Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Oregon
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a prominent science and technology museum located in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to engaging children, teens, and adults through hands-on exhibits and educational programs. Established initially in 1903 and evolving through several locations, OMSI now resides on the east bank of the Willamette River in a building that incorporates the historic Station L power plant. The museum features five specialized exhibit halls showcasing natural sciences, industry, and technology, alongside a planetarium equipped with Digistar 3 technology and a large-format Empirical Theater. A unique attraction is the USS Blueback, a retired submarine open for public tours, offering an immersive experience into naval history and technology. OMSI regularly hosts transient exhibits and public demonstrations, making it a dynamic destination for STEM education. Its architecture blends historic industrial elements with modern design, reflecting the region's heritage and innovation spirit. OMSI's mission focuses on inspiring curiosity and learning through interactive science experiences, making it a vital cultural institution in the Pacific Northwest.
Plan your trip to United States with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: For the best experience, visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds. Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for planetarium shows and submarine tours. Check the official website for current exhibits and any seasonal events. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Arrive early to explore all exhibit halls and catch scheduled demonstrations. The museum is accessible by public transport and offers parking nearby.
Interesting facts
- •OMSI houses the USS Blueback, the last non-nuclear submarine built by the U.S. Navy, open for public tours.
- •The museum's current building integrates the historic Station L power plant, linking industrial heritage with science education.
- •OMSI features a planetarium with Digistar 3 technology, offering immersive astronomical presentations.
- •The Empirical Theater, formerly the OMNIMAX dome, features a premium large format screen approximately four stories tall.
- •OMSI attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, making it one of the largest science museums in the Pacific Northwest.
History
OMSI's origins date back to 1903 when artifacts were displayed in Portland City Hall.
The Oregon Museum Foundation was founded in 1944 to establish a formal museum, which opened its first planetarium in 1950.
The museum moved to Washington Park in 1958, expanding its hands-on exhibits and planetarium facilities.
By the 1980s, visitor numbers outgrew the site, prompting a relocation in 1992 to its current location on the Willamette River, incorporating the historic Station L power plant.
The museum has since undergone renovations and expansions, including the transformation of its OMNIMAX theater into the Empirical Theater in 2013 and ongoing plans for further growth and community engagement.
Place Guide
USS Blueback Submarine1959
A decommissioned Barbel-class submarine open to visitors, offering a unique insight into naval technology and life aboard a submarine during the Cold War era.
Planetarium1992 (current site)
A 200-seat facility equipped with Digistar 3 technology that presents immersive astronomy shows and educational programs about space and the universe.
Empirical Theater2013
Formerly the OMNIMAX dome theater, it was renovated in 2013 into a flat-screen Premium Large Format theater, offering high-quality science and nature films on a four-story screen.
Exhibit Halls
Five specialized halls featuring hands-on exhibits on natural sciences, industry, and technology, designed to engage visitors of all ages in interactive learning.
Contact
Phone: (503) 797-4000
