Gilbert House Children's Museum

The Gilbert House Children's Museum is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3) children's museum connected to downtown Salem's Riverfront Park. Founded in 1989, Gilbert House Children's Museum provides innovative and stimulating educational experiences which spark children's natural curiosity. The Museum is named after Salem native, A.C. Gilbert, an extraordinary scholar, inventor, Olympic athlete and gold medalist, entrepreneur, and magician. Ad advocate of learning through play, Gilbert was the proud inventor of the Erector Set, the inspiration for our giant outdoor Erector Set, a highlight of our 20,000 ft² Outdoor Discovery Area.

Our mission, to inspire children to learn through creative play, is accomplished through 16 hands-on exhibits, our Outdoor Discovery Area, camps, field trips, membership opportunities, and educational programs in the sciences, arts, and humanities. The Museum is composed of three historic houses; the Rockenfield House, Gilbert House, and Parrish House.

• Alicia Bay
  Executive Director
  116 Marion St NE

  Salem, OR 97301
  Phone: (503) 371-3631
  Send an Email
• Samantha Bowdoin
  Promotions Coordinator
  116 Marion St NE

  Salem, OR 97301
  Phone: (503) 371-3631
  Send an Email

The Gilbert House Children’s Museum is located under the Marion Street Bridge connected to Salem’s Riverfront Park near the bank of the Willamette River.