Portland is the best (place to visit a science museum).
The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry — better locally known as OMSI — placed No. 1 in the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards for best science museum in the U.S.
The museum was among 15 locations nominated by Newsweek magazine in the category. Newsweek runs a number of Reader’s Choice contests throughout the year. Nominees are determined by suggestions from a panel of travel experts and chosen by editors. The public voted on their favorites throughout February, and winners were announced March 7.
“We are equally humbled and overjoyed by this honor!” said Erin Graham, OMSI CEO and president, in an announcement about the win. “We are so grateful to our OMSI communities here in Portland and around the Pacific Northwest for their enthusiastic support. Part of what makes the OMSI experience so special is that we help create lasting memories for people of all ages over multiple generations. This award, won by public vote, speaks volumes about the support for OMSI and our mission, and we are thrilled.”
OMSI staff say this is the first time the museum had received this nomination. The only other West Coast nominee was the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Other locations on the final list included the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum of Albuquerque, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, the Science Museum of Minnesota and The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
Another Portland attraction – Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden – placed fourth in the vote for best botanical garden.
It’s a big week at OMSI, which on March 2 opened “Tyrannosaurs - Meet the Family,” a six-month exhibit featuring three life-sized tyrannosaur skeletons, fossil bones, and “a 30-foot tunnel where you can watch tyrannosaurs exploring modern-day Portland.”
Tickets to the special exhibit are $19 for adults, $14 for kids, $16 for seniors and free for children 3 and younger. Visit OMSI’s website for more info.
-- Samantha Swindler covers features for The Oregonian and Here is Oregon. Reach her at sswindler@oregonian.com.
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