OMSI’s Natural Sciences Hall to be reimagined with a focus on climate resilience
OMSI is transforming its Natural Sciences Hall into a dynamic space aimed at deepening public understanding of climate related challenges and community-level actions. The renovation will begin once the hall closes to the public on September 30, 2025, with the new hall opening to the public in the spring of 2026.
This new hall will be named the Nancy Stueber Natural Sciences Hall after OMSI’s former president and CEO, who retired in 2020 after 38 years at the museum, 20 of those as president. Prominently featured in the gallery will be a new interactive permanent exhibition that illustrates the relationship between humans and the environment, titled Climate of Change/Clima de Cambio. Climate of Change will feature narratives from the communities across Oregon most affected by climate change, showcasing their resilience, innovation, and collaborative efforts.
“This new hall is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of changemakers,” shares Erin Graham, OMSI’s President and CEO. “Climate of Change will highlight key concepts of climate science and showcase innovative solutions, encouraging visitors to take informed action and contribute to solving current and future climate challenges.”
Highlights of the renovated hall include:
- A showpiece entrance sculpture made from reclaimed yellow cedar mass-timber construction in partnership with Timberlab;
- An immersive multimedia experience developed by TellArt that highlights the interconnectedness of humans and the natural world;
- A story theater showcasing six short films of communities that have led place-based solutions to climate change-related issues, which include the Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market, Albina Vision Trust, the High Desert Partnership, Our Future’s student work, and others;
- An updated, immersive space for OMSI’s popular Science on a Sphere Globe featuring new content;
- Design that highlights the diverse beauty of the Pacific Northwest through a rich tapestry of landscapes, textures, and ecosystems;
- And many other interactive, hands-on elements and education modules.
An important aspect of the hall is its centering of Indigenous, Black, Latine, rural, coastal, and youth voices. Through highlighting community solutions, the exhibition seeks to counteract some of the feelings of anxiety, grief, and helplessness that surround current conversations about climate change and, instead, inspire hope.
“This exhibition was made possible through the collaboration and contributions of an exceptional range of partners that includes tribal nations, scientists, artists, community and industry partners. Their expertise and perspectives help us tell a story of climate change that is presented in locally and globally relevant ways, rooted in the specific landscapes and communities of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Together, we are building an experience that is distinctive to the region and reflective of the diverse voices that define it.” says Akiko Minaga, Vice President of Learning Experiences at OMSI.
Key activations in the hall focused on renewable energy, sustainable living, and conservation were developed in partnership with PGE, a key sponsor for the hall’s renovation. “At Portland General Electric, we believe that a sustainable, resilient future is within our reach if we work together,” said Maria Pope, president and CEO of Portland General Electric. “Communities across the Pacific Northwest are already experiencing both the promise of clean energy and the pressures of a changing climate, and it’s clear that the choices we make today will shape the world our children inherit. Through our partnership with OMSI and the new Nancy Stueber Natural Sciences Hall, we hope to inspire curiosity, spark innovation, and empower people of all ages to take part in building a healthier, more vibrant planet.”
“This hall will be the culmination of over 5 years of collaboration with more than 15 community partners, as well as support from donors, sponsors, and trustees, many of whom made donations to the hall renovation in Nancy Stueber’s honor,” said Erin Graham, OMSI President and CEO. “With construction now commencing, we cannot wait to celebrate the Hall’s grand opening next April and to share this extraordinary experience with guests from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.”
