Eugene Tourist Attractions

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the University of Oregon in Eugene features an extensive collection of pieces of American, European, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese art. The collection began with the Murray Warner Collection of Oriental Art, donated to the University by Gertrude Bass Warner to commemorate her late husband. The collection was largely Asian based.The museum opened in 1933 and since that time it has expanded its collection considerably. The emphasis still on Asian art but also includes major additions of Pacific Northwest, Russian, and European Art, as well as others. In fact, today visitors will even find works by Oregon artists. Pieces include old master prints, paintings, photographs, and contemporary art. There is always something new at the museum, with changing exhibits that includes works from the permanent collection, pieces on loan, or traveling exhibitions.The building which houses the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art was designed by Ellis F. Lawrence, who was at one time the dean of the School of Architecture & Allied Arts at the University of Oregon. It features lovely brickwork and iron grillwork and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the 1990s the museum underwent major renovation and expansion to allow for more gallery space. When it re-opened in 2002 the name was changed to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

At the heart of Eugene's rich cultural scene is the Hult Center for the Performing Arts. All kinds of entertainment can be found here throughout the year, from jazz to opera. Resident companies which call the Hult Center home include the Eugene Ballet Company, the Eugene Concert Choir, the Eugene Opera, the Eugene Symphony, the Oregon Mozart Players, the Shedd Institute, and the Oregon Bach Festival. Approximately 700 events are held hear each year. In addition to the performing arts, the Center also features a permanent art collection, which can be seen throughout the building, and temporary art exhibitions which are displayed in the Jacobs Gallery. It is truly the place to come for anyone interested in the arts.This large facility, containing the Cuthbert Amphitheater, the Silva Concert Hall, and the Soreng Theater, is known for its architecture and acoustic design. The Hult Center for the Performing Arts opened in 1982 and has been an important part of Eugene's history ever since.

The Museum of Natural History in Eugene is run by the University of Oregon. It focuses on the natural history and cultural history of the area over 15,000 years. The collection includes native cultural and archaeological artifacts.

The Oregon Air and Space Museum in Eugene is located on the south end of the Eugene airport. It features displays relating to aviation and aviation history. Planes on display include a Fokker Triplane, an F-4 Phantom and a MiG-17.

The Eugene Opera has been in operation since 1982 in the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.

The Lane County Historical Museum in Eugene features items related to the history of Lane County and the early pioneers.

The Shelton-McMurphey-Johnson House in Eugene was built in 1888. The Victorian mansion is owned by the city.

The Willamette Science & Technology Center in Eugene provides educational interactive displays for children and students.