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What reviewers say about OMSI

Generated with AI from 3,412 reviews on Trustburn · updated 23 days ago

Customers overall speak very positively about OMSI, with 88% of the 3,412 reviews on file giving it 4 or 5 stars. The cross-section of reviews describes it as great fun and engaging, often highlighting the OMNIMAX theater as a standout feature, while a few note that it can feel crowded and that some year-round exhibits feel repetitive or dated.
What does OMSI do?

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a science center and featured attraction located in Portland, Oregon. The information available describes it as one of the nation's leading science centers, with exhibits, an OMNIMAX theater, and tours such as the USS Blueback mentioned in reviews.

What are the most common complaints about OMSI?

The critical reviewers on file most commonly complain about the experience being overpriced for what is offered, with one calling it a tourist trap and another feeling the science content is too basic and aimed only at children. They also mentioned poor phone responsiveness from the front desk and, in one case, loud disruptive groups of children making the visit unpleasant.

AI-generated from reviews on this page. Verify anything important with the company directly.

Alucard Taylor
Reviews 1

Very crowded during peak and expensive. Only come when a great exhibit is on display. Recommend the USS Blueback tour. Other then that, just the same boring year round exhibits. IMAX has a great screen. Not sure if it s 4K or 8k.

Dave Wiard
Reviews 1

There are plenty of science-oriented activities for all ages from 1.5 years through adult. The toddler are is a little limited with but for older kids 4+ there is so much here you really have to go multiple times to experience it all. The special exhibits are always VERY well done for all ages.

Jake Carroll
Reviews 1

There laser shows have become a huge disappointment. Sounds like an old boom box in the corner of a large room. They used to be enjoyable. Felt like you just experienced a show. Now it's extremely quiet and not visually entertaining. I didn't want to be that "that person" but half way through the show I no longer wanted to be there and wanted to leave. Several groups did leave during the show. Can't say for positive due to the show itself but I suspect so. Fortunately one group who left was nice since I was done listening to their full on conversation about their day with each other. Unfortunate that the music was so quiet they were able to have that time to converse and I had to hear it. If these shows don't improve I know I'll never go to another.

Ben Moore
Reviews 1

Lots of exhibits for kids and adults many of which are very hands on. Parking is a little problematic when it's busy (and I've only ever been here when it's busy). There are also rotating, national exhibits which can be a lot of fun to check out, but they tend to come with a dramatic increase in ticket price. All in all, this is a great way to spend an afternoon when you find yourself visiting Portland, especially in the company of children.

Seth Doray
Reviews 1

Just visited this really awesome museum. There are lots of exhibits but as of the time I type this, most of them seem to be closed down for a while. They are only allowing 25% of their top capacity in via online scheduling. It's $20 per adult to see Body Worlds. Which was just fantastic. You really get to see how intricate and complex the human body is. I mean, every facet of what keeps us alive and helps us interact with our world, is so detailed. And the museum helps you see that detail in a relatable and visual sense. Mind you, I believe everything in this exhibit is real. It's actual preserved bodies. This includes the prenatal section as well. So a little surreal and maybe a bit daunting, but definitely inspiring. Lastly! The submarine that you get to tour as well is so cool! Built in the 50s I believe and super cramped. Really amazing tour of that as well.

Salman Akhtar
Reviews 1

Not bad for kids. Science exhibits are sub-par. The puzzle displays do not teach science facts, seems as though it is put together by people with education degrees rather than scientists. Doesn't meet my minimum expectations from a science center. The industry side is also disappointing, even though it is a little better than the other side. Very limited exhibits for adults. Good place to let children play indoors while it is raining.

David Holten
Reviews 1

Great place very open space. Plenty of room and accessibility for disabled persons. Lots of cool photo opportunities with tanks, planes, space crafts, and plenty more. Unlike other museums this one takes a lot longer to explore for the size of the exhibits and facilities is grand. Only one star off because they got cool water park next store and cost a little high for low income.

Diedre Gibbons
Reviews 1

Our small family the three of us, The Gibbons family. Walked on the bricks out front to enjoy seeing our beloved Michael Freese has a plaque . He enjoyed being a volunteer and a contributor to OMSI. We also went to enjoy the robot exhibit, and had very nice time . Mike Freese is missed .

John Boren
Reviews 1

In the past I probably would have given this 5 stars, however as it is the signature science museum in Oregon, it could stand to be updated and/or expanded. It is quite popular which makes for crowded/uncomfortable visits when there are multiple (too many) class field trips or weekend crowds converging on it all at once.

Sarah Bailey
Reviews 1

Went to see the exquisite creatures exhibit and was not disappointed. The museum is a bit far from us but well worth the trip! My kids always have a blast and there are so many interesting hands on learning opportunities. If you have kids and live in Oregon it's a must see!

Ernie Sawyer
Reviews 1

OMSI's usual exhibits were fun and educational, and the King Tut exhibit was great, awesome visuals and excellent information. I have seen their Pompeii and Mummies exhibits, which were also awesome! Prices are really good and the staff were very helpful with hetting people where to go, how to use the equipment and answering any questions.

