Assistant to Dr. Marie Equi with patient during medical examination

Oregon Historical Society

Oregon Historical Society Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Portland Historical Sites Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Situated in the heart of downtown Portland, the Oregon Historical Society (OHS) is a leading cultural institution devoted to preserving and sharing Oregon’s dynamic past. Established in 1898, OHS offers a comprehensive, interactive museum experience for history enthusiasts, families, students, and travelers alike. Through a blend of permanent and rotating exhibitions—including the signature “Experience Oregon” and community-centered displays like “Rivers, Roses, and Rip City”—visitors encounter the stories, artifacts, and voices that shape Oregon’s identity. The museum also provides research opportunities, educational programs, and robust digital resources, ensuring access for everyone.

Conveniently located at 1200 SW Park Avenue, the OHS is accessible by Portland’s public transit (TriMet buses and MAX light rail), with nearby parking options. The museum is open daily, and admission is free for Multnomah County residents, with discounts for youth, students, and seniors. The facility is fully ADA-compliant, offering accessible entrances, restrooms, and assistive services.

This guide details everything you need for a rewarding visit: ticketing, hours, exhibit highlights, accessibility, visitor amenities, and recommendations for exploring nearby Portland historical sites. (OHS official site, Travel Portland, Oregon Encyclopedia)

Portrait of Frederic G. Young, co-founder of the Oregon Historical Society, circa 1900

Howard Sewall studies for three-panel mural 'Immigration' 1936 panel 1 artwork depicting immigration themes

Howard Sewall studies for three-panel Immigration mural panel 2 from 1936

Howard Sewall studies for three-panel mural 'Immigration' panel 3, 1936

Portrait of Lafayette Cartee, Oregon legislator and Idaho surveyor

Historical logging scene in Lower Columbia, Oregon, circa 1905 with workers and logs

Portrait of Lydia Hooper Blackler circa 1880 by L. Wilson Clark

Interior view of the Oregon History Center with exhibits and historical displays

Oregon History Center exterior building with modern architecture under a blue sky

Back view of Peter Skene Ogden Memorial Stone at Mountain View Cemetery dedicated on October 28, 1923

Steamboat Oneonta on the Columbia River in 1867

Historic Union Station building in Portland, Oregon, 1913

Map of inland land cessions prior to the Yakima War in 1855

Map of inland land cessions prior to the Yakima War 1855

Introduction
Location and Getting There
- Public Transportation
- Parking
Visiting Hours and Admission
Museum Layout and Visitor Flow
Exhibitions
- Permanent Exhibitions
- Temporary and Rotating Exhibitions
Special Events and Guided Tours
Collections and Research Library
Educational and Digital Resources
Accessibility
Visitor Amenities
Visitor Experience Highlights
Nearby Attractions
Practical Tips for Visitors
Safety and Visitor Guidelines
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action

Location and Getting There

Address

1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Located in downtown Portland’s South Park Blocks, OHS is within walking distance of several major attractions, including the Portland Art Museum.

Public Transportation

OHS is easily accessible via TriMet bus and MAX light rail lines. The nearest MAX stop is the PSU South/SW 6th & College station, just a short walk away. Portland’s bike-friendly infrastructure includes ample racks nearby. (Travel Portland)

Parking

While OHS does not have its own lot, several public parking garages and metered street parking are available close by. Recommended options include the U-Store Rose Quarter and Hollywood Market Square Surface Lot. Street parking can be limited during peak times; public transit or rideshare is recommended for convenience. (ParkingNW)

Visiting Hours and Admission

Museum Hours

Monday–Saturday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm–5:00 pm

Research Library Hours

Tuesday: 1:00 pm–5:00 pm
Wednesday–Saturday: 10:00 am–5:00 pm

The museum is closed on major holidays. (OHS Plan Your Visit)

Admission

General Admission: $11
Free Admission: Multnomah County residents (with valid proof of residency)
Children (5 and under): Free
Discounts: Seniors, students, youth (check current rates on the OHS website)
Group Rates: Discounted rates for pre-booked groups; arrange in advance using the Group Visit Request Form.

Tickets are sold at the admissions desk and online.

Museum Layout and Visitor Flow

OHS occupies a modern, multi-story building designed for self-guided exploration. Visitors enter through a welcoming lobby with ticketing, visitor information, and the museum store. Exhibition galleries are spread over multiple floors, with permanent and rotating exhibits easily accessible by elevator or stairs. The Davies Family Research Library is adjacent to the lobby, offering reading rooms, archival access, and digital research stations. Signage throughout the museum ensures a smooth and intuitive visitor flow. (OHS official site)

Exhibition Highlights

Permanent Exhibitions

Experience Oregon

Opened in 2019, “Experience Oregon” is an immersive, interactive gallery tracing Oregon’s history from Indigenous communities through statehood to the present. The exhibit features digital touchscreens, immersive environments, and artifacts ranging from tribal regalia and pioneer diaries to objects representing Oregon’s diverse communities. Themes include Indigenous history, migration, industrialization, civil rights, and contemporary life. (Oregon Encyclopedia)

Oregon My Oregon

This signature exhibit provides a chronological journey through Oregon’s development, covering Indigenous cultures, pioneer settlement, and modern milestones. Highlights include the famous Portland Penny (the coin that decided the city’s name), a 1940s mercantile store, and immersive environments designed for all ages. (Wikipedia)

