Portland’s OMSI is an all-ages, world-class attraction

If you live in the Portland area, you most likely know about OMSI – Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. And you’ve probably checked out the place at least once. Or, perhaps you’re a loyal, longtime member, who visits often and can’t wait for a new exhibit to arrive.

If you’re not familiar with this top-ranked science center with an international reputation, add it to your list the next time you’re in the City of Roses.

OMSI dates back to 1944 when it was originally called the Oregon Museum Foundation. It spent the first few years in a tiny broom closet in the Portland Hotel. Then it moved into a donated house in the 1950s and built the first planetarium in the Pacific Northwest right on the front lawn. The museum outgrew this space and moved once again to Washington Park, where it spent several decades before finally relocating to its current location on Southeast Water Avenue, opening its doors to the public in October 1992. 

At OMSI, interactive learning experiences are key to exploring the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. There are countless opportunities for discovery and experimentation through the wonderful exhibits and labs. Both young and old will find plenty to stimulate their curiosity, as they investigate the multiple galleries in this 219,000 square-foot museum.

In the Turbine Hall & Curium, you can use tools to imagine, build, test and improve ways for people and communities to thrive. Explore wind, water and earthquakes, as you design structures at the various innovation tables. Create a device that flies in the wind, or a wall to protect a town from a tsunami, or even a home that can stay standing during an earthquake. Then step inside the Epicenter, where you can experience three different magnitudes of earthquakes from around the globe. 

The Natural Sciences Hall focuses on the connections between humans and ecosystems. Learn about prenatal human development and conception, see Earth and other planets on a six-foot globe and dig into Earth’s history through the rocks, minerals and fossils on display. 

Little ones will love the Science Playground. Each area in this hall is designed for kids ages birth through six and their families to practice science skills. The water area, for example, offers the chance to build with DUPLO, experiment with water flow and operate water vortexes. As you can imagine, it’s quite the hit! And the available waterproof aprons are welcome!

Also popular is the climbing zone, which boasts multiple entries, paths and a lookout. And for the dramatic element, there’s a woodland scene with a dark cave, complete with costumes and a host of stuffed animals. It’s the perfect spot for kids to enact their own stories.

An infants-only enclosed section encourages crawling, pulling up, scooting around, playing with balls and more. With a fish tank, to boot! 

Ages 13-18 have their own space at the Teen Tech Center. Here, they can try out numerous musical instruments, then mix and record their music in the sound booth and audio station. Those into exploring sewing and textiles can realize their fashion aspirations with the sewing, embroidery, knitting and rug tufting machines, along with a host of fabrics and patterns. And designers can learn their way around the Adobe Creative Suite or use the 2D and 3D modeling programs, then print their results on the digital cutting machine or 3D printers.

Many visitors also spend time investigating the different labs in the museum. In the Physics Lab, for example, you can dive into the science of electricity, magnetism, light, sound and other forces in the universe. Touch lightning via a plasma tube, play with magnets and pullies, set pendulums in motion and press levers to make a pipe organ play musical notes.

Over in the Chemistry Lab, put on your goggles to measure and mix concoctions that change color, glow and fizz. While in the Paleontology Lab, you can handle fossil shells, leaves and bones found in the PNW, and see staff and volunteers in action to ready fossils for display specimens. 

To enhance your visit to the museum, get tickets to OMSI’s Kendall Planetarium, a 200-seat, 53-domed arena, where fascinating presentations and laser shows delve into the planets, constellations, active meteor showers, black holes and the moon in the current night sky. You’ll be mesmerized by the meld of light and sound. 

You can also catch a full-length feature at the Empirical Theater, OMSI’s cinema (added charge). Enjoy everything from Hollywood blockbusters, like “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” to documentaries on sharks, jungles, oceans, dinosaurs and more, on Portland’s largest screen.

Outside, down on the waterfront, is the Blueback, the U.S. Navy’s last active-duty diesel-electric submarine. Opt to join a tour (additional fee) of this 219-foot vessel, which is full of notable period artifacts. You’ll get a glimpse of how a crew of 85 lived on this sub for months, plus you’ll have the chance to peer through a periscope, touch a torpedo, climb in a bunk, and engage in other fun activities. 

With the museum’s location on the east bank of the Willamette River, take some time to soak up the breathtaking city and water views. Step outside on the back deck and take it all in. 

omsi.edu