Big Movies, Giant Screen
There’s something magical about a movie house. The dimming lights, the crowd’s hush, the glow of the screen. Now imagine if that magic was fueled by science, creating immersive experiences that teach, motivate and entertain. Doesn’t that sound better? It should. We have Dolby Atmos, after all. This is movie night done right.
Hollywood Blockbusters
Movie night done right! Enjoy Hollywood favorites with food and beverages available at the Empirical Café.
Daytime Documentaries
Sharks, and jungles, and oceans, oh my! Watch science unfold on the largest screen in Portland.
Summer Cinema Fun
Whether you’re looking for intense action, a touch of nostalgia, some hearty laughs or a bit of romance, we’re sure to have a film that fits your mood. For the next few months, the Empirical Theater will be featuring pictures that capture the essence of summer. So grab some popcorn and a cold drink while you relax in our cool environs for summer movie fun as it was meant to be experienced on Portland’s largest screen.
Despicable Me 4
Now Playing
Gru, Lucy, and their girls —Margo, Edith and Agnes — welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad. Gru, the world’s favorite supervillain- turned-Anti-Villain League-agent, also faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) and his femme fatale girlfriend Valentina (Sofia Vergara), forcing the family to go on the run.
Tickets– $8.00 Adult | $7.00 Senior | $6.50 Youth
Members – Save $1
Opening Day Event
Deadpool & Wolverine
Thurs. July 25 | 5:30 PM & 8:15 PM
Event tickets include movie snacks, a beverage (either alcoholic or non-alcoholic), and door prizes. Each attendee will also receive a pass for free museum admission on a future date.
Non-Members – $22.00
Members – $18.00
Now Showing
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We have answers! Explore frequently asked questions. For more information please contact us at Info@OMSI.edu or (503) 797-4000.
The Empirical Theater has an upper-level wheelchair accessible entrance and theater restrooms; due to the layout of the theater the lower-level main entrance is only accessible by stairs. Please check in with a Guest Services Representative or volunteer for assistance in locating these areas.
Several daytime documentaries and newer evening full-features offer closed captions, audio description, and volume amplification. The CaptiView closed caption units allow guests to see captions for their show by using a cup holder device that they can adjust within their view, and the Fidelio RX audio description units deliver descriptive narration and can also amplify the theater volume and dialogue.
The Showing Today signs updated daily at the front desk and theater entrance indicate which features offer closed captions (CC) and audio description (AD), while volume amplification is available for all theater content including events such as Science Pub and Reel Science.
Limited quantities of the following devices are available for theater guests and may be requested at either the Front Desk or Concierge Desk as well as from the theater usher:
- CaptiView closed caption (CC) viewing devices
- Fidelio RX audio description and volume amplification units
- Williams Sound NKL-001 neck loops designed to work with hearing aids equipped with a telephone coil or T-Switch
The rough inside measurements of the seats not including arm and back rests:
- Theater seats 16.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- Two VIP chairs 21.5” wide and 19” deep
- Additional VIP chair available by request is 23.5” wide and 21.5” deep
- The weight capacity for the VIP chairs are between 200lbs-250lbs
Earplugs can be requested from the Front Desk and Concierge Desk, and sensory resource packs that include:
- Noise reducing headphones
- Fidget toys
- Sunglasses
- Visual and auditory timer
- 2 pound weighted shoulder wrap
- Sanitizing wipes
Please contact OMSI Guest Services at (503) 797-4000 or Info@OMSI.edu with any additional specific questions or needs.
- Our Empirical Café features:
Made-to-order coffee drinks
Grab-and-go salads and sandwiches
Fresh pastries
Beer and Wine (available evenings only)
Popcorn, candy, and a selection of classic movie theater treats
Films in the Empirical Theater start promptly with no previews. Be sure to arrive 10-15 minutes early.
OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Ave Portland, OR 97214. Visitors can pay for parking through the Parking Kitty app (as of 7/24/23), at the front desk, or soon at parking kiosks in the North and South parking lots.
OMSI parking costs $5 (+ fees) for 2 hours or $8 (+ fees) for all day parking. Guests arriving after 5pm can expect to pay a flat fee of $2 (+ fees) for the evening.
For safety and enhanced viewing experience, re-entry is not allowed during short documentary films. For longer featured films, re-entry is allowed.
Visiting Soon?
OMSI is committed to making science-fueled fun available for all in our community. We are proud to offer admission assistance, financial aid, and accessible services throughout the museum. Explore access resources and amenities for guests visiting the museum.
