Experience the dynamic forces that shape Oregon’s landscapes, climate, and ecosystems. Meet giant salmon, Ice Age sloths, and other amazing animals from across the millennia. Through interactive displays and rare specimens, you’ll go deep into Oregon’s past and join a conversation about our collective future.

Delve into Oregon’s story, from the archaeology of the First Americans to the dynamic cultures of today’s Tribes.

Combining interactive displays with world-class anthropological collections, Oregon—Where Past is Present shares 14,000 years of Oregon stories, and invites you to tell your own. Explore the galleries, try your hand at ancient weaving styles, test your skills as an archaeologist, and much more.

Chinese immigrants helped shape Oregon’s history. Come discover the stories and resilience of early Chinese Americans.

An exhibition presenting now and future Indigiqueer ancestors who move beyond boundaries in life and art. 

Artists: a.c. ramírez de arellaño  |  Evan Benally Atwood  |  Geo Soctomah Neptune   |  Jeffrey Gibson  |  Lehuauakea  |  Qahir-beejee Peco  |  Roin Morigeau  | Steph Littlebird  |  Walter Scott 

Curated by Anthony Hudson and Felix Furby.

Sponsored by Chachalu Tribal Museum and Cultural Center, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, and New Expressive Work. 

An exhibition presenting now and future Indigiqueer ancestors who move beyond boundaries in life and art. 

Artists: a.c. ramírez de arellaño  |  Evan Benally Atwood  |  Geo Soctomah Neptune   |  Jeffrey Gibson  |  Lehuauakea  |  Qahir-beejee Peco  |  Roin Morigeau  | Steph Littlebird  |  Walter Scott 

Curated by Anthony Hudson and Felix Furby.

Sponsored by Chachalu Tribal Museum and Cultural Center, Native Arts and Cultures Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, and New Expressive Work. 

Special Monday hours: Enjoy free admission in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day! Come see the travelling exhibit Transgressors, which investigates the intersection between queer and Indigenous identities, presenting now and future Indigiqueer ancestors who move beyond boundaries in life and art. Celebrate 14,000 years of Native culture in Oregon—from the First Americans at Paisley Caves to the dynamic cultures of today's Tribes.

What should you do when the ground starts to shake? Join Kelly Missett from the Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ) for a special walk-and-talk on International ShakeOut Day. Learn about earthquake safety and how you can be ready if an earthquake strikes.

Artist and poet Sam Roxas-Chua Yao has worked alongside archaeologists in Astoria, The Dalles, and John Day to explore Chinese history in Oregon. Come discover how Sam translates artifacts to art through audio field recordings, calligraphy using inks made from collected material, and poetry inspired by site surveys and subject matter experts.

Learn about Chinese American heritage in Oregon with hands-on activities throughout the museum. While you’re here, be sure to check out our exhibit Roots and Resilience, which tells the stories of Chinese immigrants who helped shape Oregon’s history. Activities perfect for ages three and up.

Can Indigenous artists, curators, and historians resist the colonial narrative of art museums when the museum itself is a colonizer institution? Reflecting on his own experience visiting the museum on the Gila River Indian Community, David Martínez argues that the path to resistance lay in the land itself.

With David Martínez (Akimel O'odham/Hia-Ced O'odham/Mexican), Professor of American Indian Studies and Transborder Studies, Arizona State University

Cosponsored by Oregon Humanities Center, History, Native American and Indigenous Studies, and the Center for Latino/a and Latin American Studies.