The best museums in Portland in May 2023

These are the top 20 best museums in Portland, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2023. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Portland, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Portland.

These are the best museums in Portland:

  1. Multnomah Falls1

    Multnomah Falls

    Portland, OR
  2. Oregon Zoo2

    Oregon Zoo

    Portland, OR
    The Oregon Zoo , originally the Portland Zoo and later the Washington Park Zoo , is a zoo located in Washington Park , Portland , Oregon , approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) southwest of downtown Portland . Founded in 1888, it is the oldest zoo west of the Mississippi River . The 64-acre (26 ha) zoo is
  3. Portland Art Museum3

    Portland Art Museum

    Portland, OR
    The Portland Art Museum in Portland, Oregon , United States, was founded in 1892, making it one of the oldest art museums on the West Coast and seventh oldest in the US. Upon completion of the most recent renovations, the Portland Art Museum became one of the 25 largest art museums in the US, at a t
  4. The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum4

    The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum

    Portland, OR
    The collection of this museum consists of various anomalies, peculiarities and mysteries. Learn more about UFO, yettis and more!
  5. Oregon Museum of Science and Industry5

    Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

    Portland, OR
    The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry ( OMSI , / ˈ ɒ m z iː / OM -zee ) is a science and technology museum in Portland, Oregon , United States. It contains three auditoriums, including a large-screen theatre, planetarium , and exhibition halls with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits focu
  6. World Forestry Center6

    World Forestry Center

    Portland, OR
    The World Forestry Center is a nonprofit educational institution in Portland in the U.S. state of Oregon . Located near the Oregon Zoo in Washington Park , the organization was established in 1964 as the Western Forestry Center , with the actual building opening in 1971.
  7. Oregon Rail Heritage Center7

    Oregon Rail Heritage Center

    Portland, OR
    The Oregon Rail Heritage Center (ORHC) is a railway museum in Portland , Oregon . Along with other rolling stock, the museum houses three steam locomotives owned by the City of Portland: Southern Pacific 4449 , Spokane, Portland & Seattle 700 , and Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. 197 , the first
  8. Oregon Historical Society Museum8

    Oregon Historical Society Museum

    Portland, OR
    The Oregon Historical Society Museum is a history museum housed at the Oregon Historical Society in downtown Portland, Oregon , United States . The museum was created in 1898 and receives about 44,000 visitors annually. It houses the Portland Penny that decided the city’s name. This 1835 copper penn
  9. Oregon Maritime Museum9

    Oregon Maritime Museum

    Portland, OR
    Features models of ships, paintings and artefacts - all housed on an awesome ship. Feel free to explore and learn here.
  10. Portland Police Museum10

    Portland Police Museum

    Portland, OR
  11. Tryon Creek Nature Center11

    Tryon Creek Nature Center

    Portland, OR
  12. 12

    Kidd Toy Museum

    Portland, OR
    A stunning collection of historic toys - great for both children and adults. Portland's hidden gem.
  13. 13

    National Hat Museum

    Portland, OR
    The name is self-explanatory. Hundreds of different hats are on display here. Do not miss the guided tours.
  14. 14

    Museum of Contemporary Craft

    Portland, OR
  15. 15

    3d Center of Art and Photography

    Portland, OR
    The 3D Center of Art and Photography is an American nonprofit educational institution in Portland, Oregon that opened in 2003. It was the first museum in the United States dedicated to stereoscopy . From 2003 to 2011, the Center was located in a small leased storefront on NW Lovejoy Street that pres
  16. 16

    Japanese American Museum of Oregon

    Portland, OR
  17. 17

    Architectural Heritage Center

    Portland, OR
  18. 18

    Vintage Tek

    Portland, OR
  19. 19

    Portland Puppet Museum

    Portland, OR
  20. 20

    Portland Chinatown Museum

    Portland, OR

All museums in Portland