Cat in Repose

Cat in Repose is a limestone sculpture depicting a resting feline figure located at the intersection of Southwest Fifth Avenue and Morrison Street in downtown Portland. The work measures approximately 3 feet by 4.3 feet (1 meter by 1.3 meters) and sits prominently within the Portland Transit Mall corridor.

The sculpture was created by artist Kathleen McCullough in 1977 as part of Portland's public art development during that period. Its inclusion in the Portland and Multnomah County Public Art Collection through the Regional Arts Council established it as a permanent fixture in the city.

Families and children gather here to touch and explore the stone surface, making it an interactive meeting place in the heart of downtown. The sculpture has become a destination where visitors engage directly with public art rather than simply viewing it from a distance.

The sculpture sits along the Portland Transit Mall at Southwest Fifth Avenue and is freely accessible to visitors year-round with no admission requirements. Its central downtown location makes it easy to reach and view from multiple angles as you walk through the area.

The limestone surface shows different textures from decades of hands touching and children climbing on it during warm weather and throughout the seasons. These wear patterns tell the story of countless visitors who have engaged directly with the artwork.

GPS coordinates: 45.51914,-122.67732

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:01