The Portland Puppet Museum is not to be missed! It's one of those quirky, local flavor kind of attractions that make Portland the wonderful and creative place it is. Don't get me wrong, just because it's quirky doesn't mean the collection isn't impressive. The team here has taken great care in curating a magnificent collection that gives an overview of the history of puppeteering. The one hour presentation, if you take the guided tour, is both informative and highly entertaining. John deserves an award for best museum docent if that exists! Be sure to check out the workshops and presentations on the schedule here, these events are not to be missed! read more

Visiting Portland amd had to make a stop for this little gem. John was an incredible guide and was super knowledgeable about all the puppets on display. I've been to a couple of puppet related museums but this one is by far the most charming and well rounded. Nothing beats hearing some antidotes of our childhood favorite puppets. Would recommend anyone to pay a visit if they're in the area. Puppetry is such a beautiful artistry! read more

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This place is a gem! Located in beautiful Sellwood. The puppets are from around the world and are exquisite! Many are hundreds of years old. Not to be missed. The museum is free, but donations are appreciated. read more

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We came by this past weekend and enjoyed exploring and learning about the endless display of puppets throughout the museum, including an exhibit of Mr. Rogers' Land of Make Believe and Sicilian marionettes used in the streets of Rome. The owner, Steven Overton, was enthusiastic about his work and shared tons of interesting information with us as we looked around and discussed some of the pieces. I personally liked the collection of Pinocchio puppets, part of the current fairy tale exhibit (the museum's theme may change once or twice per year). But they were all quite impressive. This is a great experience and opportunity to learn about the art and history of puppetry, and its use in film and education is far reaching and fascinating. Admission is free, and we had no problem finding parking across the street on a Friday afternoon. read more

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This place is so fun! I've wanted to come by for a while and am so glad I did for the most recent exhibit. John was an amazing tour guide and really helped to bring all the exhibits to life. I was originally just planning to wander around on my own but am glad I joined the tour. I look forward to coming back for a show some time! read more

Portland Puppet Museum - I enjoyed meeting Ping Pong and friends' - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

A gem. I've been twice in the last year and seen two completely different exhibits, most recently "Women of the Ancient World". Incredible puppets of all kinds from all over the globe were lovingly displayed both times, with lots of historical details and facts to supplement the stunning visual display. On my first visit co-founder Steve Overton took over an hour to personally host us, answering our questions and sharing fantastic anecdotes from his life as a puppeteer and puppetmaker. On my last visit John gave me a complete tour, again answering my questions and going above and beyond to make sure I had a good time. Put your phone down for an hour and step into the magical, unparalleled reality of the Portland Puppet Museum. You won't regret it. read more

Love this Museum Owners are the best Be sure to bring family and friends You won't regret a visit here and there are new displays seasonally! Fun and Inspiring for all read more

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Steve was such a good tour guide, and I loved hearing him talk about his experience with puppets! I would recommend anyone to go here, such a great, free fun :)) read more

This is an amazing puppet museum!! We thoroughly enjoyed our time and personalized tour. The variety and story of each puppet was fascinating. read more

The Portland Puppet Museum is a must see!! Alongside intricate artistry and an impressive display, Steve's undeniable passion for all things puppetry makes this a once in a lifetime experience. From learning about puppet heritage, getting some hands-on time with hand-crafted puppets, and much much more, this fun stop was definitely a highlight of my trip!! read more

Took my son (3) to the Alice and Wonderland show today. Although they started the show late, the show was GREAT. The performance was fun to watch and had some good morals too. My son loved the show and we'll definitely come back. Some advice for when shows start late, maybe have some toy puppets for the little ones to play with to pass the time. Great job with your puppets. read more

A must for a keep Portland Weird itinerary. Awesome in an obsessive but innocent kind of way, unless you're prone to Chucky-style nightmares. Based out of an early 20th-century building that was once the neighborhood corner store (back in the days when there was a Sellwood Ferry-crossing rather than a Sellwood Bridge), this little building gets completely reconfigured for new displays/shows every quarter or so. From Czech fairy tails told by dragons, with small porcelain-based puppets in hand-stitched costumes, to larger (3-ft tall) puppets with which (with whom?) the two puppeteers have made a straight-to-DVD movie, the rotation is intriguing. The two gentlemen (and they strike me as genuinely gentle men) who present these puppets do so with loving obsession. They will talk to you about the process of making each, they will tell you about stitching the clothes for some of them, they will tell you about making puppets for Disney and the Children's Television Workshop back in the day. And they will then disappear behind their sets and tell you stories with their puppets. It's odd and genuine and fun. Not to be missed. read more

