|
Residents of the insectarium:
15+ tarantulas 6 species of scorpions exotic isopods crayfish millipedes various mantises darkling beetles assassin bugs other beetles jumping spiders vinegaroon other spiders 7 species of cockroaches and more! |
Our touchable bugs rotate and not all of them are available all of the time but here are some possible options:
- included with admission: hissing cockroaches, Dubia cockroaches, various darkling beetles, isopods, and superworms (beetle larvae). - For an additional $5 per bug (at staff discretion) we offer mantis, leaf insect, or giant cave roaches for holding. - Tarantula handling is only available during scheduled tarantula handling events or private parties and tours. |
|
Portland Insectarium is a zoo and museum dedicated to insects, arachnids, and other arthropods. See and touch live and preserved bugs, engage in interactive activities, explore a curated selection of toys, games, and books. Connect with experts and fellow enthusiasts and join a vibrant community of bug lovers. We celebrate education, creativity, and curiosity!
The Portland Insectarium was conceived in 2016 by Jessica Szabo and Molly Radany while taking a museum curation class at Portland State University after a discussion about the city's lack of a natural history museum. It is now co-owned by Jessica Szabo and Red Armstrong since 2025. We started doing public events in 2018 as a mobile/pop up insect zoo, museum, and educational experience. We hosted tea parties with live bugs, drink & draws at an art gallery, and visited classrooms and libraries all around Portland. We were unable to do events during COVID lockdown and so went on indefinite hold. After a 2 year break, in December 2021 we opened our first physical location next door to ExperimentPDX in the Buckman neighborhood. In September of 2022 we relocated to Sellwood and joined Milieu Collective until the building was sold in March 2024. We now have our own space at 5429 N Moore Ave! |
Contact Us
Please have patience as it may take several days for a response. [email protected] (833) 510-8419 leave a voicemail and we will respond via text (no call backs unless scheduled via text or email). Check out our FAQ to see if your question is answered there. Discord Mailing list |
|
Jessica Szabo (founder/co-owner/educator, she/they) Jessica is an arachnologist, photographer, illustrator, and science educator. They studied spider morphology, taxonomy, and ecology at Portland State University. Red Armstrong (co-owner/educator, they/he) |
|