Maryhill Museum of Art in Washington state is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The museum, located in the Columbia River Gorge, was founded by railroad magnate Sam Hill and opened to the public in 1926. The centennial includes special exhibitions, events, and a renewed focus on the museum's eclectic collection, which ranges from Native American baskets to European paintings and the Théâtre de la Mode fashion dolls.
The centennial matters because Maryhill Museum is a unique cultural institution in a rural setting, drawing visitors from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Its longevity highlights the importance of regional museums in preserving and showcasing diverse art and history, and the celebration underscores the museum's role as a community anchor and tourist destination in the Columbia Gorge region.