Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
OMG — OMSI is the coolest museum in town.
Margaret Seiler
Know Before You Go
On March 13, 2020, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) announced they will be closed through March 31, 2020. For more information, visit OMSI’s website.
With a planetarium, a giant-screen theater, a retired navy submarine (the USS Blueback is docked in the river right outside), traveling exhibits of all kinds and “After Dark” events that pair science talk with beer and wine for the 21-and-over set, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry has lures for all ages.
Half-pints can feel an earthquake and learn about physics in Turbine Hall.
But its core fan base is still the half-pints, who can feel an earthquake and learn about physics in Turbine Hall, conduct their own experiments in the interactive labs or watch storms form on a giant globe. The hands-on Science Playground is designed for kids 6 and under and, thankfully, the splash area has adult-size waterproof aprons in case Mom and Dad want to get in on the fun without getting soaked. (Leave some room for the little ones, please!)
Ready for a snack after all that fun? The renovated Theory Café takes museum fare to the next level, with goodies like oven-fired pizza, local beer sliders and quinoa salad that can be enjoyed with Willamette River views. There’s even a tap list for adults!
Just across the river from downtown, OMSI keeps getting easier to get to. A wide sidewalk and well-marked pedestrian and bike lanes make the Hawthorne Bridge an easy stroll and the Portland Streetcar’s Central Loop and MAX light rail Orange line drop passengers a short walk from the museum’s front door.
Kid-Friendly Museums
Upcoming Science & Tech Events
Meet A Scientist: June
Current science gets up close and personal at Meet a Scientist. This program, held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, features local scientists who share their research and knowledge with you through hands-on activities and conversation. Meet a Scientist exclusively features professionals who are OMSI Science Communication Fellows. June 13 Topics Meet…
TechFestNW
TechfestNW is a global gathering of technology and business leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs held at Portland State University’s Viking Pavilion in downtown Portland, Oregon. Learn more about the innovative, impactful tech that helps define our region. Hear from thought leaders across industries. Experience workshops and live tech demos. Join the startup pitch festival. And of…
Portland Retro Gaming Expo
The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is a locally produced event celebrating the colorful history of console, computer and arcade gaming. The arcade is massive, and all of the coin-operated games are set to free play for the weekend.
Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life
Experience the science and splendor of the human body through all stages of life with an up-close view of 100+ real human specimens. The newest BODY WORLDS exhibit, The Cycle of Life, showcases the wonders of human development while demonstrating how lifestyle choices can shape our bodies.
Bridge Tour
Join a walking tour that takes groups around, across, under, and inside the unique and storied spans that shape life in Portland. Strolling along the waterfront the tour will cross several bridges, pausing at the Morrison Bridge to meet the bridge operator and see the view from the control tower. The tour may then head…
Submarine Tech Tour
OMSI offers a Guided Tech Tour on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. This special tour guided by an actual submarine veteran is for those who would like to learn more about the technical workings of the Blueback. The maximum tour size is eight people, so plan ahead and reserve your spot. Tech…
Educated Guess: Earth Day Edition
Flaunt your knowledge of environmental science, current events, and pop culture in this multi-round, interactive game. Teams of up to 6 will compete in 5 rounds for Earth Day themed prizes! Round 1: Multiple ChoiceRound 2: Active ChallengeRound 3: Open ResponseRound 4: Puzzle SheetsRound 5: Final Jeopardy
SIGGRAPH 2019 Computer Animation Festival Traveling Show
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. OMSI welcomes the SIGGRAPH 2019 Computer Animation Festival Traveling Show, in cooperation with our local Portland SIGGRAPH Chapter and LAIKA. This year’s Traveling Show is a showcase of intelligent, entertaining and provocative programming from some of the world’s most creative artists. Doors @ 6:30PM
Meet A Scientist: May
Current science gets up close and personal at Meet a Scientist. This program, held on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, features local scientists who share their research and knowledge with you through hands-on activities and conversation. Meet a Scientist exclusively features professionals who are OMSI Science Communication Fellows. May 9 Topics Test…
OMSI After Dark: Fizzfest
Ain’t no frustration when you’re drinking carbonation! Get fizzy with it as you sample an array of tasty hard seltzers and canned cocktails. Shoot off water rockets, concoct chemical creations, and explore the wonders of OMSI with no kids in sight! Enjoy a glass of wine while learning about robots, tornados, or fossils. Talk to…
Science Pub Portland: Cybersecurity & Elections
Will We Accept the Outcome? A Scientific Look at Trust in American Elections With Robert Liebman, PhD, Professor of Sociology and Urban Studies and Planning at PSU and Stephanie Singer, Faculty Member in the Center for Public Service at PSU. What does it take to trust the results of elections, and do we have what…
OMSI After Dark: Under Your Skin
Cut to the heart of the matter and understand your body from the inside out. Shoot off water rockets, concoct chemical creations and explore the wonders of OMSI with no kids in sight. Enjoy a glass of wine while learning about robots, tornados or fossils. Talk to a brewer about the science behind beer, or…
Science Pub Portland: Special Effects
Visual Effects and the Complexities of the Entertainment Industry With Jeffrey A. Okun, VES, Visual Effects Supervisor and Co-Editor of the VES Handbook of Visual Effects: Best Practices and Procedures Everyone thinks it’s all glitz and glam in Hollywood but what is it really like working on a set to make a movie or TV…
Science Pub Portland: Ecology and Old-Growth Forests
The Ecology of Surprise: Ecology and Environmental Ethics in an Old-Growth Forest with Michael Paul Nelson, PhD, Ruth H. Spaniol Chair of Renewable Resources and Professor of Environmental Philosophy and Ethics, and Lead-PI at the HJ Andrews LTER Program in the Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society at Oregon State University Science Pub Portland at…