Romanian Times | August 2026

ROMANIANTIMES GOLDENDALE,Wash. (August 17, 2026)—Onehundredyearsago, anestimated2,000 people climbed a bluff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge to witness an extraordinary moment inPacificNorthwest history:QueenMarie ofRomania, granddaughter ofBritain’s Queen Victoria, dedicating what would become Maryhill Museum of Art. Today, the museum invites the public to celebrate that legacy during its Centennial Celebration on Saturday, September 19, 2026, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to commemorate the historic royal visit that culminated in Maryhill’s 1926 dedication. Visitors can enjoy Romanian music and dance, traditional cuisine, regional wines and craft beer, children’s activities, historical displays, and free museum admission. Maryhill’s story is one of vision, friendship, and an unlikely collaboration. Entrepreneur Samuel Hill imagined a world-class cultural destination overlooking the Columbia River Gorge. His dream was embraced by pioneering French dancer Loïe Fuller, philanthropist Alma de Bretteville Spreckels, and Queen Marie of Romania, whose shared belief in art, education, and international friendship helped shape one of the Pacific Northwest’s most distinctive cultural institutions. Although the museum would not open to the public until May 13, 1940, Queen Marie’s dedication established Maryhill as a place with international connections that continue today. A century later, visitors still come to experience the remarkable vision that brought these individuals together. “When Queen Marie dedicated Maryhill, she said, ‘There is a dream built into this place...a dream for today and especially for tomorrow.’One hundred years later, that dream continues to inspire visitors from around the world,” saidAmy Behrens, executive director of Maryhill Museum of Art. “Our Centennial Celebration honors that remarkable legacy while inviting new generations to experience Maryhill for themselves. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, we hope you’ll discover something new.” The celebration is expected to welcome a large number of visitors from across the country, inviting representatives of the Romanian government and diplomatic community, Romanian-American organizations, elected officials, and community leaders. Maryhill Museum of Art to Mark 100th Anniversary with Public Celebration on September 19 It’s Your Turn to be part of History! JOIN US TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS at Maryhill Museum of Art. In honor of Queen Marie, one of our four founders, enjoy traditional Romanian music & folk dancing, local history, art & kids activities! Tour the museum for free from 11am-4pm and contribute a memory to our time capsule. Themed food and beverages available for purchase. maryhillmuseum.org 35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale, WA · 509-773-3733 1926 ••• 2026 An estimated 2000 people gathered at Maryhill Museum of Art to witness the Queen of Romania’s dedication in 1926. SATURDAY SEPT 19th FREE ADMISSION 11am - 4pm Centennial Celebration BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY TO MARYHILL MUSEUM OF ART’S Centennial festivities will feature Romanian music and dance, traditional cuisine, regional wines and craft beer, family activities and free museum admission QueenMarie’senduringconnectiontoMaryhillwillbereflectedthroughout the day’s festivities. Romanianmusic and dance performances, traditional Romanian cuisine, Columbia Gorge wines, and a commemorative craft lager brewed exclusively for the centennial by Working Hands Brewery of Hood River will celebrate the cultural ties established a century ago. Visitors can also experience three exhibitions that highlight Romania’s rich artistic traditions: Romanian Folk Pottery, Romanian Embroidery, and Orthodox Icons. A commemorative exhibition exploring Queen Marie’s 1926 dedication and its lasting impact on Maryhill’s history will also be on display. “QueenMarie’svisit toMaryhill 100years agocreatedacultural connection between Romania and the Pacific Northwest that continues today,” said MichaelOros, president of theRomanianAmericanSocietyof Portland and a member of Maryhill Museum ofArt’s Board of Trustees. “It is especially meaningful that the Romanian musicians and dancers performing at this celebration are part of the vibrant Romanian community that now calls the Pacific Northwest home. In many ways, we are following in the Queen’s footsteps, celebrating the culture and traditions she brought to Maryhill a century ago.” Oros will also serve as master of ceremonies for the day’s festivities, which will conclude with the Hora Mare, a traditional Romanian circle dance celebrating friendship, unity and community. “One hundred years after Queen Marie’s dedication, Maryhill Museum of Art continues to fulfill the purpose imagined by its founders by bringing art, history, and people together in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most extraordinary landscapes,” continued Behrens. “The Centennial Celebration invites visitors to honor that legacy while helping shape Maryhill’s next century.” Centennial Celebration Saturday, September 19, 2026 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Maryhill Museum of Art 35 Maryhill Museum Drive Goldendale, WA98620 Admission is free. Registration is requested at maryhillmuseum.org/ centennial-celebration . About Maryhill Museum of Art Perched high above the Columbia River Gorge, Maryhill Museum of Art occupies a BeauxArts mansion envisioned by Northwest entrepreneur Sam Hill. The museum was dedicated in 1926 with the support of Hill’s friends and collaborators, including modern dance pioneer Loïe Fuller, San Francisco arts patron Alma de Bretteville Spreckels, and Queen Marie of Romania. Today, Maryhill Museum of Art presents new exhibitions each season alongside its renowned permanent collections, which include more than 80 works byAuguste Rodin, rare international chess sets, European andAmerican paintings, Indigenous art, and the Théâtre de la Mode. The museum’s grounds also include the William and Catherine Dickson Sculpture Park and the museum-owned Stonehenge Memorial, a full-scale replica built by Hill as aWorldWar I monument. For more information, visit: www.maryhillmuseum.org Facebook : facebook.com/maryhillmuseum Instagram : instagram.com/maryhillmuseum