A Guide to Museums in Portland

Whether you prefer a classic museum experience strolling galleries lined with paintings, or a more interactive exploration of some of Oregon’s most important industries, Portland has you covered. If you only have a couple of days in the city, all of the museums below are well-worth your time.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry – OMSI

This 219,000 square-foot tribute to science and industry includes a large-screen theatre, planetarium, three auditoriums and exhibition halls focused on natural sciences, manufacturing and technology. Highlights include a “science playground” for kids, as well as a motion simulator ride that recreates the feeling of rocketing through the galaxy, and diving beneath ocean waves. OMSI: 1945 SE Water Ave.; 503-797-4000

Portland Art Museum

Founded in 1892, the Portland Art Museum is the oldest art museum on the West Coast, and the seventh oldest in the United States. It’s best known for its centers for Native American and Northwest arts, and outdoor public sculpture garden. Upcoming exhibits include Portland-born artist Richard Diebenkorn’s surrealist-inspired paintings and drawings, as well as an entire exhibition highlighting 18 rare, streamlined automobiles and motorcycles from 1930-1942. Portland Art Museum: 1219 SW Park Ave.; 503-226-2811

Oregon Maritime Museum

Located on the banks of the Willamette River at Waterfront Park, the Oregon Maritime Museum allows visitors to explore the last operating sternwheel steam tug in the United States. Additionally, it holds over 2,500 volumes and 22,000 photographs and negatives related to maritime history in the Northwest and around the world. Oregon Maritime Museum: 198 SW Naito Pkwy; 503-224-7724

World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum

This museum, planted in the heart of Portland’s Washington Park, educateds visitors about environmental stewardship of local and global forests. The first floor of the museum focuses on forests in the Pacific Northwest, while the second floor expands the conversation, highlighting climate, wildlife, and human connection to forests across the globe. World Forestry Center: 4033 SW Canyon Rd.; 503-228-1367