Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: Recognized as one of the nation’s top science museums

PORTLAND, Ore. — Newsweek magazine has nominated the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, or OMSI, as it is known locally, as one of the fifteen sites for the title of best science museum in the nation.

According to Newsweek, “At OMSI, there is a full range of STEM exhibits that guests of all ages can participate in. Kendall Planetarium and the Empire Theater, which show both documentaries and Hollywood favorites, are additional features to enjoy. To gain firsthand knowledge of how people live and work underwater, visitors can also take a tour of the USS Blueback submarine. A variety of special events, camps, and classes, such as science pubs and festivals, are also held at the museum.”

Throughout the year, Newsweek holds several Reader’s Choice competitions. As per the magazine, editors select the nominees based on recommendations from a group of travel specialists.

The Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden, another popular destination in Portland, was included on the nomination list as a contender for best botanical garden.

According to OMSI staff, the museum has never received this nomination before. The Exploratorium in San Francisco is the only other nominee from the West Coast.

OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham said, “We are honored to be on the Newsweek nomination list and exuberant at the acknowledgement of being among the other distinguished science museums featured on the list. OMSI is dedicated to the ongoing development and evolution of its statewide programming as well as its museum experiences. We sincerely appreciate the steadfast support of our committed partners, members, and the communities we serve.”

Through February 29 until nine in the morning (Pacific Time), the public may vote online once per category per day. It is one of the few online competitions where voters can cast their ballots without having to register with an email address. On March 7, ten winners out of the fifteen nominees will be announced.

Situated between Tilikum Crossing and the Marquam Bridge on the east bank of the Willamette River, the OMSI campus is situated on approximately 35 acres at 1945 S.E. Water Ave. Through March 1st, the museum is offering reduced admission prices of $17 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $12 for kids aged 3 to 13.

What is planned for the museum? The OMSI Studio Ghibli Film Fest kicks off on February 7 and runs the entire month, featuring over 40 film screenings by the Japanese animation studio. The films will be screened at the biggest movie screen in Portland, found at OMSI’s Empirical Theater.

ProLab Dance presents “When We Were Ocean” at the Kendall Planetarium on February 14, 15, and 18 at OMSI. Live dance, music, and 360-degree movies displayed throughout the planetarium dome are all woven together in this show.

“Tyrannosaurs – Meet the Family,” a six-month exhibit at OMSI, will open next month. It will include fossil bones and three life-sized tyrannosaur skeletons. A 30-foot-long tunnel will show how tyrannosaurs explore modern-day Portland.

Longer term plans for OMSI are to redevelop Portland’s east side with a ten-block high-rise development plan, which may comprise up to 1,200 new apartments as well as shops, restaurants, offices, and hotels.