Eugene Attractions

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 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.

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 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 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.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area is located north of Florence and south of Yachats along the Oregon coast. The area contains several interesting features including Devil's Churn, Spouting Horn, Cook's Chasm, and Cape Perpetua Overlook. The overlook is the highest point along the Oregon coast.

The Cape Perpetua Interpretive Center features education displays, hands-on exhibits, and family activities.

The town of Cottage Grove (pop. 8,450) is located just south of Eugene, Oregon. Attractions in the area include covered bridges, a museum, lakes, golf courses and other recreational opportunities.

The museum in Cottage Grove is housed in an 1897 octagonal-shaped, former Catholic church. The collection includes American Indian artifacts, pioneer items, agricultural and mining items, and an art collection.

The Creswell Historical Museum is housed in an 1889 Methodist Episcopal church.

The Oakridge-Westfir Pioneer Museum in Oakridge features displays related to the history of the area.

Springfield (pop. 53,000) is located directly across the Willamette River from Eugene between the Willamette and Mackenzie Rivers. The name comes from a natural spring in a field that is still located in the city.

The Lively Park Swim Center in Springfield is an indoor water park that features a wave pool, water slides, inner tubes, pools and a spa.

The Springfield Museum is housed in a 1911 Oregon Power Company transformer station. It features displays on local history.

Sweet Home (pop. 8,000) is located on the western edge of the Cascade Mountains. The town offers easy access to the Willamette National Forest.

The East Linn Museum is located near the west entrance to Sweet Home. It features exhibits on the history of the town and surrounding area.

The small town of Yachats (pop. 600) is located on the Oregon coast and is a popular fishing spot.

The Little Log Church, in Yachats was built in the shape of a cross and completed in 1930. It no longer serves a congregation but now houses a museum of local historical artifacts and an art gallery with changing exhibits.