I found this place on Atlas Obscura and I felt like visiting with my partner and our dog. To our luck, our well behaved dog got us 1 free admission! We spent about 15-30 minutes in here just taking it all in and reading as much information as we could. There are plenty of photo ops as well as interactive things to play with. We were lucky to find a parking spot a few steps away and paid about $1-$2 to park for almost an hour. The person behind the front desk was kind and welcoming. The merch selection was vast and interesting. I just wish they had a photo booth because it would tie into the place perfectly. Overall, highly recommend as it is a fun spot to hangout for under an hour. read more

This place is weird--in a fun way. The Peculiarium is a quick, quirky stop that totally leans into Portland's "keep it weird" vibe. Lots of odd displays, creepy mannequins, aliens, Bigfoot stuff, and random photo ops. It doesn't take long to go through, but it's entertaining and definitely memorable. The gift shop is actually one of the best parts--tons of strange, funny, and unique items you won't see anywhere else. Staff was chill and friendly, and the whole place feels like it doesn't take itself too seriously. Not a full-on museum experience, but if you're killing time, visiting Portland, or just want something different, it's worth checking out. Great for pictures!! read more

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This is a quirky throwback to Portland high-weirdness and is more like a circus sideshow exhibition of yesteryear. Like a lot of these places in Portland, it's a gift shop in front with exhibits in the back. It's an eclectic collection of oddities covering everything from sci-fi & horror, to bigfoot, to exhibitions to urban folktales. It might be slightly pricy for what is there, because the museum portion is quite small, maybe taking thirty minutes to navigate. However, it has a few instagrammable exhibits for fun photos, my favorite was the one they dedicated to the Talking Heads lead man. The staff is friendly and welcoming and very chill. The gift shop is a parade of off-side oddities that's very different than anything most anything I've seen, but so different I couldn't find anything for me. read more

Fun random stop in Portland! Definitely worth checking out of your are in the area. So many wacky and fun things crammed in this place! Great Hollywood movie props and fun installations - a treat for the whole family! There is something for everyone here! Keep Portland weird! read more

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - homer - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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I went here by bike and was alone and had a fantastic experience. You have to read all the little signs you can and there are so many great photo ops. The staff was very kind and I felt that the price was fair for the current economy. It's amazing how neatly curated their collection is and how vast it is in such a tiny space. I was happy to basically have the place to myself. I would go back here and recommend to anyone! read more

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - Spontaneous combustion - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

I wasn't really thrilled with this. You have to pay to park and tickets are $10, they do different discounts, but it's not as big as i expected. Some cool things in there. I guess the bogo is good because then it's $5 a person but for $10 I don't think its worth going out of the way or trying to find parking. read more

What fun! It's a snack of a visit, as it isn't too much, doesn't take too long, but is well worth the calories! Such an eclectic group of odds and oddities, most of it for sale and all of it peculiar. Lots of interactive displays, this is a must see if you are visiting Portland ! The people are great and applaud one's knowledge of sleestack, give you free popcorn, and are really nice! They have a $5 surprise bag that I recommend as the stuff inside was fun, kitche, and worth the perusal. read more

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - medical care in America! - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This place is pretty good. Nice spot to see some cool things. Really interesting collection.

Really cool place to go and check out. I had a lot of fun and interacted with a lot of items. Guy at the front was really awesome and helpful. read more

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - Store front - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Yes, place was pretty cool. It was small, but my kid wanted to go here and she did like it. She is into this type of stuff which I am actually glad that we stop by to check it out. It has a lot of old items in here that you look at and wonder like wow I remember those things. And of course, our dog With us and we got in free. read more

It's been almost two months and I'm still annoyed at how I got taken for a ride here. I like weird and I like seedy. I once dug through a smelly, boarded-up hoarder house in the middle of nowhere looking for cool stuff. So please know that I'm not being a princess or a snob when I say that this place is just not worth the $10 price of admission. It's small and cramped and the displays are cheap-looking. It gives "junky" instead of "weird." I guess I should be grateful that it was over in the blink of an eye but that made the price tag even more off-putting. On my way out I bought a $7 logo pint glass on a whim. I'll probably end up donating it because every time I see it I'm reminded of how stupid I felt as I walked out the door. If I were a family of 4 and spent $40, I would be furious instead of simply annoyed. If you go, go for the gift shop only. read more

