Not only was Miller Hall built as a homage to philanthropic businessman Harold A. Miller, but it’s also a fine example of interior wood engineering, boasting broad-beam ceilings and breathtaking wooden architecture. During its construction in the late 1960s, a workshop, meeting room and classroom were included in the building’s design. Jump to the present day, and the large exhibition hall that forms the core of this wooden wonder hosts an array of events including conferences, celebrations and spectacular Candlelight concerts.
Located at the World Forestry Center, Miller Hall is a short 5-minute drive from downtown Portland, and the 11, 33 and 44 buses all pass by the venue. The center is nestled inside Washington Park, a 410-acre enchanting woodland home to the Oregon Zoo, a gorgeous Japanese garden and miles and miles of winding trails.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Miller Hall
1. Harold A. Miller was at the forefront of the venue’s construction
2. A fire destroyed the original building
In 1964, a devastating fire destroyed the World Forestry Center which was then known as the Forestry Building. Five years later, it was decided that the building needed replacing, so the venue’s founders including Harold A. Miller got to work. The 35,000 square-foot venue was finally finished seven years after the fire that burnt the former center to the ground, and the venue finally opened its doors to the public again in 1971.
3. There’s no shortage of wood here
Renowned architect John Storrs designed Miller Hall with a focus on wooden architecture. The natural warmth of solid wood emitted from the beams, walls and window frames creates a welcoming atmosphere inside the venue. This soothing ambiance makes this place an inviting setting perfect to host a range of events including concerts and other functions.
Candlelight concerts at Miller Hall
Candlelight continues to light up this magnificent wooden landmark with the glow from thousands of candles and the music from contemporary icons, classical music legends and iconic film scores. Tributes to Adele, The Beatles and Bach as well as dazzling movie soundtracks by the likes of Hans Zimmer will be enchanting audiences inside this architectural gem surrounded by nature. What’s more, the scores that accompany Warner Bros. studios’ most iconic movies as well as spooky soundtracks from famous horror flicks will be paid tribute to inside this magnificent architectural gem.
What else can you do at Miller Hall?
Throughout the year, Miller Hall is rented out to host an array of special events including weddings, conferences and concerts, but one of their top priorities is promoting sustainable forestry. World Forestry Center use the events space as a place to run workshops, panel discussions and meetings to help encourage sustainable practices and look for solutions to the climate crisis.
This season, Candlelight is lighting up spectacular venues all over Portland including Alberta Rose Theatre, The Old Church Concert Hall and of course, magnificent Miller Hall. Concertgoers will be dazzled by the mesmerizing flicker of candlelight and the soothing sounds of live music as gifted musicians put their own spin on some of the most iconic songs, compositions and scores ever made.