Galin McMahon
Reviews 1

Review for the laser show - The updated planetarium is pretty amazing. New carpet, new seat covers. The lasers have been greatly updated although a lot of the songs are still basically just Windows screen savers. The background video has been changed so it causes 75% less nausea. Still no hologram projection though so even with the updates it's still a bit of a dated performance. The ear plugs they hand out must be a joke because the audio was incredibly quiet and there was zero bass. I could hear people giggling all the way across the room. I listened to the same album (The Wall) in my car on the way home and my stock speakers had a lot more bass than there was in the laser show. Kind of disappointing :(

Deanna Lamadrid-Jensen
Reviews 1

Interesting, thought provoking exhibits. They've done a fantastic job catering to all different age groups. The science exploration center for younger kids even has a snack area and a nursing mothers room. Really impressed with the amenities. Also, the food in the cafeteria was delicious. Wasn't expecting that.

Brittany Wybenga
Reviews 1

I loved this place as a kid. It's always changing and now I take my kids and they love it. One is 3 the other is 1 and their was something for both. A planetarium show is a must even for little kids. But don't eat here. Way to expensive so bring your own food.

Max Wally
Reviews 1

I got lost inside of earthquake exhibit. Eventually found mom with help of staff. However, they were very judgemental. I informed them that plenty of 30 year olds are still chaparoned by their mothers and that pointing out my age was both irrelevant and hurtful. This is 2017.. Jeez.. 4 stars.

Frank Garcia
Reviews 1

Overpriced tourist trap. Loud enough the shake a filling loose due to the 3 foot tall psychotic dwarves from the schools/churches/youth organizations that flood this place. Scalped for parking and everything else( genuinely suprised the bathrooms dont need quarters to open).

Erik Kruse
Reviews 1

Fun museum, better for kids than adults, but worth a look. Rolling exhibits in part of the museum, but some of the exhibits and activities are constant. Gift shop is large and has a fun variety of things available. There were plenty of interesting activities and games for both children and adults. Staff were friendly and helpful, and the museum also houses a large theater and an IMAX, each with a variety of different films to choose from (costs extra - not included in museum admission). Views of the river from this museum are wonderful, and the museum has LOTS of natural light and windows.

William Nahorn IV
Reviews 1

Great learning experience for people of all ages. The staff is friendly, and most of the exhibits are in good shape. The biggest disappointment for us is that the family membership no longer includes unlimited planetarium shows.

C. A. Willie
Reviews 1

Some of the exhibits could use a little housekeeping. For the traffic they receive, they high cost, and how rarely they update their primary exhibits, they should have plenty of money to make the place not look run down (planetarium). Other than that my kids love OMSI and much of it provides mostly fact based info for them to learn from.

Chad C
Reviews 1

Great place for kids age 6+. Lots of cool stuff for adults too. They have a few good presentations in the enormous theater and the submarine tours were awesome and interesting. The restaurant area has great options. It's a great place to spend an afternoon

Erik Bailey
Reviews 1

O I love this place. I've been going here since I was a kid, it's been great to see all it's iterations and the few exhibits that have been here since the 90s. Apparently every generation loves filling bottles with water and air and blasting them towards the ceiling. Often wonder how often they replace those! It's great for ages 2-118. I loved it as a kid, my kids love it and I hope their kids love it too someday. I have a Seattle science museum membership and it's reciprocate here so I always try and stop by when I'm in town

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About OMSI

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science centers and a featured attraction located in Portland, OR.

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is a premier science center located in Portland, OR. It is one of the most popular attractions in the region, drawing visitors from all over the country. OMSI offers a wide range of exhibits and programs that are designed to educate and inspire people of all ages about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

OMSI was founded in 1944 as the "Oregon Museum of Science and Industry." Since then, it has grown into one of the largest science centers in the United States. The museum's mission is to inspire curiosity through engaging exhibits and programs that encourage visitors to explore scientific concepts.

One of OMSI's most popular exhibits is its planetarium. The planetarium features a state-of-the-art digital projection system that allows visitors to experience stunning visuals of space exploration. Visitors can also learn about astronomy through interactive displays that showcase different planets, stars, galaxies, and other celestial objects.

Another popular exhibit at OMSI is its submarine tour. Visitors can explore an actual decommissioned Navy submarine called USS Blueback which was used during Cold War era missions. This unique experience gives visitors an up-close look at what life was like for submariners during this time period.

In addition to its permanent exhibits, OMSI also hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year on various topics related to science and technology. These exhibitions often feature interactive displays that allow visitors to engage with scientific concepts in new ways.

OMSI also offers a variety of educational programs for students ranging from preschoolers to high schoolers. These programs are designed to supplement classroom learning by providing hands-on experiences with STEM concepts.

For adults interested in continuing their education or exploring new topics related to science or technology there are many opportunities available at OMSI as well including lectures series on various topics such as climate change or artificial intelligence.

Overall,Oregon Museum Of Science And Industry (OMSI) provides an excellent opportunity for individuals who want an immersive experience with STEM subjects while having fun at it too!

Website
omsi.edu
Address
1945 southeast water avenue