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I came here with my daughters while visiting Oregon. They had heard about this place via the internet. The museum is small, but it was nice. It had very interesting things in there and my girls had fun. The service was great. The selection of things to see was good and the value (tickets) were cheap. This was a pretty good spot to checkk out. read more

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

So we had to stop and check out the Peculiarium while we were in Portland...what a crazy place! So the area is pretty unassuming, until you get to the entrance and then you see the beginning of the crazy...you buy your ticket and let the fun begin! You walk through a ton of crazy, silly things, think grocery store tabloid headline type things (UFOs, haunted dolls, shrunken heads, aliens, etc), lots of the unusual to be found here...take lots of pics!!! read more

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Ok, I really liked this, it was on my list for some time, so while in town, we gave it a shot. I will say the entrance fee of 10 dollars seems a little steep after having done it. But it isn't unreasonable. You do get lots of photo ops and free popcorn, so I can't complain too much. Nice little gift shop, got a mystery bag and it has a picture for a slide machine from 1951, a weird picture of someone's baby from like the 1800's, some stickers, and a McDonald's minion. Definitely peculiar! I'd say that was worth it for five dollars read more

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You'll find random exhibits all around, definitely some interesting artworks, some pieces similar to Ripley's Believe It or Not! attraction, an "incomplete" history of mobile phones, an anonymous confessions box for visitors to insert their deepest darkest secrets, and displays of monsters and fictional creatures galore, Bigfoot being one of them of course. It really only takes 15 minutes to get through this odditorium (30 minutes tops), even with the pecularium/art gallery consisting of several small rooms, including a gift shop. It was a cool little stop as a tourist, but a bit overpriced IMO ($10 as of August 2024), hence why I didn't give 5 stars. Street parking was easy right in front. read more

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We enjoyed the Peculiarium very much, though sad to hear that the snack bar was both closed and closing for good, as we would have enjoyed trying the weird looking corn dog (Korean style?) or the bug sundae (no real bugs). My pictures will tell more of the story than the review can, but basically imagine that some creative dude involved in special effects had their collection of freaky things outgrow their home and garage and you basically have the gist. Somewhat akin to the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Southern California, there are some fun fictions attached to many of the objects, as well as some true stories about their acquisition. If I have a favorite, it is probably the Haunted Dollhouse, and the child Dolores saying, "she didn't want to talk about it." read more

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This was an interesting experience. It probably would have been fun intoxicated, or with a big group of friends. While the things on display were cool, the space is cramped and far smaller than I was expecting. We were in and out in 20 minutes. It was barely worth the time we put into the meter to park. I'm glad we came to see it in person, pictures don't describe the oddities well enough. Have a couple drinks and come check it out yourself. read more

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This is a fun strange place! Great for photo ops with friends! The store is kind of tiny and has a rare selection of stuff so I think the museum section is way better. It's $10 to enter and more fun if you go with friends who are willing to take fun pics with you! The guy at the counter was nice. I really liked the stuff I saw and the little history about the stuff. Great little spot! read more

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This peculiarium is small but so full of stories, knick-knacks, and opportunities to play and have fun. Everything in the shop does indeed feel peculiar, and it was one of our favorite stops during our Portland visit. There is a $10 fee per person to enter the museum part of the shop, which is a short loop, but if you actually take your time to look at things it could take you 30-45 minutes to enjoy everything. I'd say it's worthwhile to visit even if you just want to enjoy the gift shop of funky goodies. read more

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It's a goofy place. It has some fun Instagram moments. At $10 an entry fee. It's priced right for 30 minutes of goofiness.

