.

Very impressive collection, way out in the middle of nowhere as J.D. says. Also, if you have a picnic on the grounds, enjoy the white peacocks strutting around and roosting in the trees. I have never seen white peacocks, and yes, I'm sure it wasn't just the heat... Very worth your time if you're in the area.

One of my all-time favorite places to visit as a child. I think for me the majority of the draw is that I first visited as a child. Nostalgia. The location is beautiful, set in the Columbia Gorge, and you have choices of heading farther East or back towards Portland through The Dalles, Hermiston and past Multnomah Falls. If your children are museum ready, I highly recommend this as a starter in cultural excursions. If you have a few days, head further south to the John Day Fossil Bed's Museum, for a full weekend of local history.

The drive to there will have you wonder if there's really a place like this in the desert. A very pleasant place to spend the day. Very modern,3-story building. Nice café & terrace, with a great view. Kid friendly.

Wow!!! "Eclectic" is a word I keep seeing to describe the collection of works here, and eclectic it is. I am a huge Rodin fan, and it was an immense treat to encounter so many Rodin pieces (along with a fascinating, unusual replica of the lost wax casting process). It's too much to absorb in one visit: beautiful pieces from the Realist school of painting, Russian Orthodox icons, treasures from Queen Marie of Romania, a vast collection of Native American artifacts, miniature French Fashion "mannequins" ... Really it's pointless for me to try to list everything there (everyone already has, and it's on their website as well). What I could say is that I'm an average art consumer, having taken some Art History and painted a bit myself. Volume and pretentiousness have not often impressed me: in Paris I much preferred the Musee D'Orsay to The Louvre (the latter seeming like Home Depot of art), and I prefer the little museums in Portland and Eugene Oregon, to the big one in San Francisco. It's difficult to follow the connection between all the different types of displays (in part because I went backward, in part because it's overwhelming to take in such variety in one visit), but I think this would be a delightful place to visit often, to ponder one section at a time. I wish it were closer to Portland!

This place is a true gem. This museum has several Rodin sculptures and studies he used to create many of his works.The Queen of Romania was a personal friend of Sam Hills(The founder of this museum) gave her Coronation gown, crown ,and several other pieces to this museum.The museum also has a large Native American collection with pottery baskets and other artifacts.This museum is quite literally out in the middle of nowhere and to have an art collection like this is really impressive.

We went to both the Stonehenge and the Museum. There is so much history behind the museum, its quite fascinating. If you are into Art, then this is the place to go, although the drive can be trying at time (1.5 hrs from Portland area), it is definitely worth going (if you are at the Maryhill museum, stop by Maryhill Winery down the road for some good music and wine tasting, and concerts when they do have them.) From the looks of it, they recently added onto this museum and did quite well keeping the style and structure of it congruent to the original building. The museum itself has tons of great pieces of art and artifacts that our very old and valuable. There is quite a bit of history behind the museum itself and how it came to pass. I wont spoil it for any of you, its a must-see if traveling through the gorge.

It should be noted that this review is for the museum grounds only. I did not go inside. The grounds are peppered with over a dozen picnic tables under trees which give much needed shade in summer. It is a really great place to have a picnic--which is what we did--when driving from Vancouver to Maryhill.

What a freakin' trippy surprise. The art collections housed in this mansion are so varied. From the Queen of Romania's furniture, designed and even hand-crafted by her, to the Theatre de la Mode, a Parisian creation post WWII to bring the designs of the couture houses of Paris to the world in miniature...we are talking apparel, accessories, and shoes. One dress was created by the house of Balmain. They are staged beautifully, and the detail is insane. Totally worth the 2-2.5 hour trek from Portland, OR. Head over to the Oregon side for a bite of lunch in one of the many Hood River eateries.

What an amazing property. The view is breathtaking. The price to get in is a little steep at $9.00 for a small museum, but I guess they need it for the upkeep of the property. This property has an interesting story about it and its owner. Worth the trip.

This is an AMAZING collection, housed in a historical building in the middle of nowhere. Don't miss it! You may never be this way again.

