THE 10 BEST Museums in Portland
Museums in Portland
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Museums
Traveler rating
Neighborhoods
Good for
68 places sorted by traveler favorites
Art Museums • History Museums
Pearl
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Open now
Speciality Museums
Northwest District
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Open now
History Museums
Downtown
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Temporarily closed
Speciality Museums
Old Town - Chinatown
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Open now
Art Galleries • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Art Galleries
Old Town - Chinatown
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Open now
History Museums
Sellwood - Moreland Improvement League
Art Galleries
Pearl
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Open now
Art Galleries
Old Town - Chinatown
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Open now
Art Galleries
Northwest District
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Open now
Art Galleries • Educational sites
Open now
Art Galleries
What travelers are saying
- tleeEvansHouston, TX888 contributionsWhen here, for a brief visit as our son and his family, do you belong, we took our granddaughter there up to let her play and visit some of the exhibits. They have a wonderful little playground for young children with a lot of hands-on water, activity, and building and climbing which she spent most of the time at we did, then venture over into the section next to the playground, and had some wonderful exhibits there that were very interesting. I would have loved to been able to spend more time to thoroughly go over everything, but it is a wonderful museum. Great for families with children.Written January 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Bill RSimi Valley, CA117 contributionsThoroughly enjoyed my visit to the museum. Chock full of world class pieces of art. From Renoir, Monet, Gauguin, Picasso, to Van Gogh (on loan) it was time well spent. Sculptures, free-form displays, as well as Native American and other artifacts from around the world. The BLM exhibit was especially enlightening and moving.Written August 25, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- julijoyeuxBordeaux, France149 contributionsWe came across this museum by chance...and then spent over 3 hours reading about Oregon history and enjoying the well thought out exhbits, rooms, and memorabilia. Well done!Written October 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- David J17 contributionsA very low keyed informative museum on Jewish history primarily in Portland. My wife is Jewish so we have been to other museums on Jewish history. The others we visited centered around the Holocaust. This one had a lot of local history which was nice. Well worth the admission charge and time.Written August 11, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ldbrad645 contributionsThe 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 May 29, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ray LGreensboro, NC41 contributionsI 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 June 12, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Reisiger1223Leonberg, Germany486 contributionsIf you are interested in maritime history you should visit the tug Portland, which houses a museum dedicated to Portland’s maritime past. This vessel operated from 1947-1981 and is the last stern-wheel tugboat left in the United States. You can visit the bridge and the engine room, which makes you really appreciate the men who operated this vessel, as operating a steam plant and navigating a river tied up to another vessel are no easy feats. The museum vessel is currently manned and operated by volunteers who are happy to share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for this vessel.Written March 6, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ColoAvsPuckheadWestlake, OH219 contributionsLocated 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 August 18, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- deborahtragaszJefferson City, MO424 contributionsI came as a movie junkie intent on seeing all the costumes and props from iconic films. I'm a lifelong Wizard of Oz fan so seeing Professor Marvel's pants was a very big deal for me. Other highlights included Anne Miller's tap shoes, Julie Andrew's dress from The Sound of Music, a knife from Psycho, a suite from Sunset Boulevard, and a chair from Titanic.
I was also impressed by their selection of films. And alcoholWritten October 1, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - surfonmtMontana191 contributionsWent to see Robert Frank's "street photos." Limited showing: They will be shredded soon. Also saw some of his cinematography. Excellent unusual works. Don't miss this. Free; donation suggested.Written January 22, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Alan ZTampa, FL1,452 contributionsMy 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 September 25, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Travis FTallahassee, FL2 contributionsA 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 October 11, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - rrodrigues16New York City, NY28 contributionsI'm a lover of antiques with a particular affinity for old toys so you can imagine the delight at finding the Kidd Toy Museum. It did not disappoint...what a collection! We spent about 1.5 hours there (Although I typically take my time in museums so it might be a shorter visit for someone else.) There certainly is plenty to look at from old toys, banks, keys and antique locks.
If you're a fan of antiques or toys or even just unique museums, I would recommend a visit here. It was one of the cooler things we did in an already cool city.Written June 26, 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Janet208Chicago, IL59 contributionsI really enjoyed the Temples of Commerce tour. There was a good selection of downtown Portland buildings on this tour. The docent presented both architectural info and background stories about the businesses and people associated with the buildings. I plan to take more Architectural Heritage Center tours next time I'm in Portland.Written November 2, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Izabella R1 contributionGreat place to check out art of all kinds. Lots of unique and beautiful 2D and 3D art here, things you usually can’t find in other galleries. Has an authentic local feel and lots of inspiration, as well as a cute book lending library and classroom. Stopping in is a definite must!Written November 20, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Portland
- These are the best places for kid-friendly museums in Portland:
- Oregon Historical Society
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum
- Oregon Rail Heritage Center
- Wells Fargo Museum
- These are the best places for budget-friendly museums in Portland:
- Portland Art Museum
- Oregon Historical Society
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Freakybuttrue Peculiarium
- World Forestry Center - Discovery Museum
- These are the best hidden gems for museums in Portland:
- Oregon Rail Heritage Center
- Wells Fargo Museum
- Oregon Jewish Museum and Center For Holocaust Education