Find The Complete List of the 10 Best museums inPortland Museum

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, commonly referred to as OMSI, is a hub of hands-on learning and exploration designed for visitors of all ages. Located along the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, OMSI spans over 219,000 square feet of exhibit halls, laboratories, and planetariums.

The museum features five main exhibit halls: Earth Science, Life Science, Turbine Hall, Science Playground, and the Featured Exhibit Hall, which hosts various temporary exhibits that traverse topics from the human body to robotics and environmental science.

Notably, OMSI also houses a large-screen theater and a submarine — the USS Blueback — which is moored at its dock. OMSI’s commitment to making science accessible and fun makes it a beloved destination for families, school groups, and science enthusiasts.

Visitors can also explore the Oregon history day digital at the museum and library section, connecting past innovations to future technologies. The museum’s exhibits venue includes a range of educational and entertaining features.

The Portland Art Museum, established in 1892, is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and ranks among the top 25 largest art museums in the United States. Located in downtown Portland, the museum is renowned for its impressive collection of over 42,000 objects that cover a wide range of art history from ancient times to the modern day.

The museum’s extensive collection includes Native American art, English silver, graphic arts, Northwest and Asian art, modern and contemporary art, and photography. This institution not only serves as a keeper of artistic heritage but also as a vibrant cultural venue that hosts numerous exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, and educational programs that serve the community.

Additionally, visitors can experience Oregon history through curated art tours, integrating the rich local heritage with global artistic expressions. The venue rental at the museum supports a variety of public and private events.

Situated within Washington Park in Portland, Oregon, Hoyt Arboretum encompasses 190 acres of a living museum, cradling a diverse collection of over 2,300 species of trees and plants from around the world.

It is especially recognized for its collection of conifers and its extensive assemblage of magnolia trees. The arboretum’s 12 miles of hiking trails and accessibility year-round make it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone interested in learning about different plant species and their ecosystems.

Educational programs, guided tours, and volunteer-led activities offer further insight into plant science and conservation efforts. Experience guided curriculum tours in Oregon that highlight the unique flora and ecological importance of the region, enhancing the reciprocal membership benefits for society members.

Located adjacent to the Hoyt Arboretum in Portland’s Washington Park, the World Forestry Center is a nonprofit educational institution dedicated to promoting sustainable forestry practices and offering educational programs about the importance and diversity of forests.

With interactive exhibits and dynamic programming, the center seeks to educate the public about the global impact of forests in environmental protection, sustainable living, and economic development. The Discovery Museum at the center provides hands-on experiences that engage visitors of all ages in the complexities of forest ecosystems and the challenges of forest management.

Tours Oregon history of forestry enrich the visitor experience with local and global perspectives on forest conservation.

The Oregon Historical Society, located in downtown Portland, is devoted to putting the rich history of Oregon on display and making it accessible to the public. Established in 1898, the society manages a vast collection of artifacts, photographs, maps, manuscript materials, books, films, and oral histories.

Its permanent and rotating exhibits highlight significant aspects of Oregon’s past, focusing on both the major events and the everyday lives of Oregonians. The society also offers a variety of lectures, programs, and events that encourage an understanding and appreciation of Oregon’s history and its relevance to contemporary issues.

Visitors are invited to explore the Oregon Historical Society Museum and experience Oregon history through immersive exhibits and educational events.

The Vietnam Veterans of Oregon Memorial is a poignant tribute to the men and women from Oregon who served during the Vietnam War. Located in Portland’s Washington Park, this memorial takes visitors on a winding pathway through a peaceful, landscaped environment designed to invoke reflection.

Along the path are inscribed the names of over 800 servicemen and women from Oregon who died or are missing in action. This solemn site not only honors those who served but also serves as a place of education and contemplation about the impacts of war.

It offers a unique opportunity to experience Oregon history through the lens of its veterans.

The Multnomah County Central Library, situated in the heart of Portland, Oregon, is one of the oldest public libraries on the West Coast, established in 1864. This historic library is known for its architecturally stunning building and its extensive collection of more than 2 million items, including books, periodicals, films, and music.

The library’s commitment to community service is evident through its myriad of programs that cater to various interests and age groups, including story times for children, literary events for adults, and even digital literacy workshops.

Its role extends beyond that of a traditional library, acting as a community center where knowledge, culture, and history are preserved and celebrated. Explore the history day digital offerings for an enriched educational experience.

The USS Blueback Submarine, moored at the dock of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), offers visitors a rare glimpse into the life of a submarine crew. Launched in 1959, it was the last non-nuclear submarine built by the U.S.

Navy and served until 1990. Today, it stands as a museum piece, providing educational tours that showcase the submarine’s operations and the living and working conditions of its crew. The Blueback is famous for its appearance in the film “The Hunt for Red October” and serves not only as an educational resource but also as a piece of living history.

The OMSI Planetarium, part of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, offers a captivating experience with its state-of-the-art technology and immersive presentations. As one of the largest and most technologically advanced planetariums in the Pacific Northwest, it presents a variety of shows that explore the cosmos, from constellations and planets to black holes and distant galaxies.

The planetarium is a gateway to the universe, providing educational and entertaining experiences that encourage visitors to ponder the vastness of space and the wonders of the universe.

The Portland Puppet Museum, located in the Sellwood neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, is a unique cultural gem that celebrates the art of puppetry. This museum not only displays a wide array of puppets from around the world—from traditional hand puppets to intricate marionettes—but also hosts performances, workshops, and educational programs.

The museum’s mission is to preserve the history and craft of puppetry and to inspire creativity and storytelling in people of all ages. Visitors can enjoy puppet shows, learn about the making of puppets, and even participate in puppet-making classes, making it a delightful experience for families and art enthusiasts alike.