Whether you're a local or a tourist, spending time at a museum is a great way to spend your day. But when are the best times to go?
photo: portland art museum
Portland Art Museum
1219 SW Park Ave.
Portland Art Museum is the most traditional "art museum" in the city. From featuring classic art from the likes of Monet and Matisse, to photography, or even classic rock posters, there's great variety for everyone.
Admission: Free for ages 17 and under and members. Free admission on the first Thursday of every month from 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
photo: oregon historical society
Oregon Historical Society
1200 SW Park Ave.
Three floors of exhibitions explore Oregon's history, from its earliest communities to the present day. Discover documents, books, maps, recordings, photographs, and more seven days a week. They even have a research library if you really want to get into the nitty gritty.
Admission: Free for Multnomah County residents with proof of residency, members, and children 17 and under.
photo: OMSI
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
1945 SE Water Ave.
OMSI continues to push the limits of what a museum can be. Whether you enter the planetarium, join one of their theme nights, participate in a workshop, or take a tour of their U.S. Navy submarine, there's truly no limit to what you can see.
Admission: $5 general admission on the first Sunday of every month. Additional attractions, including planetarium shows and submarine tours, may require separate tickets.
photo: hoyt arboretum
Hoyt Arboretum
4000 SW Fairview Blvd.
Located in Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum is a great place to hike, take a guided tour, attend a class, or join a family-friendly program to expand your knowledge of trees.
Admission: Always free to explore the grounds. Some guided tours, classes, and programs may have separate fees.
photo: Oregon rail heritage center
Oregon Rail Heritage Center
2250 SE Water Ave.
Learn about Portland's historic locomotives, railroad equipment, and artifacts at Oregon Rail Heritage Center. The city's three historic steam locomotives are housed here, along with vintage passenger cars and diesel locomotives. You can also book a train ride for an extra fee!
Admission: $6 adults, $5 seniors and military, $4 children ages 3–13. Free for children under 3 and members. Train rides are separately ticketed.
photo: Japanese American museum of oregon
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
411 NW Flanders St.
The Japanese American Museum of Oregon explores the history of Japanese Americans in Oregon, from immigration and discriminatory laws to the forced incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. The museum also highlights the community's resilience, contributions, and experiences beyond the war.
Admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors, $5 students. Free for children 11 and under and Friends of JAMO.
photo: Portland Chinatown museum
Portland Chinatown Museum
127 NW 3rd Ave.
Portland Chinatown Museum is Oregon's first museum dedicated to Chinese American history. Its permanent exhibition explores the history of Portland's Chinatown and the experiences of Chinese immigrants, while the front gallery features rotating exhibitions by contemporary artists.
Admission: Visit the museum's website for current admission prices and discounts.
photo: Oregon Jewish Museum
Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education
724 NW Davis St.
The Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education features rotating national and international exhibitions alongside permanent exhibits exploring Oregon Jewish history, discrimination, resistance, the Holocaust, and human rights. OJMCHE also offers public programming, including films and lectures, and features the Ron Tonkin Family Museum Shop for unique gifts.
Admission: Free on the first Sunday of every month. Regular admission is $10 adults, $6 seniors, and $5 students. Free for members and children under 12.
photo: movie madness
Movie Madness
4320 SE Belmont St.
With tens of thousands of titles, Movie Madness' film collection is a museum in itself. The beloved nonprofit video rental store also houses an impressive collection of original film props and costumes from legendary movies. It's worth stopping by even if you're not renting anything!
Admission: Free to browse the store and movie memorabilia. Screenings and classes may have separate admission fees.