Portland's Iconic Thompson Elk Fountain to Return After Six-Year Absence

The beloved statue will be reinstalled atop a renovated fountain in Downtown's Plaza Blocks in April 2026.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:15pm by Ben Kaplan

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring the Thompson Elk statue repeated in a grid pattern, capturing the pop art spirit of this historic Portland landmark.The return of Portland's iconic Thompson Elk Fountain will revive a beloved civic landmark and community gathering place.Portland Today

After being absent from its plinth for six years, Portland's iconic Thompson Elk statue is set to make a grand return to its original location in Downtown's Plaza Blocks on April 12, 2026. The celebration will feature a dedication ceremony, musical performances, community booths, giveaways, and food trucks to mark the occasion. The return of the elk is the culmination of a multi-year effort involving various city departments and community partners to restore the historic fountain and secure funding for the $1.8 million project.

Why it matters

The Thompson Elk Fountain has long been a beloved landmark and gathering place in downtown Portland, serving as the city's unofficial mascot. Its return will restore an important piece of Portland's civic and cultural identity after the fountain was damaged during protests in 2020 and subsequently removed for repairs and renovations.

The details

Built in 1900, the Thompson Elk Fountain was named after its benefactor, former Portland mayor David P. Thompson. The 9-foot, 3,000-pound bronze elk statue was sculpted by New York artist Roland Hinton Perry, while the granite base and fountain were designed by H.G. Wright. In 2020, fires set at the fountain's base during racial justice protests caused damage to the historic stonework, and an inspection revealed the elk statue was not properly secured, prompting its removal for safety reasons. In 2022, the City of Portland partnered with the Portland Parks Foundation to commission a design and feasibility study for the fountain's restoration, leading to a $1.8 million contract with Cedar Mill Construction Company to complete the project.

  • The Thompson Elk Fountain was built in 1900.
  • The elk statue was removed from its plinth in 2020 due to damage and safety concerns.
  • In March 2022, the City Council unanimously passed a resolution to restore and return the fountain to its original location.
  • In 2023, the City secured $2.2 million in funding for the restoration project.
  • The $1.8 million restoration contract was awarded to Cedar Mill Construction Company in 2024.

The players

David P. Thompson

The former mayor of Portland from 1879 to 1882 who commissioned the Thompson Elk Fountain as a tribute to the city's wildlife.

Roland Hinton Perry

The New York City artist who sculpted the 9-foot, 3,000-pound bronze elk statue that sits atop the fountain.

H.G. Wright

The architect who designed the granite base and fountain structure for the Thompson Elk Fountain.

Dan Ryan

The Portland City Councilor who championed the restoration and return of the Thompson Elk Fountain.

Carmen Rubio

The former Portland City Commissioner who co-sponsored the resolution to restore the fountain.

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What they’re saying

“The Thompson Elk Fountain centers this section of Downtown Portland with welcoming public art. When one comes to the area to testify at City Hall, serve on jury duty, or visit with a federal judge, the elk has always been there to remind you that you were in a special place.”

— Dan Ryan, Portland City Councilor

“Thank you for announcing, but most importantly pushing for, the full rebuilding of the Thompson Fountain. This is very important to the city and art needs to be preserved for all of us, past, present, and future.”

— Anonymous Portland Resident

What’s next

The Thompson Elk Fountain is scheduled to be reinstalled and unveiled to the public on Sunday, April 12, 2026, with a dedication ceremony and community celebration.

The takeaway

The return of the iconic Thompson Elk Fountain represents the resilience of Portland's civic pride and the community's commitment to preserving its historic landmarks. After a challenging period of damage and removal, the fountain's restoration will reestablish a beloved gathering place and symbol of the city's identity.