Join Restore Oregon's Modernist Society
About the Modernist Society
The Modernist Society started in 2023 as an opportunity for design enthusiasts to meet and mingle while enjoying Restore Oregon’s Modernism-related events. The Modernist Society provides a way for a core group of people to experience our annual Modernism program together while meeting new and old friends and sharing a passion for Modern architecture and design.
In addition to educational experiences, we include social gatherings as well, providing casual opportunities to build the community.
Hear what our 2023 Modernist Society Members have to say about their experiences with Restore Oregon Modernism.
Modernist Society Membership includes:
Modernism Events
Included in the membership is one ticket to each of the following 2025 architecture and design events:
Exclusive Pre-Sale Access
Exclusive pre-sale access to claim your event tickets and purchase additional* discounted tickets.
(*for select events, quantity based on venue capacity)
Restore Oregon’s Modernism Digital Library
Members-only access to Restore Oregon’s Modernism digital library, including online tours of past Mid-Century Modern homes!
Special Event Invitations
Society members receive special invites to Modernism-adjacent events hosted by Restore Oregon, our sponsors, and other collaborating organizations throughout the year.
2025 Event Line Up
Oregon Made:
Discover Northwest
Regional Modernism
Oregon Made:
Experience Northwest
Regional Modernism
The Arc(itecture) of
John Yeon
‘First 50’ Cocktail Party
Only 100 Modernist Society Memberships Available!
Reserve Your Tickets to a Collection of 2025 Modernism Events Starting March 3rd
We hope you will make the most of our 2025 Restore Oregon Modernism experience by becoming a Modernist Society member.
For $250 per year, Modernist Society members secure access to a curated collection of private and public Modernism events listed above.
This year, we will shine a spotlight on a Modernism fan favorite, John Yeon
Featuring a One-of-a-Kind Experience:
This year, we have the privilege to offer the rare opportunity to tour John Yeon’s first and last residential projects, The Watzek House and The Cottrell House. The Cottrell House has never been open to the public, and it has been years since The Watzek House hosted any public tours. Both homes, under the care of the University of Oregon, have been receiving excellent care in restoration projects and are guaranteed to impress our Modernism community! This exciting and exclusive tour will include a three-hour window to explore both homes as well as enjoy complimentary refreshments.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
- Time: 10am - 1pm or 2pm - 5pm
- Location: SW Portland
Please Note: This Architect Spotlight Tour is only included in a Modernist Society Membership.
Architect Spotlight: John Yeon
(1910 - 1994)
John Yeon is nationally regarded as a regional pioneer in the fundamental rethinking of art and architecture for the 20th century. A native Oregonian, largely self-taught and never licensed as an architect, his brilliant designs include residences, interiors, gardens, landscapes, furnishings, commercial buildings, and museum installations.
Yeon completed the design of the Aubrey Watzek House in 1937, a seemingly modest house of tongue-and-groove cedar siding surrounding an austere courtyard. He incorporated unprecedented technical advances such as double-pane windows, a venting system, and hidden gutters and blinds throughout an open-concept floor plan with axial hallways. It is the most internationally famous house in Oregon history and was listed as a National Historic Landmark in 2011. Yeon also designed a dozen other residences, which he described as “barn style” and “palace style” out of the then-new material, exterior plywood.
Restore Oregon Modernism: Raising Awareness, Raising Funds
Your membership in the Modernist Society fuels the important work done by Restore Oregon, Oregon’s only statewide nonprofit focused on historic preservation. We created Restore Oregon Modernism not only to raise awareness of Oregon’s contribution to Modernism, but also to serve as a fundraiser in support of our preservation and educational programming. Please help us continue to fulfill our mission to empower Oregonians to reimagine and transform their communities through the preservation and reuse of historic and cultural places by becoming a member.
Our Restore Oregon Modernism Sponsors
Platinum Presenting Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors
Sponsor Restore Oregon Modernism
One of Portland’s most anticipated design and architecture events of the year has grown to a year-round event, called Restore Oregon Modernism.
Sponsorships are available that cover all events and support our work to save historic places across the state.