This micro-museum of the mystic and macabre is more bananas than the Dole Plantation. Within its weird, wild and wacky halls and on its walls, you'll find everything from toys, collectibles and throwback kitsch from the middle of the 20th Century, retro monster memorabilia, disturbing dioramas, interactive installations, creepy crawly cryptids, Believe-It-Or-Not-Bollocks, sci-fi schlock, pranks, gags, and enough assorted nickelodeon nonsense. It's about as Portland as Portland gets, complete with the required, slightly-outlandish price of admission. Still, it boasts a serviceable snack bar, and a gift shop stocked with tchotchkes likely acquired from an illicit raid on... uh, I mean... a fire sale at the Archie McPhee warehouse! A great way to burn a few hours on a cloudy afternoon, and fun for the whole family, especially if yours is as disturbed and dysfunctional as mine! read more

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You can take as little or as much time as you want. Very cool venue with very unique items. Not sure if it's appropriate for kids under 10. The staff were very friendly and helpful. It has a totally Portland vibe. Popcorn was yummy! Totally inexpensive. read more

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Visiting Portland. Stop in here. You won't regret it. Live in Portland, but never been here? You should be ashamed. This little tourist trap is Portland as fuck. Sasquatch. HP love craft. Aliens. Oddities. Chupacabra. Jeff Goldblum. Photo opportunities. This place has it all. Plenty of souvenirs for sale in the gift shop too $5 at the door. It's a small little exhibition. Probably about a half or 45 minutes to take it all in. read more

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

My husband was really looking for the "Strange" in Portland. We searched for all of the unusual offerings in the city. This one definitely qualified. Parking is only on streets and not easy to find. Street parking is at meters. The place is very small. You're basically touring a small store. Super campy and lots of photo ops. Good for a giggle. However... they are currently charging $10 per person. $40 to look at their displays (which, even if you're slow and read everything, won't take more than 30 minutes) is too much. I see many comments about $5-7 per person. That is much more appropriate. Unless you're desperate for something different and the money doesn't bother you, I'd pass on this. read more

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Checked this place out when visiting Portland because my son insisted we check the place out. It was $10 to get in a person which wasn't terrible but the place wasn't real big. Apparently if you wear a costume it's free to get in I believe a sign said there. My two little dudes had a blast with all the stuff. They loved the murder dollhouse, the building illusion, the alien autopsy, and Bigfoot. It was fun and had some pretty cool stuff. Lots of photo ops. I wish it was bigger and it could totally be! It took about 30-45 minutes to look at everything. They sell postcards that are pretty cool along with other things to do with the place. The guy working the tickets/front counter was a pretty cool dude. read more

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - Another photo op - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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It's weird and not really worth the fee to enter but why not check it out once if you're in the area. The space is a hallway, and then a small room, and then another small room, and then you're in the gift shop. That's it. There are a few photo moments in there. I wouldn't really recommend it, but again, if you're curious, why not. read more

This place is quirky and we had a few good laughs. There are a lot of interesting things to read about and see. It's small but you can actually spend a decent amount of time here if you read everything thoroughly. The $10 entrance fee was worth it the first time, but it's not a place I'd go back to (personal preference, not that others would feel this way). It smells very dusty, but if you are intrigued by the premise of what the Peculiarium offers I'd recommend you go. read more

Freakybuttrue Peculiarium - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

Wow the Peculiarium is a hoot and a half!! It's going to be an enduring memory of Portland, for sure!!!!! If you are into cryptids, horror movies, movie magic and memorabilia, animation, sci-fi, weird-but-true stuff, AND if you have a sense of adventure and humor, the Peculiarium is your kind of place!! We have a Mothman aficionado, and the PNW is known for its variety of cryptids, so this was something we had to visit, especially after all the Oregon Trail stuff she lived though for me! This is a fun place for kids if all ages, but if you have someone sensitive to smells, who is squeamish, or who cannot manage guts and stuff, they can hang around at McMenamin's Pub while other wierdos indulge. Hungry? Get a bug cookie or a bug sundae (also available in non-bug) or a spooky dog. Wash your food down with a Fancy Ass Soda in various flavors and by various makers. Be sure and hit the gift shop for various stickers, shirts, and smart-ass merch to share with your buddies back home. We bought several t-shirts, all the Mothman merch, and several "pretend to give a shit" candles, some in holiday scents. 5 wacky and wonderful stars!! read more

What a groovy place - and the gift shop is fantastic!!! A ++ We loved all the weirdness and fun photo ops. Definitely recommend.

