Top 20 best museums in Portland

The Oregon Zoo is situated in the vibrant city of Portland, in the state of Oregon, United States. This location makes it easily accessible for both local residents and tourists alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife from around the world.

The Portland Art Museum, located in Portland, Oregon, holds the distinction of being the oldest art museum on the west coast and the seventh oldest in the United States. Established in 1892, the museum has a rich history that adds to its charm and appeal for visitors.

The collection of this museum consists of various anomalies, peculiarities and mysteries. Learn more about UFO/UAP/Aliens, Sasquatch, Urban Legends and more. Have fun with and take photos of interactive exhibits you can be a part of. Also home to several strange and lesser known artifacts of Portlan

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a technological museum that is situated in Portland, Oregon. It is located on the banks of the Willamette River, providing a scenic location for visitors. The museum is known for its focus on technology and science, making it an interesting destination for those interested in these fields.

The World Forestry Center, located in Portland, Oregon, is a nonprofit educational institution that was established in 1964. The actual building, which is situated near the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park, opened its doors to the public in 1971. The center was initially known as the Western Forestry Center, but its name was changed in 1986 to reflect its global focus on forestry.

The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) is a railway museum located in Portland, Oregon. It is home to three steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland. These include the Southern Pacific 4449, Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700, and Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. 197. The first two locomotives are restored and operable, offering a unique glimpse into the history of rail transportation.

The Portland Japanese Garden is a traditional Japanese garden that covers an area of 5.5 acres. It is located in the city of Portland, Oregon, in the United States. This expansive garden offers visitors a chance to experience the tranquility and harmony of a traditional Japanese garden without leaving the country.

Leach Botanical Garden is a sizable 16-acre botanical garden situated in the outer southeast region of Portland, Oregon. It is conveniently located near S.E. 122nd Avenue and Foster Road, making it easily accessible for visitors.

The Pittock Mansion is a grand residence constructed in the French Renaissance style. It is situated on the Tualatin Mountains, to the west of downtown Portland. This location offers visitors a unique perspective of the city, as the mansion is elevated approximately 250 meters above the city center. The mansion's architectural style and its scenic location make it a notable point of interest for tourists visiting Portland.

Hoyt Arboretum is a public park located in Portland, Oregon. It is part of the larger Washington Park complex and covers an expansive area of 189 acres. The arboretum is situated atop a ridge in the Tualatin Mountains, approximately two miles west of downtown Portland. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of flora while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is an organization that has been in existence since 1898. It is dedicated to exploring and sharing the history of the Oregon Country, which extends beyond the borders of the state of Oregon. The society operates the Oregon History Center, which houses the Oregon Historical Society Museum in Portland. This museum is a key part of the society's efforts to preserve and share Oregon's rich history.

The Lan Su Chinese Garden, previously known as the Portland Classical Chinese Garden, is a significant cultural landmark in the Chinatown area of the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood in Portland, Oregon. This walled Chinese garden spans an entire city block, covering approximately 40,000 square feet. It offers a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Chinese culture and history right in the heart of Portland.

Five Oaks Museum, previously known as the Washington County Museum, is a historical museum situated in Washington County, Oregon, United States. The museum is located at the Rock Creek campus of Portland Community College (PCC), which is to the north of Beaverton, Oregon.

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden is a botanical garden situated between Reed College and the Eastmoreland Golf Course in southeastern Portland, Oregon. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors who are in the area for other activities, such as golfing or visiting the college.

Blue Sky Gallery, also known as The Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts, is a non-profit exhibition space located in Portland, Oregon. The gallery is dedicated to showcasing contemporary photography, making it an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike. It provides a platform for both local and international artists, offering a diverse range of photographic styles and themes.

Movie Madness Video is not just a video rental shop, but also a museum of film history. It is located in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Portland, Oregon, in the United States. This unique combination of a rental shop and museum offers visitors a chance to explore the history of film while also having the opportunity to rent a movie of their choice.

The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a history museum situated in the heart of downtown Portland, Oregon. This museum is a significant cultural institution that provides visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Oregon's rich history. It is easily accessible and located in a vibrant area of the city, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring Portland.

The Portland is currently home to the Oregon Maritime Museum, which owns the ship. The museum acquired the ship in 1991, nearly ten years after its retirement. Restoration work began with the intention of turning it into a stationary museum ship. The interest and fundraising for the project exceeded expectations, and $700,000 in donations allowed the Portland to be restored to a working and navigable state. The restoration work was completed in 1993, with occasional passenger trips until the Coast Guard inspected the ship in 2001 and halted passenger operations until the ship could pass inspection. The museum raised an additional $480,000, volunteers put in an additional million dollars in labor over seven years, and the ship was allowed to serve passengers again in 2008.

The Portland Police Museum showcases a variety of artifacts that provide insight into the city's law enforcement history. Visitors can expect to see a range of items, from historical documents to old uniforms, that tell the story of Portland's police force over the years.