Portland Museums on a Budget

I once heard “Black-Ish” creator Kenya Barris say, “When you walk past a painting in a museum, if it doesn’t make you feel something, then it’s probably a failure.” But what if you can’t even afford to go to the museum? That’s the real failure for me. Here are some local museum deals so you can feel moved without breaking the bank.

OMSI $5 Days

Five bucks will get you into the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry on the first Sunday of every month. Those days get busy, so try to buy your tickets in advance. They currently have a perfectly-timed exhibit on orcas and their complex social structure.

Quarterly Free Day at Portland Art Museum

The museum’s next Miller Family Free Day is this Friday. You can reserve a free ticket online or at the door. You’ll definitely want to check out the exhibit about my “paisano” Guillermo del Toro and how he created Pinnochio for his Netflix movie.

Related: Why Portland is a World-Renowned Animation Hub [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Oregon Historical Society

Multnomah County residents get in for free, as long proof of residence is provided. Standup comedy fans will enjoy the Bob Hope exhibit, which highlights his work during World War II. And if you’re an ornithophile (lover of birds) visit the exhibit on the birds of the Pacific Northwest.

Want more museum deals? Here’s how your library card can get you into a cultural institution for free.