This is not an art museum--it's a collection of curiosities for the pseudo-highbrow. At most half a dozen of the "art" works are worth looking at. (I exempt from my evaluation the icons--I have no expertise by which to judge the significance of the small collection on display). The paintings on display were almost all done by painters of no consequence who were well over a hundred years behind the significant developments in art at the time they painted. I don't understand the people who've written reviews here talking about how great the art is--that would be like calling some current unknown Pete Seger imitator a great rock and roll pioneer. And with three or four exceptions, the paintings not even noteworthy on intrinsic merits if you ignore their outdatedness and complete lack of cultural significance. The only thing here that might have been of significance is the material on Loie Fuller--because, I have since learned, she was in fact an important pioneer of dance who has been utterly forgotten. I appreciate having her called to my attention. But I had to come home and do some research to find out anything of significance--the museum display is mostly empty hagiography, not educative. As for the Rodin collection, there are only about four finished pieces, plus a bunch of insignificant quick-sketch line drawings. The finished pieces are exquisite, even breathtaking. But "the largest Rodin exhibit in blah, blah, blah"? Nearly all the "sculptures" are plaster models, and not even finished ones.If whoever took out Joseph Conrad's trash had pulled out the carbon copies of all his first drafts and saved them, they'd have a much better right to claim "the largest collection of Conrad manuscripts." If you like chess sets, dolls, and royal furnishings, you'll probably like the place. And the setting is beautiful. If you're out in the Gorge already and have nothing better to do with nine bucks (and if not for about half a dozen pieces, buying nine bucks worth of toothpicks and sticking them under your fingernails would be more fun), you might as well go.

A must see in Washington. The history is great, the area is beautiful, and they have permanent and current exhibits. Always worth the drive on a nice day! Take a picnic lunch and sit outside in the nice yard.

A great collection of art in the middle of the gorge. Housed in the home Sam Hill built, this is a wonderful place to stop. Theatre de la Mode, Rodin, Queen of Romania's dazzling furniture, a Native American collection.... My granddaughter and I can certainly picture ourselves living here... Beautiful grounds, fantastic view.... Yep, we can be the ladies of the manor.....as we sit on our gilded chairs admiring MY crown.

If you like museums you should have no trouble here. It seems a rather odd place to be viewing these items. And it is sometimes hard to wrap your brain around the fact that he went through all the trouble to build this for his wife and she didn't like it. There is some unique items here....I should let you discover them on your own, but the chess sets were choice. The Throne was amazing...and the playing card press caught my attention.

The Maryhill Museum of Art is an amazing place, all around. It's such an odd location for the large mansion that Sam Hill built. But the view of the Columbia Gorge and the river below is a work of art in itself. There is something for everyone at this museum. From the sculptures and peacocks all over the garden, to the royal furniture inside to the collections of chess sets from all over the globe. It's a shame that I couldn't spend more time here! I definitely hope to visit again soon. It's an fantastic drive to and from this fairly remote location. It well worth seeing the sights in and around the Columbia Gorge while visiting.

This place is spectacularly beautiful! Located on the Washington side of the Gorge, we have always tried to stop when driving through. The grounds are amazing, with surprising sculptures everywhere! For such a small museum, I found it to be diverse and interesting. My only problem, and its a big one, is its complete lack of child friendliness. They really should just go ahead and post "no children" signs. The staff was simultaneously unwelcoming and hovering. Maybe they could relax a bit when they see that the parents are responsible and it's an off season quiet weekday. Art should be available to everyone, especially kids.

Sam Hill's Maryhill Mansion was constructed in 1914. Sam was an eccentric retired lawyer and road-builder. He bought 26 acres in the middle of nowhere (on a cliff overlooking the Columbia River) and developed the barren grounds into green gardens with big, shady trees. It's called Maryhill after Sam's wife Mary. It's a weird place. Driving down the Columbia River, the Washington side is a rocky wasteland, devoid of plants and trees. Maryhill is an oasis. There are at least twenty peacocks roaming the grounds freely. The albino peacock's name is Fredrick. The mansion was converted to an art museum in 1940. It features a uniquely impressive series of collections, including many works by Rodin, a rare Andy Warhol exhibit, Russian and Romanian royal artifacts, funky chess sets, beautiful Native American pottery, an exhibit dedicated to dancer Loie Fuller, Art Nouveau glassworks, an amazing personal art collection. In the middle of friggin' NO-where! The peacocks are hella tame, and they will pose for cool pictures. There is a full-size replica of Stonehenge on the grounds, built between 1918 and 1930, the nation's first WW1 monument.

Nice stop along the Gorge. The exhibit of Native American art was by far the best collection we've seen, and a beautiful tribute to the people of our country who were tragically destroyed by white settlers who brought disease, violence and hate into their land. 5 stars for this. The Rodin exhibit was interesting but overall, the rest of the art wasn't anything that slowed us down to stare at, and there seemed to be a bit of hero worship in what was written about the original owners, etc. that kind of freaked me out. Three stars for this. Wish we could have purchased snacks. The view was great but the grass-filled grounds came across very awkward as they didn't match the natural landscape at all - seemed a bit bougie. $9 for entry was a bit steep for such a small place. We're glad we checked it out, but it's not a place we'd come back to.