Margaret Seiler

children playing with large interactive toys in an indoor play area at OMSI
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Kids get some hands-on learning at OMSI.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)

OMG — OMSI is the coolest museum in town.

2 min read Central Eastside

Margaret Seiler

Know Before You Go

This popular family destination is open on a limited basis and welcoming visitors to the museum to explore the new Nelson Mandela exhibit as well as the Natural Science Hall, Empirical Theater, Kendall Planetarium and the USS Blueback submarine. Turbine Hall is temporarily closed.

Capacity limitations and timed ticketing have been implemented throughout the museum. Face coverings are required for all guests age five or older to protect those too young for vaccination.

The Theory Café is closed, but snacks and refreshments are available at the Empirical Café. For more information visit OMSI’s website.

With a planetarium, giant-screen theater, retired navy submarine (the USS Blueback is docked 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.

But OMSI’s core fan base is still the half-pints, who can feel an earthquake and learn about physics in Turbine Hall, conduct experiments in interactive labs or watch storms form on a giant globe.

Questions About OMSI

How much does it cost to go to OMSI?

General admission:
Adult (14+) $12.00
Youth (3-13) $8.00
Senior (63+) $10.00
Children 2 and under visit for free.

There is an additional charge for touring the USS Blueback submarine ($8.50 per person) and Planetarium shows ($7.50 per person). Occasionally, there is an extra charge for a special exhibit.

Details are subject to change; please check OMSI’s website for current information.

Does OMSI offer discounted admission?

Active duty military and veterans receive $2 off admission with a military ID. Discounted tickets may be purchased at the front desk.

OMSI also participates in the Access for All program. Visitors with an EBT card may purchase up to four general admission tickets at $5 each. Show a valid, matching ID and your EBT card at the front desk.
Details are subject to change; please visit OMSI’s website for the most current information.

Is there free parking at OMSI?

OMSI’s parking lot costs $5 per day. Street parking is available, but the spaces have a one or two-hour time limit.

Visitors are encouraged to carpool or take public transportation. The Portland Streetcar’s Central Loop and MAX Light Rail Orange Line drop passengers a short walk from the OMSI’s front door.

Half-pints can feel an earthquake and learn about physics in Turbine Hall.

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! The Empirical Café, adjacent to the Empirical Theater, also serves snacks and drinks.

Just across the river from downtown, OMSI is easy to access by car, train, or bicycle. 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.

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Family Fun for All Ages

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Upcoming Science & Tech Events

Go To Events
National Geographic Live
Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022

National Geographic Live

Newmark Theater $25.00 – $52.25 ($100-$209 series)

Brian Skerry: Secrets of Whales Celebrated National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry has spent nearly four decades exploring and documenting the world’s oceans. For his latest project, he turns his lens to one of the world’s most beloved animals to illuminate groundbreaking new insights into their lives and culture. Skerry spent more than two…

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OMSI After Dark
Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2022

OMSI After Dark

OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) $25 | OMSI members receive a 15% discount

RISE Join OMSI for an uplifting night around freedom and equality. Learn more about social justice and how you can get involved with the movement in Portland. Explore the Nelson Mandela exhibit to hear about how he dedicated his life to making the world a better place and meet local organizations that are fighting for…

Cultural Communities
Food & Drink
Nightlife
Science & Tech
Tualatin Valley Gem Club Rock and Gem Show
Mar. 11–13, 2022

Tualatin Valley Gem Club Rock and Gem Show

Forest Grove National Guard Armory $1 for Adults, Kids 12 and under free with adult

The annual Tualatin Valley Gem Club’s Rock and Gem Show features rocks, minerals, fossils, gems and more, with: VendorsDisplays of unusual specimensDemonstrationsDoor prizesSilent auctionKids’ corner fun and games

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Neil deGrasse Tyson
Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall $45.00 – $250.00 VIP Packages Available

Neil deGrasse Tyson was born and raised in New York City where he was educated in public schools clear through his graduation from the Bronx High School of Science. Tyson went on to earn his BA in Physics from Harvard and his Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Columbia. Tyson’s professional research interests are broad but include…

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