Portland Museums

Historical Society Museum of Science Children's Museum

Portland Art Museum. One of the 25 largest museums in the country, the Portland Art Museum showcases impressive touring exhibitions and permanent collections of American, European, Asian, Native American and Contemporary art. A recent expansion added new galleries and a small sculpture court to the museum. The galleries of Native American art and Northwest art are now the museum's most impressive displays. The adjacent Northwest Film Center, affiliated with the Art Museum, shows an eclectic mix of films. Visit www.portlandartmuseum.org.

Oregon Historical Society. Located in downtown Portland, the Oregon Historic Society’s collection comprises 85,000 artifacts, including ancient objects from early settlements and objects that illustrate exploration in the Oregon Country, the growth of business and industry, the development of artwork and crafts, and maritime history. The OHS Research Library contains one of the country’s most extensive collections of state history materials, including maps, books, film and videotape, microfilm and documents. OHS Education Programs include internet resources, Folklife cultural programs, the National History Day in Oregon competition and teacher training and workshops on Oregon history. Visit www.ohs.org.  [Top]

Oregon Museum of Science & Industry. Located on the Willamette River across from Waterfront Park, this modern science museum offers fascinating, hands-on exhibits - from a discovery space for toddlers to physics and chemistry labs. Simulated earthquakes and tornadoes are favorites at OMSI. There's plenty of entertainment at an OMNIMAX theater and the Murdock Sky Theater, which features laser-light shows and astronomy presentations. USS Blueback submarine is docked here, and tours are given daily. Between mid-June and late September, Samtrak (503/653-2380), an open-air train, runs between OMSI and Oaks Park Amusement Center. OMSI is the departure point for Willamette River boat cruises. Visit www.omsi.edu.  [Top]

Portland Children's Museum. Portland Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum for children up to 10 years of age. Inspiring the imagination, creativity, and the wonder of learning, the museum features changing exhibits, arts-based programs and a public school. Make a splash in the Water Works, dig into fun in the Dig Pit, join the construction crew in Building Bridgetown, shop in the role-play Kid City Market and Café, paint your face, put on a costume, take center stage and see yourself on TV, climb inside a mini-ambulance, feed and clothe the babies in Kids Care, turn trash into treasures in The Garage, sculpt a creation in the Clay Studio, watch a performance or stage your own! Visit www.portlandcm.org.   [Top]