Rivers, Roses, and Rip City

Launched in 2024, this exhibition explores Portland’s identity through land, water, and community themes, featuring over 500 items such as Rose Festival artifacts and Trail Blazers memorabilia, and emphasizing community perspectives. (OHS Quarterly)

Temporary and Rotating Exhibitions

OHS regularly features new exhibitions that spotlight underrepresented stories and contemporary issues. 2025 highlights include:

She Flies with Her Own Wings: Oregon’s Golden Age of Aviation (March 7–November 30)
A Changing Landscape (February 21–November 23)
“We Were All Living a Dream”: Reflections on Twentieth-Century Lesbian Feminism (April 4, 2025–March 29, 2026)
Virginia Garcia: Fifty Years of Legacy and Impact (May 2–August 3)
Care, Compassion, Innovation: 150 Years of Good Samaritan (February 14–August 31)
(OHS Exhibits)

Special Events, Guided Tours, and Programs

OHS hosts a wide range of special events, including lectures, workshops, and concerts, plus seasonal celebrations such as Holiday Cheer and the History Makers Gala. Guided tours are offered for individuals and groups and provide deeper insights into the museum’s offerings—advance booking is recommended. (OHS Events)

Educational programs include the Mark O. Hatfield Lecture Series, school group workshops, and hands-on activities for families. Community partnerships and collaborations with organizations like Portland State University and the Oregon Cultural Trust enhance the museum’s reach. (Oregon Encyclopedia: About)

Collections and Research Library

OHS preserves over 85,000 artifacts—Oregon’s most comprehensive historical collection. The Davies Family Research Library supports public and scholarly research with:

35,000+ books and pamphlets
3.5 million photographs
30,000 maps
8.5 million feet of film and video
1,000 periodical titles
12,000 linear feet of manuscripts
6,000+ oral histories

Notable collections include Lewis A. (Tam) McArthur’s Oregon Geographic Names and June Drake’s panoramic photographs. (Oregon Encyclopedia)

Educational and Digital Resources

OHS extends its reach through robust digital platforms:

The Oregon Encyclopedia: Free, authoritative articles on Oregon history (Oregon Encyclopedia).
Oregon History Project: Digitized primary sources and annotated materials (OHS Digital History Projects).
Oregon Digital Collections: Online access to photographs, manuscripts, and audiovisual materials (OHS Digital Collections).
Bloomberg Connects App: A free digital guide offering enhanced exhibit content, navigation, and accessibility features (OHS Digital Guide).

Accessibility

OHS is fully ADA-compliant, offering wheelchair access, elevators, accessible restrooms, service animal accommodations, and digital guides. Benches and seating are available throughout the galleries. The Visitor Experience team is ready to assist guests with special needs. For in-depth accessibility information, contact (503) 222-1741 or [email protected]. (OHS Accessibility)

Visitor Amenities

Museum Store: Offers books, souvenirs, and Oregon-themed gifts; purchases support OHS programs. (OHS Museum Store)
Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the museum.
Dining: No café on site, but numerous dining options are within walking distance.
Restrooms: Accessible facilities are available on every floor.

Visitor Experience Highlights

Interactive Exhibits: Engage with immersive environments and hands-on displays, such as the 1940s mercantile store and the original Portland Penny.
Photographic Spots: Capture memorable photos in exhibit spaces; personal photography is allowed (no flash or tripods).
Family-Friendly: The History Hub exhibit is tailored for young visitors, exploring identity and diversity.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring additional Portland sites:

Portland Art Museum
Lan Su Chinese Garden
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Portland Japanese Garden

All are accessible by public transit or within walking distance. (Travel Portland)

Practical Tips for Visitors

Plan for 1.5–3 hours to explore the museum and research library.
Download the Bloomberg Connects app for a digital guide.
Bring valid ID for free admission if you’re a Multnomah County resident.
Book group visits and tours ahead of time.
Use public transit to avoid parking challenges, especially during busy periods.
Check the OHS website for current exhibitions, special events, and any visitor advisories.

Safety and Visitor Guidelines

OHS maintains a safe and inclusive environment. Respect museum property and fellow visitors. For the latest health and safety protocols, visit the Plan Your Visit page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the Oregon Historical Society’s visiting hours?
A: Monday–Saturday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday, 12:00 pm–5:00 pm.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: $11 general admission; discounts for youth, students, and seniors; free for Multnomah County residents with valid ID.

Q: Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, all public areas are accessible, and restrooms are ADA-compliant.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, for individuals and groups; book in advance.

Q: Can I take photos?
A: Personal photography is permitted without flash or tripods.

Q: Is there parking?
A: No on-site parking; several public garages and metered street parking are nearby.

Q: Are there dining options?
A: No café inside, but many restaurants are within walking distance.

Contact Information

Address: 1200 SW Park Ave, Portland, OR 97205
Phone: (503) 222-1741
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ohs.org/museum/

For additional resources, consult the Portland Visitor Center.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Oregon Historical Society stands as a vibrant gateway to Oregon’s history—offering immersive exhibits, inclusive programming, and accessible resources for all. Whether you are passionate about local history or simply looking for a meaningful cultural experience in Portland, OHS delivers a memorable visit. Plan your trip by reviewing up-to-date information on the OHS website, downloading the Bloomberg Connects app for a digital guide, and following OHS on social media for news and event updates. Extend your exploration by visiting nearby attractions and engaging with OHS’s digital resources and community programs.

Begin your journey into Oregon’s past—visit the Oregon Historical Society and connect with the stories that continue to shape the state’s future. (OHS official site, Travel Portland, Oregon Encyclopedia)