What clients say about Portland Chinatown Museum in Portland (OR)
I went as a chaperone for my kid's 3rd grade class trip. Our tour guides were really engaging and the kids were riveted for over an hour. They all left excited about the history of the Chinese people. If you can't catch a tour, the information plaques are thorough, but really glad we had a tour guide for additional background (thanks Mike!). The museum was great about helping our teacher integrate the information into their lesson plan. Our family will be back. Thank you!
Educational and culturally relevant museum that showcases unknown history relevant to our local community and should be celebrated more. Well curated and weaves past and present history of Chinese peoples in the Portland area.
Overall, I would say that I learned a great deal about the history of Chinese-Americans who lived through a turbulent time here in the Portland area. The museum was clean. Apparently, they offer a language course for those interested in learning Chinese (not sure if they teach Mandarin or Cantonese). The kind woman, who is presumably in charge, gave a detailed explanation about the museum and the exhibits as soon as I walked in. Military veterans are eligible for an admission discount!
I walked in completely by chance and ended up learning a lot about the history of the Chinese and Chinese-Americans who came to/lived in Portland. The exhibits are georgously presented and Tracy graciously offered to give me a tour of the museum. I really appreciated her anecdotes and perspectives on the various periods. May the museum live long and prosper!
Excellent exhibition on Chinese American history in Portland, and Art exhibitions as well. The staff were very attentive and told us some amazing stories.
Beautifully curated and cared for. The exhibits are thoughtful and relevant to the local community. Library and shop also highlight the people in the area. Highly recommend for every history and art enthusiast!
This museum was awesome! Not very big, but its exhibits were very informative and impactful. I left having learned about Chinese in Portland history and excited to learn even more. A volunteer tour guide was available to walk a few of us through the exhibits. A very welcoming staff. I suggest reserving at least an hour for your visit, to not feel rushed. Pictures inside the museum permanent exhibit is not allowed. Much like the rest of old town, there are some homeless in the area, but don't let that deter you! After your visit, enjoy a coffee across the street at Society Cafe.
Fantastic museum highlighting the rich history of Chinese culture in Portland. Permanent collection is well displayed and gives a perspective of Portland too-often overlooked. There has been a ton of recent shows featuring contemporary artists as well as some that otherwise would have been lost to history. The neighborhood can be “lively” so be aware, but don’t let that keep you from this cultural gem!
The amount of research on display here is amazing, and it's really obvious how much the curators and volunteers care about the preservation of this part of Portland's history. The vignettes are especially cool! Budget at least an hour for a visit.
Great job curating and displaying a really important part of Portland history. There is a great exhibit by the artist Bong Wai Chen. The staff are great and welcoming to the public, letting people know the important forgotten history
10/10
This museum is comparable
To one I have seen in big cities. Amazing!!!
A lot of people try to wash away history and this is a wonderful museum To learn more about the life of Chinese American and how the laws and the exclusion laws affected them.
Grateful for this museum to give me perspective in the local history.
Only $8 entrance fee. And if you’re a student you get a discount
Excellent little museum. The guided tour was charming and the docent had personal acquaintance with family members of some of the individuals featured. He was able to give us the what became of their families that the exhibit didn't share.
Authentic artifacts from earlier Chinese American businesses and a fascinating look into the lives of some of the first American Born Chinese.
A hidden gem! Great history of Portland's Chinatown, with lots of artifacts and exhibits. On the smaller side so it won't take too long. A great place to visit if you're also visiting the Lan Su garden. The guy who offered to give us a tour had great anecdotes and insights.
Fantastic museum - extremely informative!! I would highly recommend this museum to anyone visiting Portland, and especially for those who live here (and even more so to those who live close by!). I left the museum and found myself in Wikipedia rabbit holes wanting to learn more.
Really enjoyed this small museum on the history of the Chinese people in portland. Wasn't aware of their history and thought it was well worth the $8 entrance fee.
Loved this experience! I had very little knowledge of the Chinese history in Oregon (and the larger Pacific NW region) so this is very educational and informative. Really loved the Bue Kee exhibit as well. $8 entry fee, self-guided and a general overview from the attendant (who was really sweet and gave me food recommendations!). Overall, great experience and would highly recommend especially during AAPI Heritage Month.
Highly recommended! A display of top quality; a worthy 90 minutes spent. Portland’s history is inseparable from its history of Old and New Chinatown. In the past hundred years, our world has changed immeasurably.
This museum is a must to anyone visiting Portland. My sister and I came a few weeks ago, and being from FL, I wanted to learn more beyond the quick school book mentions of Chinese immigrants on the west coast. I can definitely say I left inspired.
Of course, we learned several things that were infuriating (e.g. I thought just Britain was involved in the illicit opium trade...but U.S. merchants were too!), but I think it's important to see how the Chinese communities, from city to city and state to state, supported each other and thrived despite all of this.
Also, one of the museum attendants is a descendant of one of the movers and shakers of Portland's old Chinatown! Very cool.
Small museum, but filled with treasures of Portland's Chinese American history. I am biased because some family ancestors are featured in the permanent exhibit "Beyond the Gate". Personalized stories from the museum docent and executive director enriched our visit even more.
This is an excellent museum and an important addition to Portland's civic landscape. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience if you're interested in the history of the Pacific Northwest or of the USA.
Portland's newest Museum and Oregon's only museum dedicated to Chinese American history and Asian American Arts. Conventially located downtown, the museum provides an excellent venue space for up to 90 guests. The exhibit is very well curated with historical photographs, recreated storefronts, and antiques on display. The exhibit is small enough that you can visit it fairly quickly and the docents provide detailed information that makes repeat visits worthwhile.
Great little museum focusing on a part of history people often gloss over. Wonderfully curated and designed exhibit along with rotating guest programs allows this to be a museum worth visiting again and again
An immersive experience with a theatrical set design that brings history to life through a wonderfully visual exhibit. I learned so much about the history of Chinese Americans in Portland aligned with broader trends of what was going on in Oregon and the country. I’ve also enjoyed the special exhibits and impressive performances that have been held in the space. Best of all, the staff and volunteers are incredible to interact with to hear their stories which bring history to life!
Wonderful addition to the history of Portland and contributions of the Chinese Americans to Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Great for locals and tourists. Will plan to return and see it again as it grows.
Great musuem about Portland Chinese history and how they came to Oregon. First class musuem! Very cool and informative. Gald to see this musuem come alive, years in the making.
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