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The 10 Best Museums in Portland That Tell the City’s Untold Stories
- Portland Art Museum
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
- Oregon Rail Heritage Center
- Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
- Japanese American Museum of Oregon
- Portland Chinatown Museum
- Oregon Historical Society
- The Skeleton Key Odditorium
- Pittock Mansion
Ever strolled through the streets of Portland and thought about the stories behind the city? With such a mix of people and cultures, there’s gotta be some fascinating history there, right?
Portland’s got some amazing museums that really dive into that history and showcase its vibrant culture. Plus, visiting them is such a great way to spend a day soaking up art and learning something new!
My team and I have checked out a bunch, and we’ve got some favorites to share. Whether you’re a history buff or just a regular tourist, these museums are sure to fascinate you!
1. Portland Art Museum
Media credits: portlandartmuseum
Website
Address: 1219 SW Park Ave
Contact details: +1 503-226-2811
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: $$
The Portland Art Museum (PAM) has some neat facilities, like the Northwest Film Center, which focuses on cinematic arts. It also has a sculpture garden filled with cool public art installations.
But PAM isn’t just about displaying art; it’s also super committed to education and community engagement. Aside from the school programs and efforts to make art accessible to everyone, they also offer libraries and meeting spaces that are perfect for research or community events.
When it comes to their collection, PAM has over 50,000 objects! They’ve got a strong focus on Pacific Northwest art and significant pieces from Native American cultures, along with a variety of Asian artworks.
Modern and contemporary art is also a big part of their lineup, featuring work from famous artists like Carrie Mae Weems and Mickalene Thomas.
Recently, they’ve been working to diversify their collection even more, highlighting underrepresented artists.
Pro tip:
Plan your visit around special events or themed exhibitions for a deeper understanding of art movements. The museum frequently features local and historically underrepresented artists, enriching the regional art scene.
2. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Media credits: omsi
Website
Address: 1945 SE Water Ave
Contact details: +1 503-797-4000
Operating hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Price: $$
Renowned for its interactive exhibits and live performances that make learning feel like a blast, The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one you shouldn’t miss.
You’ll find a bunch of cool stuff here, like five exhibit halls filled with both permanent and traveling displays. There are also eight science labs where you can dive into hands-on experiments.
Don’t miss the planetarium, either—it’s got all the latest tech for some serious stargazing. If you’re in the mood for a movie, the Empirical Theater screens everything from educational flicks to the latest blockbusters.
The location is pretty sweet too. It’s right on the east bank of the Willamette River, offering great views and easy access from downtown.
Pro tip:
If you’re an adult, check out OMSI’s “After Dark” events for a unique mix of science talks and drinks. You can sample different liquors while learning about distillation, or “Uncorked” for wine lovers.
3. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
Media credits: peculiarium.pdx
Website
Address: 2234 NW Thurman St
Contact details: +1 503-227-3164
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM – 7 PM
Price: $
Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum is a wild mix of an art gallery and a museum that dives deep into all things bizarre and unusual.
It’s often called an “anti-museum” because everything here is made or altered by a bunch of artists who are super passionate about weird science and urban legends.
You’ll find some really fun exhibits, like an alien autopsy simulation that adds a playful spin to those classic UFO encounters.
There are also displays dedicated to Bigfoot and loads of interactive setups where you can snap photos and get hands-on with the weirdness.
On top of all that, the Peculiarium has some quirky artifacts that dive into Portland’s history and Pacific Northwest folklore. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves the strange and obscure.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to visit the shop inside! You can snag some Peculiarium exclusives like art prints and novelty items there, perfect for souvenirs.
4. Oregon Rail Heritage Center
Media credits: orhf
Website
Address: 2250 SE Water Ave
Contact details: +1 503-233-1156
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
Price: $
Since opening in September 2012, The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) has been all about preserving vintage trains and equipment. It’s a great spot to visit for anyone curious about railway history.
You’ll find a sleek engine house featuring three amazing steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland: the stunning Southern Pacific 4449, the working Spokane Portland & Seattle 700, and the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. 197.
And that’s not all—there are over 80 pieces of rolling stock, including freight cars and passenger coaches from railroads like Union Pacific and Amtrak.
If you’re looking for some fun, hop on one of their themed train rides along the Willamette River from March to September. The center also has rotating exhibits and a research library filled with cool materials dating back to the 1800s.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the chance to sneak a peek at the restoration work happening on-site! It’s a fascinating glimpse into how these vintage trains are brought back to life.
5. Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
Media credits: ojmche
Website
Address: 724 NW Davis St
Contact details: +1 503-226-3600
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: $
The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education (OJMCHC) is the biggest spot in Oregon dedicated to sharing Jewish history.
It’s packed with fascinating exhibits, like “Discrimination and Resistance,” which dives into the challenges faced by marginalized groups in the Pacific Northwest.
The museum is super interactive, with hands-on exhibits that let you explore family artifacts and engaging touch-screen interviews.
And don’t forget to check out the Oregon Holocaust Memorial outside. It features poignant sculptures of everyday items left behind during the Holocaust and granite bars symbolizing WWII railroad tracks. It’s a moving tribute that really makes you think.
Pro tip:
Check out the second floor. It’s a vibrant event space where you can catch films, workshops, and performances. Plus, there’s a kids’ corner for some fun playtime and storytelling!
