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Museums in Portland

Top Museums in Portland, OR

Museums in Portland

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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
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What travellers are saying

  • Isabelle F
    Portland, OR7 contributions
    Review of: Portland Art Museum
    Frida Kahlo Exhibition
    The Frida Kahlo exhibition is well-done. I enjoyed the art and the photography - the exhibition is well-curated. Recommend seeing it.
    Written 4 May 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Margaret R
    Austin, TX51 contributions
    Review of: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
    Not just for kids!
    Although it’s a great place to bring children it is also a starting place of understanding for adults. Nicely done OMSI, your exhibits are engaging, smart and in good repair.
    Written 3 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • dougofarabia
    Chicago, IL96 contributions
    Review of: Oregon Historical Society
    Enjoyed Learning About Oregon
    I found this museum a good introduction to Oregon's history. The exhibits are informative, and they highlight the state's diversity well. It was quiet on a weekday, the staff were friendly, and admission is only $10. It's hard to go wrong!
    Written 14 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • cryeager1955
    3 contributions
    Review of: Oregon Maritime Museum
    History Brought Up-To-Date
    In my experience, small museums tend to punch above their weight, and this one is no exception. The Portland steam tug was temporarily closed for repairs when my wife and I visited, but our docent, a Northwest maritime vet, refused to disappoint us. For the better part of an hour his verve and encyclopedic knowledge of the ship’s history and specs brought every inch of the old workhorse to life, much as the vessel itself returned from dereliction in the 1980’s to restored use in the movie Maverick in 1993 and cruising the Willamette River (monthly four-hour trips will resume this year, we were told). An informative and gratifying “tour” de force!
    Written 22 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Ldbrad64
    5 contributions
    Review of: World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum
    Interesting array for the forest enthusiast
    The museum had a whole array of displays from fossilized wood, to wood products, to tree sustainability. My daughter and I enjoyed the museum, especially the temporary exhibit, but noticed that several of the interactive displays did not work for a sort of pricey entrance fee.
    Written 29 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • wife2abadge
    Grand Rapids, MI103 contributions
    Review of: Freakybuttrue Peculiarium
    Bizarre fun
    What a fun place! It was well worth the $5 we paid to get in. There was a wild assortment of oddities inside, and many pictures were taken and giggled over.
    Written 1 April 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Tessa
    1 contribution
    Review of: Real Life Exhibit Portland
    Impactful Experience
    I did this tour with my newborn in tow. Everyone was so kind and informative. This experience is so impactful and heart wrenching. They do a fantastic job of helping you really grasp the enormity of disasters and balances it with showing the amazing work they do to help. I loved how you left with very practical ways that you as an individual can contribute. Definitely recommended this to all my family and friends!
    Written 24 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Alan Z
    Tampa, FL1,452 contributions
    Review of: The Hat Museum
    Captivating....Unique...Unusual...One Of A Kind Museum!!!
    My wife LOVES Hats, so when I mentioned to her that in Portland where we planned to visit from Florida, there was an International Hat Museum, she absolutely said YES!!! Not knowing anything about hat history myself (I only wear baseball caps), I called the museum director Lu Ann and made reservations for the tour. We arrived at the tour time during a Friday late morning and as it was, we had a private tour with the museum director. She is knowledgeable, all encompassing, obsessed, and passionate with hats. We spent 1 1/2 hours on a hat tour that even I became intrigued with since some of the hats related to men and their history with hats. There is a massive amount of hats and history in this two story old home that is now the museum. It was a fascinating tour through a few hundred of years of hats.
    Written 25 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • ColoAvsPuckhead
    Westlake, OH218 contributions
    Review of: Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center
    Excellent small, intimate history of Japanese in the Portland area
    Located in Chinatown, which initially was Japantown, in downtown Portland in a building that used to be a barber shop and bathhouse. Parking might be a slight issue depending on day and time of visit - we went on a Sunday and there is a parking lot across the street. We were warmly greeted at the front desk - admission is only $3 for seniors and students, $5 for all others. We were given a brief introduction to the center by the greeter, which helped orient us as first time visitors. The displays show the history of the building, as well as the history of Japanese coming to the area working in agriculture and for the railroad. It then proceeds to have displays regarding the concentration camps for Japanese-Americans during the war. It has models, documents, and personal stories that give a human touch to what can be an abstract tragedy of how people can treat “others” who are different. The special exhibit when we visited was to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Portland Taiko - it was also very well done. If you have about an hour (if you like to peruse and think your way through the display), would recommend you visit. There is also a small gift shop with some relevant books and other ethnic items.
    Written 18 August 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Larry B
    Portland, OR63 contributions
    Review of: Oregon Jewish Museum and Center For Holocaust Education
    Beautriful Mueseum
    I happened to pass by the museum as I saw they had an exhibit about Leonard Bernstein. The museum is small but the staff are very helpful and the holocaust exhibit was very nice. It is a nice way to spend a couple of hours and great for kids.
    Written 20 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Ray L
    Greensboro, NC41 contributions
    Review of: Wells Fargo Museum
    Fun and interesting little museum couples, families and solo travelers will all enjoy.
    I used to visit this little gem fairly often when I lived in Portland. It's cool because it's small enough to cover in one visit, and it's pictures, stories, and artifacts are easy to understand and comprehend. Displays are not buried in miles of text most visitors would likely end up skipping. Also the curator is often there and is friendly and informative. A great place to hang out for an hour or so. Oh and lot's of restaurants within walking distance, too.
    Written 12 June 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Travis F
    Tallahassee, FL2 contributions
    Review of: Portland Puppet Museum
    Worth your time and very genuine.
    A small space packed to the gills with all things puppet.
    Very sweet and friendly curators will give you space or spend as
    much time with you as you like discussing the exhibits.
    Passionate, genuine and kind people sharing their vast knowledge.
    Written 11 October 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • Ljh
    Santa Rosa, CA42 contributions
    Review of: Portland Police Museum
    Lots of Information
    I was pleased I found this small museum while I was visiting in Portland.
    The displays were so interesting, especially the "Arrest Logs" and the older, retired uniforms. I would say that it is a must visit for anyone with an interest in historical law enforcement.
    It is free to the public.
    Written 24 May 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • RSNN
    Portland, OR6,303 contributions
    Review of: Portland Chinatown Museum
    Fabulous Displays and Fascinating History of Chinatown.
    This museum is surprisingly vast once you walk into the main museum. There is a display of father and son photographs at you walk toward the main museum all the back. The museum has many photos, maps, and the history of the times on display.

    What I particularly like the best were the displays of artifacts. The mach-ups of Chinatown shops. And all the information about the life and times of this area of Portland.

    It is a great museum well worth visiting. It is rather sad to see the state of this area of Old Town Now. But at least you can come here and learn more about what once was Portland’s Chinatown. From the old days when it started up through its decline and its current state.

    Hours: Thursdays through Sundays from noon to 5PM
    Price of admission: Adults $8, Seniors (60 years +) $6, Students $5, Children under 12 FREE.
    Written 18 September 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
  • tumbleweedchris
    Richland, WA783 contributions
    Review of: Movie Madness Video and More
    Massive Collection
    As a tourist, my review is based on this as an attraction. It is worth visiting to poke around a business model of yesteryear. Along with the thousands of specifically categorized DVDs and VHSs, you will find some cool memorabilia. There is also a small theater that is constantly playing something. The cataloging and classification of this massive collection is impressive in itself, but the bonus exhibits make it worth a visit as a tourist. This is a great attraction for fans of cinema and nostalgia.
    Written 26 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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