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Museum

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

📍 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR, USA
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4.5/ 5.0
★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location
USA, Portland
Category
Museum
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR, USA
Coordinates
45.5099, -122.6660

Introduction

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of Portland's premier science education institutions, located on the east bank of the Willamette River across from downtown. Housed in the former Portland Light and Power turbine plant, the 1992 conversion created an 18-acre science hall that retains the industrial-era red brick facade while filling the interior with modern interactive exhibits. OMSI features over 200 hands-on interactive exhibits spanning physics, chemistry, life science, earth science, and emerging technology, making it the largest science museum in the Pacific Northwest. The facility includes the third-largest planetarium in the US, an eight-story IMAX theater, the last diesel-electric submarine still in service in the US (USS Blueback), and a science lab designed for young children. OMSI is renowned for its edutainment exhibits and active science outreach, a top choice for Portland family weekends, and hosts OMSI After Dark science parties for adults in the evenings.

✨ Highlights

1
200 Interactive Exhibits
Over 200 hands-on exhibits spanning physics, chemistry, life science, and earth science let visitors conduct experiments themselves, a model of edutainment.
2
IMAX and Planetarium
Features an eight-story IMAX theater and the third-largest planetarium in the US, screening science documentaries and star shows with stunning audiovisual impact.
3
USS Blueback Submarine
The last US diesel-electric submarine still in service is docked outside; visitors can board to learn about Cold War submarine life and naval technology.
4
Industrial Building Conversion
Converted from a 1992 Portland power plant, the red brick industrial exterior contrasts with modern interactive exhibits, a model of adaptive reuse architecture.
5
OMSI After Dark
Monthly science parties for adults 21+ combine beer, wine, and interactive science experiments, one of Portland's most popular adult science events.
6
Early Childhood Science Lab
A science lab designed for 2-6 year olds uses gamified exhibits to introduce scientific concepts through play, perfect for family science education.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：1945 SE Water Avenue, east bank of Willamette River, SE Portland
→Recommended Duration：3-4 hours; 5-6 hours with IMAX and submarine tour
→Best Time to Visit：Weekday mornings are less crowded; last Wednesday monthly is OMSI After Dark
→Opening Hours：Tuesday-Sunday 9:30-17:30, closed Monday; open daily July-August summer
→Ticket Information：Adults $18, Seniors 65+ $14, Children 3-13 $12, under 3 free; IMAX and planetarium extra
→Transportation：About 5 minutes drive from downtown; TriMet bus 4 or 17

💡 Tips

• If planning IMAX, planetarium, and submarine, combo tickets save about 30% compared to individual purchases.
• USS Blueback tours have limited capacity; reserve a time slot upon arrival before touring other exhibits to avoid long waits.
• The last Wednesday evening adult science party is very popular; book tickets in advance for the unique blend of drinks and science experiments.
• Families with toddlers should focus on the early childhood lab and interactive exhibits; school-age children can engage more complex physics and chemistry exhibits.
• OMSI is on the east bank; combine with Oregon Rail Heritage Center and the eastside waterfront trail for a half-day trip.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Oregon Museum of Science and Industry?

Tuesday-Sunday 9:30-17:30, closed Monday; open daily July-August summer

How much is the admission for Oregon Museum of Science and Industry?

Adults $18, Seniors 65+ $14, Children 3-13 $12, under 3 free; IMAX and planetarium extra

Any practical tips for visiting Oregon Museum of Science and Industry?

If planning IMAX, planetarium, and submarine, combo tickets save about 30% compared to individual purchases. USS Blueback tours have limited capacity; reserve a time slot upon arrival before touring other exhibits to avoid long waits.

How long should I spend at Oregon Museum of Science and Industry?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.