6. Japanese American Museum of Oregon
Media credits: jamopdx
Website
Address: 411 NW Flanders St STE 100
Contact details: +1 503-224-1458
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
- Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: $
For those who are interested in the history and culture of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest, you must visit the Japanese American Museum of Oregon (JAMO).
The museum has some really interesting exhibits. You can learn about the experiences of early Japanese immigrants, get a feel for life in Japantown before World War II, and understand the tough times during the war when Japanese Americans were interned.
There’s also a focus on contemporary life, showcasing the contributions of Nikkei people to Oregon’s diverse culture.
JAMO goes beyond exhibits too! It actively hosts events, workshops, and programs that foster an understanding of Japanese American history and culture. It’s a great place to explore this rich heritage.
Pro tip:
If you can, join a guided tour. These tours often offer deeper insights into the exhibits and the historical context, enhancing your overall experience.
7. Portland Chinatown Museum
Media credits: portlandchinatownmuseum
Website
Address: 127 NW 3rd Ave
Contact details: +1 503-224-0008
Operating hours:
- Thursday to Sunday: 11 AM – 3 PM
- Monday to Wednesday: Closed
Price: $
The Portland Chinatown Museum really brings to life the vibrant history of Portland’s Chinatown and the broader Chinese immigrant experience in the Pacific Northwest.
One of the must-see exhibits is “Beyond the Gate: A Tale of Portland’s Historic Chinatowns.” It’s packed with fascinating artifacts that tell captivating stories through engaging texts and archival photos. You’ll find yourself drawn into the rich narratives of the past!
As you wander through, don’t miss the amazing artwork on display. Alex Chiu, known for his striking murals all over Portland, has some incredible ink drawings of community members right in the entrance hall.
Then there’s Shu-Ju Wang’s installation, which shines a light on Tanner Creek and its ties to Chinese laborers. You can explore a marble run that represents the creek’s landscape and check out educational posters that reveal its historical significance.
Pro tip:
Shu-Ju Wang’s installations actually feature interactive elements. You can engage with these activities and really deepen your understanding of the history and make your visit even more memorable!
8. Oregon Historical Society
Media credits: oregonhistoricalsociety
Website
Address: 1200 SW Park Ave
Contact details: +1 503-222-1741
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Price: $
Founded way back in 1898, the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is your go-to place for all things Oregon history. It’s packed with around 85,000 artifacts, a jaw-dropping 3.5 million photos, 30,000 maps, and loads of film and video footage.
If you’re really into digging deep, the Davies Family Research Library is like a goldmine for history buffs.
OHS is always buzzing with exciting exhibits, both permanent and traveling. You can check out “Camp Namanu: A 100-Year Journey Toward Inclusion,” which dives into the camp’s rich history.
If you want to witness the city’s transformation, you can also stroll through “Portland Past and Present,” where old photos meet new ones.
They also keep things lively with educational programs like the Hatfield Historians Forum, making it easy for the community to get involved and learn.
Pro tip:
If you love the outdoors, check out “The Mazamas: For the Love of Mountains” exhibit at OHS. It’s all about Oregon’s iconic mountaineering club and is sure to inspire your next adventure!
9. The Skeleton Key Odditorium
Media credits: theskeletonkeyodditorium
Website
Address: 939 SW 10th Ave
Contact details: +1 503-221-5424
Operating hours:
- Wednesday to Thursday: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 12 PM – 7 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
- Monday to Tuesday: Closed
Price: $
If you’re into the weird and wonderful, you’ve got to check out the Skeleton Key Odditorium. This place blends the intrigue of a museum with the charm of a curiosity shop, all wrapped up in an artsy vibe that makes exploring feel like an adventure.
Wander through themed exhibits that are sure to captivate you. The Vampire Dungeon digs deep into those spine-tingling myths, while the Mourning Practices display offers a haunting glimpse into how the Victorians coped with loss.
And don’t miss the local spooky history section, which shares some truly eerie tales from the Pacific Northwest!
What’s really cool is that the Skeleton Key isn’t just about showing off strange artifacts; it invites you to reflect on the darker sides of human history and existence. It’s a place that blends education with a sense of wonder, making every visit a memorable experience!
Pro tip:
After exploring the exhibits, make sure to check out the shop next door! It’s packed with quirky treasures like oddities, antiques, and gothic art. Plus, you’ll be supporting local artists, as the shop features creations from around 19 different talents.
10. Pittock Mansion
Media credits: pittockmansion
Website
Address: 3229 NW Pittock Dr
Contact details: +1 503-823-3623
Operating hours:
- Monday: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Tuesday: 12 PM – 5 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM
Price: $$
Pittock Mansion is a historic house museum that gives you a peek into the city’s journey from a frontier town to the vibrant metropolis it is today.
The mansion opened as a museum in 1965 after the City of Portland restored it, thanks to community efforts to save it from demolition.
The mansion has 46 rooms filled with eclectic decor that really captures the essence of early 20th-century living. They host both permanent and rotating exhibits that dive into Portland’s history and the Pittocks’ lives.
If you get the chance to join a guided tour, you’ll get to wander through beautifully restored rooms that showcase not just the Pittocks’ lifestyle but also give you a feel for how similar families lived back in the day.
Pro tip:
Make sure to explore the beautiful grounds before or after your mansion tour. You’ll get stunning views of Portland, plus the lush gardens and walking paths are a treat.