Portland Puppet Museum - The drama of Mary, as told by a purple dragon. - Museums Near Me - Portland, Oregon

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This is a wonderful place. The hospitality of Steve and Marty make you feel right at home as soon as you open the door. Their love of puppets is evident in the displays and how they talk about all of the puppets they have meticulously made themselves. You know there is a lot of passion in what they do, and you can appreciate all of the work they have done. Steve spent a lot of time showing us the puppets, telling the history of many of the puppets, and showing the projects they have worked on, particularly the Wee Sing Under the Sea production. The starfish was obviously Steve's favorite, and we could appreciate all of the work he put into it. We intend to come back and bring friends. This is one of Portland's "hidden" treasures waiting to be discovered! People like Steve and Marty definitely contribute to making Portland the place it is. read more

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When I went to the Portland Puppet Museum two days ago, I had a hunch I was going to be in for quite an awesome adventure of sorts (as I usually like to call it). And was I right. :) To start with, I couldn't help taking a liking to how nice Steve and Marty were as soon as my friend Ashley and I walked in the door. I instantly recognized Kermit the Frog, Bean Bunny and Miss Piggy from the Jim Henson Creature Workshop, and I also recognized Paddington Bear (from the Michael Bond book series about Paddington). I even took notice of Lamb Chop (from the shows Lamb Chop's Play-Along and Charlie Horse Music Pizza, which I recall from when I was a kid), and then remembered Shari Lewis and how she would've been so proud to see us keeping her legacy alive if she was still here (although she is alive in the hearts and memories of those of us who knew and remember her, even now). Of course, I recall how Steve's Big Bad Wolf puppet took a fancy to me (in a really neat way), and Steve then gave me the Little Red Riding Hood cape with a hood. I put it on, and it fit me pretty well too. I then spoke to the Big Bad Wolf, telling him that Jim Henson would've been proud, and he agreed, saying that Jim would've been looking down on all of us and smiling at how we've been doing our best to keep his legacy alive. Later on, when I spoke to a boy panda marionette, I recalled a very neat speech spoken by the late, great actor Pat Morita's character Sergeant Kesuke Miyagi in the really cool 1994 film The Next Karate Kid when he was talking to Julie Pierce (played by Hilary Swank), which I paraphrased a little: "Miyagi say, fighting not good, but if must fight... win." Some time later, before Ashley and I left, I then put on Little Red Riding Hood's cape and then recited the last part of the song "I Know Things Now" from the 2014 movie Into the Woods (which was initially a musical that debuted in 1986 at the Old Globe Theater in San Diego, California): "Do not put your faith in a cape and a hood. They will not protect you the way that they should. And take extra care with strangers. Even flowers have their dangers. And though scary is exciting, Nice is different than good." In conclusion, I highly recommend the Portland Puppet Museum to anyone who likes puppetry and learning about puppets. I give it five stars (although ten stars would definitely be even better). :) read more

The perfect day trip for your little one, puppet fan, or just person that loves interesting new spots. The owners' passion for all things puppetry is apparent and they share their love with their visitors. I can't wait for my children to get older and visit from the east coast. A great way to spend time in beautiful Sellwood. read more

Fun sight to see! Super small so won't take a lot of time. Interesting for a stop by. Keep Portland weird!!

I have absolutely no complaints! the location is breathtaking, and the puppet master working was knowledgeable and made the content that much better. This was such a cool experience and i recommend this place to everyone. Thank you thank you thank you!!!! read more

What an absolutely delightful place to visit and learn about the history of puppets. Who knew there are so many different kinds and styles? Steve, the owner, gave an interesting talk, showed some short videos (one of Shari Lewis and Lambchop), then showed us different puppets and how they are able to move. There are hundreds of puppets displayed...from tiny ones to some almost the size of a human. Every age will find this a fascinating way to spend a couple hours. Plus there are puppets for sale. I wonder by OPB hasn't done a special on this one-of-a-kind and very interesting museum that displays so many different types and styles of puppets and details the long history of puppets in every civilization? Don't miss this adventure. read more

One of my favorite places to visit in Sellwood ! The museum is housed in a old railway station. When the weather is nice they do live shows in a very comfortable outdoor seating area. The stories and puppets are all original and super interactive for the kids. Such a great educational and fun experience for the whole family. The artist are warm and welcoming. You can tell that they really love what they do. Can't recommend this place enough. Totally worth seeing the the museum. The historical and one of a kind puppets they host from all over the world are amazing !The exhibits change periodically and the live shows are something that will delight and awe your children ! read more