four rivers cultural center & museum

Watch the short video to get an overview of the museum, then tour the exhibits that are life-like and excellent re-creations of area history, with helpful signs. A new exhibit, Uprooted, about the Japanese relocation camp in Idaho. So glad I took time to see this museum before I stopped in Vale where there are many exterior wall murals of the Oregon Trail & area history. One mural in particular, with 4 separate panels showing Basque sheepherder, Japanese working the fields, Vaqueros (cowboys), & Chinese who worked area mines, has exquisite detail that I would have missed and not understood had I not visited the Ontario museum first. A tribute to these 4 people groups who contribute to the richness and diversity of the area, but had past conflict as cultures and life perspectives collided.

It's connected to the college. I've walked through a couple times. Pretty standard museum type place. Probably would appreciate more later in life when I'm good and old.

Would not have seen this if the motel staff hadn't told me about it. They were having a classic car show that was well worth the stop. Lots of mustangs and other vehicles. Really enjoyed looking around. There is a museum but it was closed in the evening while we were there.

The museum part of the FRCC is VERY well done, bringing together the regional histories of the Americans of Japanese, Basque, Hispanic, and Native American descent. The Japanese portion is probably the best developed, and is especially well done. The auditorium is the finest that can be found next to the Brandt Center in Nampa and the big ones in Boise. The large multi-purpose rooms offer banquet support for medium to large gatherings.

Do take the time to visit this remarkable museum. We really learned a lot. This would be great for kids too. We were happy to support this museum with the modest admission charged. What an amazing history and mix of cultures. The Japanese Internment Camp section was especially moving. You could see a lot in less than an hour but 1-2 hours recommended.

Had a struggle finding this place as our map placed it outside the town,asked a lady outside a supermarket for directions and after a 20 minute chat with her about where the 3 of us came from we moved on to the Four Rivers,the lady inside the centre was helpful and told us about area and the centre it's self.Spent an interesting hour looking around and viewing the exhibits and even bought a couple of items from the shop.

Spent an hour or so touring the 5 cultures exhibit which introduces the 5 cultures that have made Ontario their home: Paiute, Basque, Japanese, Hispanic, and Euro American. Each culture has left its imprint on the area and the story of settlement is fascinating. I especially enjoyed the Japanese American section explaining both the settlement and discussing the internment during World War II. Outside there is a lovely, peaceful Japanese garden with local native plants. If you're in this part of the world, don't miss this Museum.

We went to learn about the history of Ontario. There was a 15-minute film in the beginning which explained the history of the area, which was what we were looking for as my great grandparents had once lived there. The museum was created to educate today's generation about the Japanese internment camps of WWII when FDR ordered the internment of Americans of Japanese descent into camps in isolated locations in the western U.S. Although this was not my original intent for attending the museum, it was also educational to learn about this sad chapter in our nation's history. Our tour guide was very helpful.

This museum tells the history of Ontario. The film was very interesting and informative. The Japanese Gardens were very tranquil and serene.

When we walked in we thought it was going to be a really tiny place, but after the opening film we were led through room after room of great dioramas. It was an amazing history lesson starting with the Native Americans, and going on to talk about cowboys, the gold rush, WWII and a bit after. Our entire family really enjoyed this.

We were visiting with friends and they suggested we visit this gem of a cultural center. We met Matt Springer, the Director of the facility and a good friend of our friends. He gave us a full tour of the museum and center and we were very impressed with the entire venue. We could not believe the outstanding historical displays and artifacts showing the ethnic heritage of this eastern Oregon community. There is an entrance fee of just $4 and well worth the price. The large Japanese Garden in the back of the building is beautiful and very inviting, no matter what the weather. We would never have guessed a facility of this nature would be located in the small town of Ontario. It is a must see when passing through or staying for the night.

I visited the Cultural Center and Museum thinking it was Oregon Trail related. I was disappointed that it wasn't but certainly not disappointed in what was there. Very interesting and we so enjoyed learning more about the history of the area. Well presented!

This multi-purpose convention center, museum, exhibit hall and theater is a real gem in this small town. The museum on the east end of the building has interesting artifacts & talks about the different cultures that settled in this area. There is an actual piece of pipe in there that shows you how large the irrigation pipe from the Owyhee Dam is. There is also a genuine JAPANESE TEA HOUSE and a replica of a barrack room from the Japanese internment camps. The GALLERY has perpetually changing art, photo, or traveling exhibits, sometimes Smithsonian quality. There are small classrooms on the perimeter of the building and there are large rooms to hold dinners, conferences, car shows, banquets, wedding shows, etc. I have been there for weddings and funerals. The THEATER can accommodate high quality shows and concerts. I almost forgot to mention the 1 acre JAPANESE GARDEN, an oasis in this high dessert area and the GIFT SHOP with their unique and many one-of-a-kind items and books to satisfy history buffs. This place is a BIG GEM in a little town!

Eye-opening look at the history & culture of the region & the ethnicities that shaped it. Really is someplce everyone should visit while in the area.

The Four Rivers Cultural Center and Museum is a pleasant surprise to find in such a small community. One end of it is a very flexible conference center, including a nice-sized theater where very high-quality performances and events are offered. The other end is an interesting museum and art display area. Beyond the building is an attractive Japanese garden with a large patio area where small events and meetings can occur in the fresh air and sunshine. This patio is furnished with several umbrella-covered tables, and a mister along the building wall for the times when there is more sunshine than is desired.If you are a "local, you have likely been to the center and museum several times. If you are traveling through, I cannot think of a better place to have a leg-stretching respite while you check out the displays-du-jour and learn a bit more about this part of America.