A very Portland experience! I've been here a couple of times, enjoyed every visit. I've been with friends, I've been with family. They all seem to enjoy their visit too. There are things that have been constant over the years, and they've changed up a few things. They've added another building a short walk away. Both buildings for the price of one admission. There's plenty of photo opportunities! read more

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Growing up in Texas, I had always known about keeping Austin weird but never heard about this when thinking of Portland. Because of this, I definitely was intrigued about places in Portland that would classify it as "weird" and wanted to give this place a try. The peculiarium was fairly easy to find, and there is paid street parking available right across the street as well. My boyfriend and I went during August 2022, so masks were still enforced throughout our visit. I remember paying $5 per person at the door; however, looking at their website it looks like it's $10 now, so I'm not sure if it'd be worth it to go tbh. It's a small area with only 3 main rooms filled with minimal objects to fully interact with. It took us about 15-20 minutes to finish, and this is with us trying to see the little details in every piece. While the place does have its interesting moments, I'm not sure I would recommend for others to go here for their first go around especially when Portland has so much more to offer. read more

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This was such a fun little place! While it's small it's packed with so much to look at & was so fun to look around & get some cool photos.

We had some free time during our visit to Portland and I like weird things, so we made a stop here. It's street parking only and we paid for meter parking a street over. $5 entry fee. This is a small place with a few rooms. It already felt stuffy just walking into the first room since there were a few people in there. After awhile, it did clear up and we had more room. Be prepared to be patient for your turn in reading and playing with things here. There were a good amount of things to look at and some photo ops. It was a nice way to spend an hour or so here. read more

I came across this online and knew I wanted to come check it out. It's only $5 so I figured it wasn't a huge place, but appreciated something affordable for a change. The staffer up front was really friendly and they even give you cute little tickets if you're into mementos. They have a lot of stuff in that little space, and lots of photo ops. There was some seriously cool stuff, but I didn't want to post the coolest items and ruin it for anyone checking these reviews. Gotta leave something for ya! We really went around everything a few times because we kept noticing different little things here and there, including the ceiling. So totally worth the visit. And then at the end they have their little gift shop with some very interesting items. My partner found some hilarious items for his sister's birthday. Very unique and really enjoyed it. read more

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This place is definitely WEIRD....... but I LOVE funky, eccentric, all things weird. This place is not what I would deem a "museum" it's more like a mash up of just collectibles, stuff to buy, randoms, photo ops, oddities, cluster............yeah. One of my favorites (pics included) was seeing a few "coaches" or funeral vehicles featured on display. I am a Mortician so it was fun to spot this lil' oddity that most people would just overlook. For $5.00, you can't pass up a quick 10 minute walk-thru. read more

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I heard about this place and saw this place on Google, when I was searching weird places in Portland,Oregon and this place showed up. It was good I was in the area. I had a good heavy bfast at state pine biscuits and gravy.. it's a $5 admission fee. I asked one if the worker if he collected all these things and these vintage toys. I was told that the owner of the store was a ex film maker so he got to keep some of the stuff. It's a very cool place, if you're into vintage toys and weird stuff.. read more

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If you're fascinated or intrigued by weird, this place is for you! I'm a fan of both and I couldn't resist the opportunity to visit. The shop is small but it has so many odd and interesting things to catch your interest. I'm glad we took a beak from the typical tourist stops and came here! There isn't a long line and the staff was very friendly. read more

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I expected this little museum to be small based on others reviews. However I thought the museum itself was ok. For $5 it's okay. But there were only 3 small rooms and not too much to interact with. I think they used the space the best they could. It was full of things to read and look at. But it wasn't that interesting. Maybe it just depends on your expectations & personal preference for this niche of entertainment. read more

Fun and random spot. A totally Portland experience with some fun old school popcorn welcoming you in to view all the peculiar things.

An inexpensive side distraction that should easily take up an hour or more of your time. Friendly staff, some corny but offbeat funny displays makes this little spot a decent stop. Don't know that you want to plan a trip around going here, but if you find yourself in the area with some time to kill this is an excellent option. Reading the different reviews it seems to me the folks who didn't care for this spot were expecting a $10 day at Disneyland, if you go into this with reasonable expectations you will not be disappointed. Yes it is a touristy gift shop with probably not the best prices on the planet, but you are visiting the FreakyButTrue Peculiarium not the FreakyButTrue Sweatshop. Again if you find yourself in the area with a little extra time, this is a good stop, if the entry fee means you can't pay this month's power bill then skip it. read more