Kotzschmar Organ
Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle Street, Portland | 2014 Preservation Award Winner
The Issue
Named after Herman Kotzschmar, a German immigrant who became a leading musical performer in early 20th century Portland, the organ was installed in City Hall Auditorium in 1912 as a gift from Cyrus Curtis. The organ was enlarged in 1927 and now includes nearly 7,000 pipes. It is one of two municipal organs left in the United States. In 2012 the hundred year-old 50-ton instrument was in need of repair, the wind chest was leaking air and valves needed to be restored or replaced.
Our Position
In a private/public partnership the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ raised $1.25 million for the project and the City contributed an additional $1.25 million raised through a $2/ticket surcharge for Merrill Auditorium events. The project restores an iconic symbol of Portland’s artistic history to be enjoyed for future generations.
Greater Portland Landmarks awarded the Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ and the City of Portland a 2014 Preservation Honor Award to celebrate their herculean effort to preserve this unique element of Portland’s municipal and musical heritage.
2014 Preservation Award Winner!
Project Team:
Foley-Baker, Inc., Organ Builders
Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ, Project Manager
City of Portland, Owner and Financial Partner
Press
Signs of new life for Portland's Kotzschmar Organ Portland Press Herald
Portland's Famed Kotzschmar Organ Sings Again after $2.5 Million Restoration MPBN
Quick Links
The Kotzschmar Organ Friends of the Kotzschmar Organ (FOKO)
Kotzschmar Organ PortTix
What you Can Do
Attend a concert of the Kotzschmar Organ!
Support the advocacy efforts of Greater Portland Landmarks