List of museums in Portland, Oregon facts for kids

This list is all about the amazing museums you can visit in Portland, Oregon! Museums are special places that collect and take care of interesting objects. These objects can be about art, science, history, or different cultures. They make these collections available for everyone to see and learn from.

We're focusing on real-life museums here, not ones that only exist online. We'll also include art galleries that are part of universities or non-profit groups. Get ready to explore some cool spots!

Awesome Museums to Explore

Art and Photography Museums

• 3D Center of Art and Photography: Imagine seeing pictures that pop out at you! This museum shows off old and new 3D images. It's currently looking for a new home, so keep an eye out for its reopening!
• Architectural Heritage Center: This center has changing exhibits about how buildings are designed and built. It's a great place to learn about the art of architecture.
• Blue Sky Gallery: If you love photos, this gallery in the Pearl District is for you. It features amazing photography exhibits.
• Cooley Gallery: Located at Reed College, this gallery showcases different types of art.
• Gallery 114: This is a special gallery run by artists themselves. They show off all kinds of art, from paintings to sculptures.
• Pacific Northwest College of Art Galleries: This college has many galleries where you can see professional art and even works by students.
• Portland Art Museum: This is one of the biggest art museums in Portland! It has art from Native American cultures, Asian art, and modern art. There's even an outdoor sculpture garden and a film center.
• Portland Institute for Contemporary Art: This museum focuses on modern art and performances. It's a place to see new and exciting artistic ideas.
• Portland State University School of Art & Design Galleries: Portland State University has several galleries that feature different art exhibitions.

History and Culture Museums

• Hat Museum: Ever wondered about hats from different times? This unique museum displays many styles of hats from past eras. You can arrange a private tour to see them!
• Museum of Odd History: This museum shares the history of the Odd Fellows group and how they helped build North Portland.
• Oregon Historical Society Museum: This is the main museum for learning about Oregon's history. It also covers science and art related to the state.
• Oregon Jewish Museum and Centre for Holocaust Education: This museum teaches about Jewish culture and history in Oregon, America, and around the world. It also includes art exhibits.
• Japanese American Museum of Oregon: Learn about the lives and contributions of the Japanese American community in Oregon. It's located in Portland's historic Japantown.
• Pittock Mansion: Step back in time at this beautiful historic house. It's a huge French Renaissance-style estate with 22 rooms and amazing views of the city.
• Portland Police Museum: Discover the history of the Portland Police Department. You can see old photographs, equipment, uniforms, and important documents.
• Wells Fargo History Museum: This museum used to tell the story of the Wells Fargo Company in Oregon. It had a 19th-century stagecoach and a reproduction of an old bank. This museum is now closed.

Science, Technology, and Industry Museums

• Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI): Get ready for hands-on fun at OMSI! This science museum has tons of interactive exhibits. You can even explore the USS Blueback (SS-581) submarine and visit a planetarium.
• Oregon Rail Heritage Center: All aboard! This center is home to vintage railroad equipment, including powerful steam and diesel locomotives and old passenger coaches.
• Stark's Vacuum Museum: This is a truly unique museum dedicated to vacuum cleaners! It has a collection of 300 items, including a very old model that needed two people to operate.
• VintageTek: Explore the history of technology at this museum. It features historic equipment from Tektronix, a famous electronics company.
• World Forestry Center: Learn all about forests, their importance, and the forest industry. This center teaches you about the natural history of trees and how they help our planet.

Kid-Friendly and Unique Museums

• Kidd's Toy Museum: This museum is packed with toys! You can see mechanical banks, trains, planes, cars, character toys, teddy bears, dolls, and holiday collectibles.
• Movie Madness Video: More than just a video store, this place is a museum of film history! It has real costumes, props, and memorabilia from Hollywood movies.
• Oregon Maritime Museum: Climb aboard the steam sternwheeler Portland to explore this maritime museum. It's a great way to learn about ships and the sea.
• Portland Children's Museum: Designed especially for kids, this museum offers many interactive exhibits where children can play, explore, and learn.
• Portland Puppet Museum: Discover the magical world of puppets at this fun museum!

Museums That Are No Longer Open

Some museums in Portland have closed their doors over the years:

• American Advertising Museum, closed in 2004
• The Faux Museum, closed in January 2015
• Velveteria, closed in January 2010
• Museum of Contemporary Craft, closed in 2016
• Oregon Sports Hall of Fame, the museum closed in 2008

See also

• List of museums in Oregon