Yale Union -YU

I have seen people seemingly hanging out on the roof of this building.

I met with a client in Portland last week who, after several cappuccinos, suggested that I take in some of the city’s cultural offerings. Heeding her advice, I drove to Yale Union where I parked on the street and ascended the building’s side staircase.
I really wanted to like Yale Union so when I entered its top-​story exhibition space, I was pleased as to which two words came to mind: Form. Content. I’m no connoisseur but I can confidently say that the folks at Yale Union really know their stuff :)
If you are easily fatigued from wrapping your brain around contemporary art, good news, Floyd’s coffee is right up the street.
Cheers

Great event space but completely over the top regarding rental expenses, especially considering the fact that it’s a «non-​profit» $$$$$$$$$ I went to an event there a while back and was mortified when my girlfriend told me the costs.

I really enjoy the curated exhibits and events here. It’s tough to tell you what to expect since there’s quite a diversity. Check the website and you’re bound to find something great.
Bizarrely, the running exhibits seem to be largely open during working hours and not in the evening. Maybe all part of the Portlandian ‘where young people go to retire’ lifestyle?
Parking is all on the street.

In the words of Ignatius J. Reilly, «Who do these people think they are?» I feel like the place has questionable taste and the writing on their website is objectionable. Someone needs to stop reading David Foster Wallace and learn how to put together proper sentences.
Moreover, it’s a shame to see all of that space go to waste!
Another thing: the design is way toooooo complicated! Sometimes someone just wants to find a bathroom without some witty design element pointing to the toilet.
Another thing: this place is never open!
I’ve been to numerous events and exhibitions and each time I leave feeling inadvertently shamed by the organizers.
There is only street parking. The toilets do not autoflush. YU is probably is a great venue for weddings.

The first time I ever saw this space, I knew it was where I wanted to have my wedding. Now that I’m actually planning my wedding, it was my ¹⁄₁ choices for a venue. The space is simply stunning. Huge windows, high ceilings, and a stunning view, what more could someone want? The event coordinator Jenny has been extremely helpful and is always available to answer my questions. I haven’t had my wedding yet, but I’d already recommend the space.
I also work with Commonwealth Vintage Rentals and have loved getting the opportunity to work there as a vendor as well. The building is so easily accessible and working there has always been so enjoyable.
That said, I’d highly recommend this venue as a vendor and a client.

I’m really tired of hearing how hip Portland is, when just about every borderline avant-​garde event I go to is dismally supported. But okay, I get it, it’s hard to find out about edgier work and maybe some kind of space/​clearing house is necessary.
THIS, YU, is what Portland needs. Yes, as previous reviews have written, it’s a fantastic space, and it is rentable for events, but I’m so much more excited about what YU represents philosophically, and the huge void that it fills.
Edgy, interesting, challenging programs, exhibits, readings, and concerts. The John Cage centennial multi-​concert crazy in the spring was inspiring, and if the crowd wasn’t so cool and down to earth I might have mistaken the event for being in a bigger city. Great event space also for the Unilocal event in August!
SO! Support it! This is a great example of the stuff we say we love about Portland! Check out their website, and go see some stuff, TURN your brain upside down! wheeeee!

Kick ass event space! Came here for a huge party the other night and really loved the layout. The staff seemed accommodating and friendly and because the space itself is rather raw, you could really go nuts with themes here. Weddings, corporate events, raves, dance parties… You name it, I bet it can be done here. Great space for 700 – 800 standing room or 400 – 500 or so for seats and dining spaces.

This distinguished building, on a half city block, is Portland’s new art center. It has already had several art shows, including the archives of PCVA, operating in Portland from 1972 to 1987. PCVA showed emerging artists of the time who have since become megastars. Artists PCVA showed on a shoestring included Donald Judd, Robert Rauchenberg, Sol LeWitt, John Baldessari, Vito Acconci, Dan Flavin, Robert Smithson, Terry Riley, Eleanor Antin, Agnes Martin, Trisha Brown, Chuck Close, Nam Jun Paik, Robert Irwin, Meredith Monk, Chris Burden and Bruce Nauman. YU has hosted musical performances, including Fear No Music playing John Cage. Readings, lectures and artist films have rounded out the programs to date. YU has a non-​circulating library of art books.
They are the home for the next year for The Cinema Project, showing art films:
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The building operates on three levels. In the basement is a recording studio, a printing shop and a fresh water spring. The middle layer is a large open space and a space for offices — you can rent office space there for your creative business. There is a planned courtyard outside. The upper floor is primarily open space with a large kitchen and a very small library.
It is rentable for private events. It’s a darling of the art community, and draws a large crowd for its art events. It shares management with Portland’s Marriage Records, home to Rob Walmart, Valet, White Rainbow, Lucky Dragons, Yacht and other noted bands.
It’s well worth getting on their mailing list, visiting events and meeting other artists and the contemporary art community.