Oregon Museum of Science and IndustryAbout Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a science museum and educational center in Portland, Oregon, focused on interactive exhibits and public science programming. The museum includes exhibit halls, a domed theatre and large artifacts on display.
Exhibit areas include hands-on science galleries that cover topics such as physics, engineering and natural science, alongside a domed theatre for large-format and planetarium-style films. A distinctive feature is the on-site USS Blueback, a retired U.S. Navy submarine preserved for visitor tours.
OMSI began in the mid-20th century as a local science education initiative and expanded through the decades into a major regional museum with permanent galleries, traveling exhibits and the addition of the submarine. Its programming centers on informal science learning for families and students.
OMSI sits on the east bank of the Willamette River in Portland’s central area, adjacent to downtown neighborhoods and connected by local bridges and transit to the rest of the city.
- Submarine exhibit: Houses the USS Blueback submarine on display and offers interior tours as part of the visitor experience.
- Interactive exhibits and theatre: Features hands-on science exhibits and a domed theatre that shows large-format and educational films.
What to See#
- USS Blueback submarine: A retired U.S. Navy diesel-electric submarine preserved on site and open for interior tours, displayed on a dry berth adjacent to museum buildings.
- Turbine Hall and exhibit galleries: A large hands-on science hall and exhibit spaces that include physics, biology and engineering displays designed for family audiences.
- OMNIMAX/planetarium theatre: A domed theatre that shows large-format and planetarium-style films, used for educational programs and public screenings.
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Best Time to Visit Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Visit OMSI on weekday mornings in winter or shoulder seasons to avoid heavy crowds and long waits for popular exhibits.
Weather & Climate near Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 1°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1002 mm/year), wettest in December.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 1° - 8° | 2° | 147 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 2° - 11° | 4° | 114 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 4° - 14° | 7° | 101 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 5° - 16° | 11° | 71 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 8° - 20° | 14° | 57 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 11° - 23° | 17° | 40 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 13° - 27° | 20° | 18 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 13° - 27° | 20° | 23 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 10° - 24° | 17° | 44 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 6° - 18° | 12° | 77 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 11° | 6° | 149 mm | - | - | 2.8 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 1° - 8° | 2° | 161 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
OMSI sits on the east bank of the Willamette River in southeast Portland just south of the Hawthorne Bridge. It is an easy 5-15 minute drive from downtown Portland (about 1-2 miles/1.6-3 km) and is served by TriMet buses and the Portland Streetcar; the OMSI/SE Water Ave transit stops are a short walk from the museum. Street parking and nearby pay lots are available.
Tips for Visiting Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Avoid weekday mid-mornings when school field trips concentrate; aim for weekday afternoons or early openings on non-holiday weekdays for fewer groups.
- Reserve planetarium/OMNIMAX and USS Blueback (submarine) program tickets in advance - these are timed extras that often sell out separately from general admission.
- Use the on-site parking garage and arrive a few minutes before scheduled shows to collect tickets and enter galleries without missing timed presentations.