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In 1896, C. Hart Merriam challenged Oregonians to support a permanent site displaying Oregon’s rich natural resources. His suggestion was met with great enthusiasm by Oregonians who donated many of their own pieces in order to see his dream become reality.
By 1906, Merriam’s dream became reality with a display established in Portland’s City Hall. This lasted until the 1930s when the City needed more space for offices. The public display was placed in storage until after the “minor” setbacks of the Great Depression and World War II.
Portland area civil engineer and museum enthusiast, J.C. Stevens, became a great supporter in the late 1930s, and was a driving force behind the museum’s reopening in 1946 at the Portland Hotel.
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or OMSI as it was later known, moved from the Portland Hotel to another temporary exhibit in a private home, to its first permanent location in 1955, a purpose-built building constructed in Washington Park.
Now 65 years later, OMSI resides is a stunning 219,000 square foot building adjacent to the eastern bank of the Willamette River. The Museum provides an inspiring and unique look at the people, history, and technology that are Oregon.
OMSI is ranked one of the top science centers in the United States and boasts an international reputation for its innovative exhibits. The museum receives over 1 million visitors a year, so you know they’re doing something right!
Currently, OMSI has five exhibit halls with literally hundreds of interactive exhibits and hands-on displays to awaken the scientist in every child.
Take in the latest film showing at the Emprical Theater; a five-story domed screen with stadium seating. According to OMSI, the “Dual Christi 4K projectors and Dolby Atmos audio make this the biggest sounding, most-tech forward theater in the state.”
Next, visit the Kendall Planetarium and experience an exciting laser-light show. Then, peer through the telescope of the Navy’s last non-nuclear, fast-attack submarine, the USS Blueback.
Let the kids release some energy on the colorful and vibrant science playground and when you get hungry enjoy a meal at either the OMSI Cafe or Galileo’s.
Located just south of Portland on the east bank of the Willamette River, only 44.5 miles from Whispering Woods Resort, OMSI is an easy 1 hour drive.
Address: 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214-3354
Hours:
OMSI is open daily 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost (As of July 1, 2017):
Parking: $5
Museum tickets: $14 Adults · $9.75 Youth (3-13) and $10.75 Senior (63+)
Emprical Theater tickets: $7-$8.50 Adults · $6-$6.50 Youth (3-13) and $6-$7.00 Senior (63+)
Planetarium: All seats are $5.75
The USS Blueback Submarine tour: $6.75
Contact Information:
http://www.omsi.edu
503.797.4000 (TTY 503.239.7804)
info@omsi.edu