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 Bl\ueback 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…
2019 Sci-Fi Film Fest
OMSI’s fifth annual Sci-fi Film Fest is back! Experience futuristic dystopias, sinister artificial intelligence and riveting alien adventures with over 25 of science fiction’s most memorable films. This year’s line-up includes classics like Blade Runner, The Matrix and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as well as new favorites like Inception and Interstellar, all on the largest screen…
UN Day: Our Planet. Our Future.
Our Planet. Our Future. On October 24, 1945, the United Nations was created. Every year for the month of October, UNA-USA and its 200+ chapters around the country activate in their communities by hosting events centered around a certain global issue. The United Nations has declared climate change the defining issue of our time. Join…
Maker Workshops: Fermentation And Your Microbiome
Fermentation is one of the oldest and simplest means of preserving foods. It is also the best way to manage your gut microbiome, the ~100 trillion bacteria that live in your gut and change your health in a myriad of ways. In this class, you will create a personalized batch of sauerkraut to take home,…
Meet A Scientist: October
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. October 12 Topics -…
Electric Letterland: A Walking Tour of Portland's Historic Neon Signs
Take a twilight journey down Portland’s oldest streets to see the city’s most imaginative historic neon gems. Steeped in architectural significance and a playful, pioneering spirit, these glowing beauties create a magical nightscape, connecting you to Portland’s sordid past, the richness of urban life, and a humble yet other-worldly, hand-made craft. On this tour, you’ll…
OMSI After Dark: Spirits
Ghosts, goblins and whiskey, oh my! Get in the spirit and celebrate Halloween at OMSI After Dark – costumes encouraged (please no full face paint or weapons of any kind). Taste the difference between grain and potato vodka while local distilleries share the secrets of their craft at this eighth annual spirits tasting. Due to…
Introduction to Mushrooms
In this class, local mushroom enthusiast Leah Bendlin will teach the basics of mushroom identification for beginners, including physical features, ecology and anecdotes about mushroom oddities and beauty. Then we’ll take a walk in the Garden to see mushrooms fruiting in their natural habitats and to practice our new ID skills! If they have them,…