FAQ

Mono Space is a high-fidelity listening gallery dedicated to the preservation of music culture and the presentation of music recordings as works of art. Located in a renovated warehouse in Portland’s historic Pearl District, this nonprofit venue creates a setting for attentive listening and cultural exchange.

Listening sessions are collective deep-listening experiences. Phones are put away, the room is quiet, and everyone shares in the experience of recorded music together on our custom OJAS hi-fi system. Some programs focus on a single record, while others explore themes or are guided by guest selectors — but all invite close attention to music as an art form.

The system at Mono Space was designed and built by Devon Turnbull, the founder of OJAS. It’s rooted in the horn-loaded speaker traditions of the mid-20th century and influenced by the craftsmanship of Japanese DIY audio culture, where building and listening are treated as an art form.

OJAS systems are celebrated worldwide for their purity and presence. Each component is hand-built with a minimalist philosophy: low-power, high-efficiency amplification, highly sensitive drivers, and a clean, unobstructed signal path. The result is sound reproduction of uncommon immediacy and emotional clarity, making the act of listening feel rare and unforgettable.

Our programs are designed to explore recorded music as an art form. They include focused album listening sessions, artist- and DJ-curated events, thematic deep-dives, talks, and film screenings. Some highlight new releases, while others revisit historic recordings or overlooked gems. Every program is built to create space for attentive, communal listening.

• Gallery Hours:
  
  
• Friday, 4–6 pm — Members only
• Saturday, 11 am–5 pm — Open to the public
  
  

Other programs and events occur outside of these hours and require a ticket or RSVP.

Gallery Hours are an open invitation to experience the system in a more casual way. Music plays continuously on the OJAS hi-fi, and you’re welcome to drop in, stay as long as you’d like, and explore the space. During these hours you can also browse our library, visit the gift shop and record shop, and enjoy beverages that are always available. On Fridays, Gallery Hours are for members; on Saturdays, they’re free and open to the public.

Most listening sessions and events are 60–90 minutes, though times can vary depending on the program. Please refer to the program description on individual program pages for durations.

Listening sessions work best when everyone settles in together at the start. If the red “In Session” sign is on, the program has already begun and we cannot admit late arrivals. Please plan to arrive a little early so you don’t miss out.

Yes. Our entrance is wheelchair accessible via a ramp, and the main listening area is on a single level. For specific accessibility needs, please contact us in advance and we will do our best to accommodate.

We welcome all ages for certain programs, though some listening sessions are best suited for adults. Please refer to the program description for event-specific details.

We ask that guests please refrain from taking photos inside Mono Space. Our gallery is not designed as a backdrop for social media – it’s a space for presence, reflection, and intentional listening.

All core programs are open to the public. Membership allows you to go deeper — accessing members-only hours, special events, and borrowing privileges from the library. Learn more on our Membership page.

Most events use sliding scale reserved tickets to keep programming accessible and help manage limited capacity. A modest minimum is in place simply to help reduce no-shows.

Most events include a waitlist. If tickets become available, the next person in line is notified by email.

Yes. You can purchase a membership for someone else, or pick up a gift card that can be used in our gift and record shop (not for event tickets or memberships).

The Mono Space Library is a growing collection of books, periodicals, and reference materials focused on music culture, audio, art, architecture, and design. Visitors are welcome to browse the collection during Gallery Hours. Members have the added privilege of checking books out to take home.

Yes! The shop at Mono Space offers a mix of records sourced through local record store partners, music magazines and publications, and our own apparel and merchandise. The shop is open during Gallery Hours and at events.

At its core, Mono Space is a listening gallery and cultural venue. Private gatherings are hosted occasionally, with rentals limited to events that align with our mission and programming. For consideration, please reach out with details at studio@stratafoundation.org.

Support for Mono Space takes many forms – membership, donations, program sponsorships, and more. Every bit helps sustain a living space for music, connection, and community. Learn more on our Membership page.

We’re open to sponsorships when they feel like the right fit. Sponsorship can take the form of underwriting a single event, a series, or an entire season of programs. It’s a way to help sustain our mission while connecting your brand with a community that values music, art, and cultural exchange. For more information, contact us at studio@stratafoundation.org.

Operated by Strata Foundation, Mono Space is largely supported by private donations, along with memberships, programs, and merchandise revenue.

Mono Space is supported by the Strata Foundation, a Portland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and nurturing new frameworks for deep engagement with the arts. Through events, publications, and public programs, Strata works to sustain cultural exchange and support artists and audiences alike.

For media requests, interviews, or photography inquiries, please contact us at studio@stratafoundation.org.