Samuel Hill (1857-1931) bought 7,000 acres of land adjacent to the Columbia River where he envisioned establishing a Quaker farming colony. He put up a church, hotel, store, offices, garage and shops. As a promoter of paved roads, his engineers built ten miles of experimental roads—the first paved rural roads in Washington. His planned colony failed and fire eventually destroyed all of the buildings (they were never occupied).
Hill also began construction of an old-world chateau which was originally intended as his private residence. When his planned community failed—a community which he had named Maryhill after his daughter—he abandoned the work on the chateau. However, the famed dancer Loie Fuller, who was a close friend, convinced him to make his unfinished house into a museum. In 1926, Queen Marie of Romania, another close personal friend, spoke at the dedication of the museum. It wasn’t until 1940, however, that the museum actually opened to the public. At this time, both Hill and Fuller were dead, and another close friend, Alma Spreckles (the famed sugar heiress) continued to exert influence over the museum.
The museum today is surrounded by expansive lawns, shade trees, and picnic areas. The William and Catherine Dickson Sculpture offers visitors an opportunity to experience large-scale outdoor sculpture. Photographs of some of these sculptures are shown below.
Shown above is Rehoboth done in 2012 by South African artist Andries Fouries.
Shown above is Quantum Man done in 2007 by Germain artist Julian Voss-Andreae.
Shown above is The Grace of Blue by Eugene, Oregon, sculptor Jeffrey Weitzel. This bronze was made in 2001.
Shown above is Paterra, a steel sculpture by Arizona artist Heath Krieger. This work was done in 1991.
Shown above is Reveal Line, a steel sculpture by Portland artist Mel Katz. This work was done in 1994.
Shown above is Diana’s Stag by Portland artist Joseph Warren. This 2007 piece was made from tools and gears gathered at an abandoned mine after a wildfire had scorched the surrounding forest.
Shown above is Folded Fan by Portland artist Devin Laurence Field. This piece was made in 2008.
Shown above is Malabar Bombax by Matt Cartwright. This piece was created in 2009.
Shown above is Moon Temple by Seattle artist Leon White. This piece was created in 2006.
Shown above is Fertility Petroglyph by Portland artist Jill Torberson.
Shown above is Queen for a Day by Tom Herrera of Mosier, Oregon. This 2006 work was inspired by the royal furniture of Queen Marie of Romania.