Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
OMG — OMSI is the coolest museum in town.
Margaret Seiler
Know Before You Go
OMSI reopened on June 20 in a limited capacity: Only the Body Worlds exhibit and USS Bl\ueback submarine are open to visitors for now. See the latest health and safety guidelines related to COVID-19 on OMSI’s website.
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…
Portland Regional Gem and Mineral Show
EVENT CANCELED. Please visit the event website for current information. Join the 40th Annual Gem and Mineral Show for: 45 Dealers with rocks, fossils, gems, minerals, beads, tools, jewelry; Kids’ Activity Corner with games & prizes; 100 Exhibits of fossils, lapidary arts, and minerals; Demonstrators showing faceting of precious stones, wire wrapping, cabochons and more;…
Sleuthing COVID-19: Lessons Learned and What’s to Come
As the virus bore down on our planet, infectious disease researcher Dr. William Messer and data scientist Dr. Peter Graven helped OHSU and Oregon plot a path to safety. What do we know now about the virus and what can we expect as winter approaches? This is one of three in the Marquam Talks virtual…
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…