Unearth The Voyage
Tucked away in downtown Portland, The Skeleton Key Odditorium is a museum unlike any other, filled with bizarre treasures and eerie artifacts that will make your jaw drop. From haunted dolls to glowing uranium glass, this strange collection brings together everything weird and wonderful under one roof. Whether you’re a fan of spooky stories or just curious about the unusual, this oddity-packed destination promises an unforgettable adventure into the world of the macabre and mysterious.
Vampire Artifacts and Occult Relics
Walking through the shadowy corridors of the Odditorium, you’ll encounter an impressive collection of vampire-related artifacts that would make any folklore enthusiast’s heart race. Wooden stakes, protective amulets, and mysterious occult items tell stories of humanity’s age-old fascination with the undead.
These relics aren’t just props from movies. Many pieces come from genuine historical collections and cultural traditions around the world. The display educates visitors about how different societies tried to protect themselves from supernatural threats.
Staff members are happy to share the backstories behind each item, making the experience both spooky and educational. Photography is encouraged, so you can capture these chilling treasures to share with friends later.
Radium Clocks and Uranium Glass Collection
One of the most jaw-dropping exhibits features an amazing collection of uranium glass that glows an otherworldly green under special lighting. These pieces date back to when manufacturers added radioactive materials to everyday items, not knowing the dangers involved. The glowing effect creates an unforgettable visual experience that seems almost magical.
Alongside the glass, vintage radium clocks tick away, their luminous dials still faintly visible in dim conditions. Workers once painted these clock faces by hand, tragically suffering health consequences from the radioactive paint.
Visitors can use provided EMF meters near these items, adding an interactive element to the experience. The collection serves as both beautiful art and a sobering reminder of scientific history.
Sideshow and Carnival History Exhibits
Step back in time to the golden age of American sideshows, where banners promised extraordinary sights and carnival barkers drew curious crowds. The Odditorium preserves this colorful slice of entertainment history with authentic props, photographs, and memorabilia from traveling shows.
These exhibits honor the performers who made their living showcasing unusual talents or physical differences. Rather than exploiting their stories, the museum presents them with dignity and historical context. You’ll learn about famous sideshow acts and the communities they created.
Vintage posters and original equipment transport you to a time when these spectacles were major attractions. It’s a fascinating look at how entertainment and society have evolved over the decades.
Haunted Objects and EMF Reader Experience
What makes the Odditorium truly unique is its collection of allegedly haunted items, and guests get to investigate them using real EMF meters provided at no extra charge. Sammy, one of the resident haunted dolls, has become particularly famous among visitors for supposedly communicating through electromagnetic fluctuations.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, using the meters adds an exciting layer of interaction to your visit. Many guests report unusual readings near certain objects, sparking lively debates and genuine goosebumps. The staff shares documented stories about each haunted piece.
Families especially enjoy this ghosthunting aspect, with kids and adults alike getting thrills from potential paranormal encounters. It transforms a typical museum visit into an unforgettable adventure.
Infinity Skull Art Installation
Among the many visual wonders, the infinity skull installation stands out as a modern masterpiece that perfectly blends art with the macabre aesthetic. Using mirrors and clever lighting, this piece creates the illusion of skulls stretching endlessly into space, mesmerizing everyone who peers inside.
Visitors consistently mention this as a highlight in their reviews, often spending several minutes gazing into the hypnotic display. The installation represents how contemporary artists continue finding new ways to explore death and mortality themes. It’s also incredibly photogenic, making for stunning social media content.
This piece demonstrates that the Odditorium isn’t just about historical artifacts. Modern interpretations of dark themes fit seamlessly alongside vintage curiosities throughout the collection.
Preserved Specimens and Natural Oddities
Nature creates its own oddities, and the museum showcases an extensive collection of preserved specimens that highlight the strange and wonderful diversity of life. Taxidermy creatures, wet specimens in jars, and unusual skeletal remains fill cabinets throughout the space, each with educational information about the specimen.
These natural history pieces appeal to science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. From two-headed animals to rare anatomical variations, the collection demonstrates that reality can be stranger than fiction. Everything is displayed respectfully, emphasizing scientific and educational value.
Browsing through these biological curiosities takes considerable time, as there’s so much detail to absorb. Plan to spend at least an hour exploring if you want to appreciate everything fully.
Interactive Fortune Teller Machine and Vintage Arcade
Adding a touch of nostalgic fun, an authentic fortune teller machine invites visitors to drop in coins and receive mysterious predictions. These mechanical marvels were once common at boardwalks and arcades, delighting generations with their mystic charm and creaky movements.
The machine still works perfectly, dispensing printed fortunes just as it did decades ago. Guests love this interactive element, which provides a lighthearted moment among the darker exhibits. The ornate cabinet and detailed mechanical fortune teller inside are works of art themselves.
Other vintage arcade pieces and interactive displays are scattered throughout, encouraging hands-on engagement. These playful touches balance the spooky atmosphere, making the museum enjoyable for visitors of all comfort levels with creepy content.
Curated Shop of Dark Treasures
Before or after touring the museum, the front shop offers an incredible selection of dark merchandise, occult items, and unique curiosities you won’t find anywhere else. From handcrafted jewelry to preserved insects, vintage medical equipment to gothic home decor, the inventory caters to collectors and casual browsers alike.
Staff members receive consistent praise for their friendliness and knowledge, helping customers find perfect items while respecting browsing time. Prices are surprisingly reasonable given the specialty nature of the merchandise. Many visitors end up making purchases they never expected.
The shop itself feels like an extension of the museum, with items displayed artfully throughout. It’s the perfect place to find that special something weird and wonderful.
