Information
Landmark: Oregon Film MuseumCity: Astoria
Country: USA Oregon
Continent: North America
Oregon Film Museum, Astoria, USA Oregon, North America
Overview
In Astoria, the Oregon Film Museum honors the state’s deep film roots with hands‑on exhibits and a playful nod to movies made here, from coastal dramas to small‑town comedies.The museum sits inside the city’s old stone jail, its cool echoing halls showcasing Hollywood blockbusters alongside homegrown films, making it a quirky yet worthwhile stop for movie lovers.The museum sits inside the old Clatsop County Jail, a brick building raised in 1913 and locked up for good in 1976.The structure is instantly recognizable-it even shows up in the first scene of *The Goonies* (1985), as the Fratelli brothers make their daring escape.The place opened in 2010 to mark the 25th anniversary of *The Goonies*-still Oregon’s most beloved movie, with fans who can picture that windswept Astoria coastline.It highlights the state’s rich film history, with dusty main streets and wide-open plains serving as movie backdrops since the silent era.Oregon Film Legacy showcases the state’s movie history, from the mossy streets of *The Goonies* to the quiet river scenes in *Stand by Me*, along with favorites like *Kindergarten Cop*, *Twilight*, *Sometimes a Great Notion*, *Free Willy*, and *One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest*.Film memorabilia includes props, costumes, posters, and even behind-the-scenes photos-like a sun-faded snapshot from a rainy Portland street set.Interactive Sets: Step onto a recreated set, feel the lights beating down, and use green-screen magic to film a quick scene-your own slice of movie-making.The Jail Cells: Step inside the preserved cells from the old prison, where you can glimpse the rusted bars and worn floors, seeing the place as it once was while reliving its Goonies fame.Director’s Chairs and Equipment: Vintage cameras gleam beside well-worn filmmaking tools, connecting Oregon’s past to the larger story of cinema’s growth.The atmosphere mixes the grit of a real historic jail-cold stone walls and iron bars-with the fun, cinematic flair of a movie set.Guests can jump into scenes, film their own performances, and leave with a video clip they can replay long after the day’s over.It’s compact enough to explore in under an hour, so you can easily pair it with other Astoria landmarks-perfect for a quick stop before the lighthouse or after the riverfront.The gift shop carries film souvenirs, Goonies keepsakes, and quirky local treasures-like a mug painted with the coastline.The museum highlights Oregon’s draw for filmmakers, where rugged coastlines, dense green forests, sunbaked deserts, and bustling city streets all serve as striking backdrops.Tourism Connection: Closely linked to *The Goonies*, the town still draws fans from across the globe, many stopping to snap photos of the old clapboard houses they’ve seen on screen.Local Pride celebrates the state’s role in shaping Hollywood hits while backing indie and hometown filmmakers, from big-screen blockbusters to a short filmed on a dusty main street.Nearby, you’ll find the Flavel House Museum, a grand Victorian mansion where creaking floors and ornate woodwork tell the story of Astoria’s past.The Columbia River Maritime Museum showcases the region’s seafaring history, from salt-crusted shipwreck artifacts to tales of daring voyages.Astoria Riverwalk - a waterfront path where you can watch ships glide past and hear sea lions barking over the waves.The Astoria Column rises high above the town, offering sweeping views of the Columbia River as it winds past green hills and fishing boats.Tucked into a modest building, the Oregon Film Museum blends history, pop culture, and hometown pride-you might even spot the old jail door from *The Goonies*.If you love movies-especially *The Goonies*-don’t miss this stop in Astoria, where you can soak up the nostalgia and dig into hands-on fun in one of Oregon’s most cinematic towns.
