Inspiring Event Venues in Portland
Looking for event spaces in Portland? Impress your guests with built-in science entertainment and unparalleled service. Our location on the east bank of the Willamette River in the heart of Portland makes for breathtaking city and river views, while our world-class exhibits spark curiosity for guests of all ages. We can accommodate a wide range of event types and sizes, including museum-wide receptions, company picnics, meetings, and film screenings. Hosting your event at OMSI is sure to make any occasion unforgettable.
We’ve got the space, the tools, and the team to make your event perfect.
Ready to get started?
Venue Spaces
Whether you’re looking for corporate event venues, outdoor spaces, or the something awe-inspiring for your wedding day, discover the perfect space for your next event. From waterfront views to spacious reception halls, OMSI event spaces are one-of-a-kind.
Theory
The perfect location for your next dinner or evening reception with waterfront views of the Portland skyline. Theory offers an open, airy floor plan with custom furnishings, reclaimed wood accents, built-in bar and a fireplace.
Empirical Theater
Book a private large-screen viewing or opt for a lecture-style presentation venue in OMSI’s top-of-the-line theater space.
Auditorium
A multi- functional space perfect for presentations, panel discussions, lectures and meetings.
Riverfront Courtyard
Featuring a 30′ x 75′ tent, our seasonal outdoor space is popular for company picnics, evening receptions, and features dynamic city views along with the Willamette River.
Turbine Hall
Built in the early 20th century, and home to the Physics Lab, Chemistry Lab, Curium and Epicenter, the newly transformed Turbine Hall offers hands-on learning experiences empowering visitors to solve some of modern society’s biggest challenges through STEAM.
Kendall Planetarium
Featuring a state-of-the-art projection system, the recently renovated Kendall Planetarium is a memorable venue for meetings, concerts, or private laser light shows.
Weddings
Want to make OMSI part of your special day? Check out our wedding package to learn more.
Corporate Events
From receptions to board meetings to team retreats, OMSI’s unique venues will provide your next corporate event with the spark it needs.
Special Events
From company picnics to anniversaries to film festivals, we have the perfect space for your next special event. Whether you want to rent out the whole museum or just a space, OMSI will help make your special event extra special.
Event Add-Ons
Make your event extra special with a visit to the chem lab, a show under the stars, or a submarine tour! Explore all event add-ons below.
Feature Exhibit
Add access to Jurassic World by Brickman® to your event now through September 1, 2025!
Feature Exhibit Meeting Package
Feature Exhibit Company Picnic Package
Feature Exhibit Evening Package
Physics Lab
Available with Turbine Hall rental
Discover the hair-raising effects of static electricity with the Van de Graff Generator and view some of the first phonographs ever made at the Physics Lab! The entire lab is filled with fun activities for all ages, including a bellows organ, plasma tube, harmonograph, a collection of early Edison lightbulbs and more!
Chemistry Lab
Available with Turbine Hall rental
Discover the stuff that makes up the universe in our Chemistry Lab! Measure, mix, and experiment with concoctions that glow, fizz, change color, and more – with goggles of course! Guests will be guided by OMSI educators through hands-on experiments.
Life Lab
Available with Natural Science Hall rental
Take a closer look and discover the ecosystems, adaptations, and more that fill our natural world full of surprises in our Life Lab. Guests can interact with animals and insects under the supervision of an OMSI educator.
Paleontolotgy Lab
Available with Natural Science Hall rental
Step into a working fossil preparation lab! Guests can handle fossil shells and bones and with an OMSI educator to interact with guests and conduct demos.
Planetarium Shows
The planetarium offers a wide range of shows that you may choose for your guests, from star shows to laser light shows. Each show is approximately 25-45 minutes in length and includes a space science educator who will interact with guests and run each show.
Rotating Natural Science Hall Exhibit
Knowing Nature | Available until July 6, 2025
Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest will let your guests explore the biodiversity of our northernmost forests while gaining important insights into their global significance. This beautiful exhibit thoughtfully combines interactive experiences, stunning media, first-person stories, and commissioned objects to immerse visitors in the boreal biome.
USS Blueback Tours
Tour the Navy’s last active duty diesel-electric submarine! Guests will have open boat access, meaning they can enter and explore at their own pace. Submarine staff will be stationed throughout to answer questions, or give tours to interested guests.
Sound System
The Upgraded Sound System includes 1 hour of Set Up Tech, JBL Sound System on stands, JBL 4channel mixer, AV cable lot, and a podium available upon request.
Uplights
Uplights are a great way to create ambiance for your event! OMSI has 14 uplights that can be programmed to almost any color imaginable.
Photobooth
GUAC iPad self-service photo booth with ring light, ready-made photo templates, and black or custom OMSI backdrop. The photo booth includes unlimited virtual captures that guests can text or email to themselves or share to the live group gallery. Option to add printer for physical 2”x6” prints as well. OMSI will create a custom border and interface for your event.
Bulk Parking
OMSI offers pre-paid bulk parking if you’d like to provide parking for guests. We will provide you a unique code for guests to enter into their Parking Kitty app, webpage, or kiosks to validate.
Event Planning Guide
From venues and catering to entertainment and parking, explore everything you need to know about hosting an event at OMSI.
Summer 2025 Catering Menu
Discover the sweets and treats that can please a crowd—offered by OMSI’s catering partner, Epicurean Group.
Let’s Get Started
We have the unique space, tools, and team to make your next private event one for the history books. For more information please contact us!
Kathleen Jacobs, Event Sales Manager
(503) 797-4671 | EventSales@OMSI.edu
Ready to book?