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Portland, Oregon’s Wonderful OMSI – A Must-See

Let me start by saying, if you’ve lived in Oregon, Washington, Northwest Canada, or even Cali, and you love science, or even like science, and you haven’t been to OMSI, well, you’re missing out!

I’ve been there twice in the last year and a half and during my two experiences, I loved it!

There is much to do and see, it is a place suitable for all ages and scientific interests. It may take you a few hours to check everything so plan to be there a little earlier in the day, preferably in the morning, because it MAY take you all day to see and enjoy everything.

For starters, they have an OMNIMAX Theater, where they show these great screenings / movies. I remember the first time I walked in there, much less when they showed the actual movie (it was the Polar Express, because it was Christmas, which made it quite nice and magical, even more magical when it was shown on that huge, round screen). . Anyway, it is this large 6,532 square feet. feet of projection surface and a five-story high theater, and the sound system is excellent, a 15,000-watt digital surround sound system. So yeah, check it out when you go there, I’m sure everything they show will be great.

Next is the Planetarium, it was Christmas again so they played Christmas music and showed this fun laser light show. The OMSI is also the base of operations for the SS-581, one of the last non-nuclear fast attack submarines in the US Navy. You practically get it, it’s quite small, so I suggest you keep an eye on their heads, and It’s a small thing, but it’s worth a look.

Then they have all these sectors or sections where they show interesting things in different fields of science. They have sections for Biology, where they show interesting things related to biology, like how the body works (donated bodies). They have a physics section, or Turbine Hall, where you can literally play around with all these physics related things. They have this bell of sound, where you can feel this vibration between time and space. There will be plenty for your children to do on the second floor of the Science Playground. I remember they had this bridge building machine, where you can build this mini bridge on this computer model to see if it works, it’s fun for any age.

The last time I was there, they had these toilets from the future. Great, I know, right?

OMSI also has Earth Hall, where you can explore sewers, but also cool satellites and planets, including the dangers that cause climate change. Then there’s the Living Room, where you can explore the nature of human development, aging, and the effects of the decisions you make every day that affect your healthcare. It’s good to learn about it and OMSI makes it fun.

They also have this Palenotology area where you can see some dinosaur fossils.

They also have this chemistry lab (mixed with some physics), which in itself is a real treat. They also have their own shop, things there are pretty neat and decently priced, and a cafeteria with good food to eat or snack. They have this mini roller coaster for kids. Once you’re outside and it’s nighttime (keep in mind I went in winter the second time, but summer could be great too), you will be able to see a beautiful view of downtown Portland across the river.

Anyway, it is definitely something to visit when in Oregon or passing through Portland. I hope you have a good time!

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