Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
OMG — OMSI is the coolest museum in town.
Margaret Seiler
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
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…
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…
Maker Workshops: Bitters Making Workshop
Bitters demystified: Learn how to make and use bitters in this hands-on workshop. This class will cover the history and science of bitters as well as basic formulas, tools and processes to make bitter tinctures at home. Participants will have the opportunity to do tastings of various commercial bitters brands, as well as 36+ individual…
Lab Experience: Soap Making
Make soap from scratch to take home while learning about the awesome chemistry of soap molecules. Participants must wear clothing that completely covers their arms, legs and feet (no sandals or open-toed shoes) as they will be working with caustic substances. Recommended for ages 6 and up with an adult, 12 and up without. General…
Science On Tap – Coming to a Fault Near You: Planning for Cascadia Earthquakes
The Pacific Northwest is due for a major earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone, and a magnitude 9 Cascadia earthquake and tsunami would likely produce an unprecedented catastrophe. Portland isn’t ready, and significant preparation is needed to safeguard communities, businesses, and people. We can learn from several recent earthquakes around the world including Chile, Japan,…
How Does the Cookie Crumble? Gingerbread Workshop
Recent scientific “discoveries” have uncovered a revolutionary new building material that could change how we prepare for earthquakes – gingerbread! Come to OMSI and learn how buildings are designed to withstand quakes. Design, build and test your own quake-proof gingerbread building. Put your tower on OMSI’s shake table to see if it will survive “the…
Melt & Pour Soap Making
A special holiday edition of the popular soap making class: Learn about the science of soap molecules and why soap is so great at cleaning. Let your creativity guide you as you melt down already–prepared soap and add ingredients to make unique bars that are ready for immediate use. One ticket per batch of soap,…
Meet A Scientist: December
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. December 14 Topics -…
Science Pub Portland: Ocean Plastics
Plastics, Bivalves and a Straw Cape with Nancy Judd of Recycle Runway; Britta Baechler, Ph.D. Candidate, Portland State University; and Chanel Hason of Portland Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation. We’ve all seen the video of a sea turtle with a straw up its nose, but there’s a lot more to the story of plastic pollution…
How Does the Cookie Crumble? 18+ Gingerbread Workshop
Recent scientific “discoveries” have uncovered a revolutionary new building material that could change how we prepare for earthquakes – gingerbread! Come to OMSI and learn how buildings are designed to withstand quakes. Design, build and test your own quake-proof gingerbread building. Put your tower on OMSI’s shake table to see if it will survive “the…