WELCOME TO PORTLAND’S HISTORIC NORSE HALL – HOME TO DREAMS AND MEMORIES SINCE 1928
We are located at 111 NE 11th Ave and NE Couch St in Portland, Oregon.
The hall was built in 1928 and designed by architect Elmer Feig
Take a video tour of our building and the spaces available!
Norse Hall is managed by Norse Hall Association, a non-profit organization founded by the members of Grieg Lodge Sons of Norway in 1925 to build and operate a lodge hall for the benefit of Lodge members. Since its dedication in 1928, Norse Hall has been the home of Grieg Lodge, and has also served the community as an event venue and meeting space. Today, Norse Hall continues to fulfill the needs of Grieg Lodge, a non-profit, all volunteer fraternal organization, for its many social, cultural, educational and humanitarian activities, events and programs.
It is also available for rental to the community on a private basis. Our beautiful and historic building has several rooms from which to choose. Please contact us with any questions or to schedule tours of our facility. All rental inquiries should be directed to the Norse Hall Rental Manager at 503-972-3329, or norserentalcoordinator@hotmail.com
Facility Details
Norse Hall is conveniently located just 12 blocks from downtown Portland, in the vibrant lower East Burnside neighborhood. The building is within moments of the Oregon Convention Center and Lloyd Center District, and easily accessible by bus, MAX, or car. Private off street parking is available in the lot on the west side of the facility during evenings and weekends, along with street parking in the vicinity.
Covering a quarter of a city block, the building is readily identified by its 1930s vintage neon Norse Hall sign – one of the most photographed landmark signs in the area.
The ballroom is equipped with a PA system, stage lights, and a mid-size grand piano. Tables (6’ and 8’ rectangular, and 60” round), and chairs are also available. Wi-Fi active. From the beautiful maple floor to the original F.C. Baker chandeliers hanging from the 30-foot ceiling, the Grand Ballroom is the crown jewel of Norse Hall. It is a storied, much loved dance space – voted Best of the City by Portland Monthly Magazine in 2007, and has seen countless dances of all styles (swing, traditional Nordic, salsa, folk, old time, tango, waltz, and more) through its 90+-year history. A hand-painted backdrop of a Norwegian fjord scene has been a signature feature of the stage since the 1930s, along with the array of Nordic flags that hang along the ballroom walls.
The lounge connects to the Grand Ballroom (as desired) and offers a fully stocked, OLCC-licensed bar. Framed by its original vintage windows, the Oslo Lounge is a light-filled, comfortable space furnished with table and chairs for 50, two leather sofas, and a small electric fireplace. This room is equipped with a surround sound system, projector and screen w/PC hook-up, limited cable television, and is Wi-Fi active.
The Lodge Room on the 2nd floor serves equally well as an inviting dance floor or spacious meeting hall. The maple floors and original wall sconces give the room period elegance, while daytime events benefit from the natural light streaming through the windows along two walls. At night, the glow from Norse Hall’s vintage neon sign provides the room with a romantic glow, making it a favorite space for Argentine tango dancers. The room is equipped with a PA system, screen, tables and chairs, an upright piano, and is Wi-Fi active.
The carpeted Nordic Room on the lower floor of Norse Hall is a cozy, self-contained dining room decorated in Nordic colors and details. It includes an upright piano, and private ladies’ and gents’ restrooms.
The dining room is a charming space with hand-painted murals of scenes from Norway on both the long walls. The room is furnished with dining tables and chairs, and equipped with a PA system. A portable dance floor may be installed when needed. There is a convenient street access ramp with loading zone. The kitchen has a commercial sized 4-burner, griddle-topped range, 2 ovens, refrigeration, and 3-sink cleaning and sanitizing station. (Utensils, linens, flatware, and stemware not included).
norserentalcoordinator@hotmail.com
May I bring in food and alcohol?
No outside alcohol is allowed at Norse Hall. All alcohol must be purchased through our bar, the Oslo Lounge. Other questions about bar service can be referred to the Bar Manager at norselounge@gmail.com.
Renters may bring in prepared foods, soft drinks and snacks. Cooking is allowed only by licensed caterers, and only in the basement kitchen.
May I use marijuana at Norse Hall?
No. The OLCC prohibits its use in its licensed venues. The Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act prohibits vaping and smoking in public buildings.
Do you do catering?
No, but we can provide a list of suggested caterers.
May I decorate the room?
Decorations may be attached to walls with blue painter’s tape only. No other tape, pins, glue, gum, nails, hooks, tacks, staples, screws, or other decorations that pierce or mar walls are allowed. We are especially protective of our dance floors. Any decorations or equipment that may damage, stain, or otherwise mar the floors are prohibited.
What equipment is available in the Grand Ballroom?
The sound system comprises:
-2 x QSC K-12 1,000-watt-powered speakers;
-1 x QSC 1,000 watt sub; and
-a professional mixing board.
Our event staff will set up the sound for you. The use of our microphones, stands, and cables is included.
Use of these items at no additional charge:
-lectern;
-stage steps;
-stage lighting; and
-easels.
What AV equipment do you have?
-ceiling-mounted projector and screen in the Oslo Lounge;
-wall-mounted screen in Lodge Room; and
-we have no portable projectors or video screens.
Is Norse Hall ADA accessible?
Due to the age of the building, Norse Hall has taken these steps to make each floor accessible to people with limited mobility:
-folding wheelchair ramp for main floor entrance;
-wheelchair ramp for access to basement rooms; and
-chair lift to 2 floor, access to Lodge Room.
Please note: not all powered wheelchairs will be able to navigate some of the more cramped corners of Norse Hall, but we will do our best to make sure visitors can get where they need to go.