Exploring Wonders of Science and Discovery at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI)
Located in the heart of Portland’s east-side waterfront, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) stands as a beacon of curiosity, education, and innovation. With its engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and hands-on activities, OMSI offers visitors a captivating journey through the realms of science and technology. OMSI is one of our absolute favorite places in Portland to take our kids for a “family field trip”.
A brief history: Founded in 1944, OMSI has evolved into a dynamic educational institution that caters to people of all ages. Its diverse array of exhibits spans various disciplines, from earth sciences and natural history to space exploration and technology. A standout feature of OMSI is its focus on interactivity, allowing young visitors to engage directly with scientific concepts and principles. The Science Playground, designed for the kids, encourages tactile exploration, while the Turbine Hall presents opportunities to delve into physics and engineering through entertaining and creative experiments.
One of OMSI’s crown jewels is the Kendall Planetarium, where visitors can embark on virtual journeys through space and time. The planetarium’s state-of-the-art projection technology creates awe-inspiring celestial displays, transporting audiences to distant galaxies and beyond. From dazzling cosmic shows to educational astronomy presentations, the Kendall Planetarium offers a unique perspective on the universe.
In addition to its permanent exhibits, OMSI frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into cutting-edge scientific topics, emerging technologies, and global challenges. These exhibitions provide fresh insights and spark thought-provoking conversations among visitors, making each visit to OMSI a unique and enriching experience.
OMSI’s commitment to education extends beyond its walls. The institution offers an array of educational programs, workshops, and camps designed to engage learners of all ages. From school field trips and summer camps to adult workshops, OMSI aims to inspire a lifelong love for science and learning. For the over 21 crowd, OMSI hosts it’s OMSI After Dark nights about once a month, and they’re a ton of fun!
One last thing I will mention about OMSI is that it is also great for adults. OMSI is one the few places that is enjoyable for the whole family. The only thing I would recommend is to try and go either early in the morning or during the week to avoid the crowds. OMSI can get VERY busy.
