Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present, a live-animal exhibit, opens at OMSI Oct 4
Media Contact: Annemarie Eayrs
aeayrs@omsi.edu | P: 503-797-4510
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[PORTLAND, OR – September 14, 2024] – Past and present collide in the one-of-a-kind blockbuster exhibit opening at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) on October 4. Live animals, real fossils, and educational programming will bring museum visitors back in time to explore what lurked within the ocean in Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present.
With nine live animal habitats, engaging bilingual info panels, life-sized animal sculptures, and more, Monsters of the Abyss is a fully immersive exhibition that brings guests through millions of years of sea creatures to witness the rise and fall of Earth’s most awe-inspiring aquatic creatures. Come face to face with full replicas of massive mosasaurs, a spine-chilling Spinosaurus, and other prehistoric creatures who defy imagination and have inspired myths and legends. Then meet their present-day descendants, including an Asian Water Monitor, the second-largest lizard species after the Komodo dragon.
“Monsters of the Abyss takes visitors on a journey spanning millions of years, from prehistoric oceans to the present day, through real fossils, live animals, and hands-on, interactive experiences,” shares Akiko Minaga, OMSI’s Vice President of Learning Experiences. “In this exhibition, guests will learn about extinction-level events, dig for fossils, and see the aquatic “monsters” in our own oceans, rivers, and lakes that still exist today.”
Perfect for families and guests of all ages, Monsters of the Abyss includes daily educational programming and animal encounters from expert educators who can answer visitors’ most complex questions about life under the sea. Guests will make their way through each prehistoric period, learning about the mass extinction events that have given rise to the diverse ecosystems we see today.
Live animals in the exhibition include:
- Asian Water Monitor
- Asian Water Dragon
- Pixie Frog
- Diamondback Terrapin
- Eastern Garter Snake
- Caiman Lizard
- False Water Cobra
Highlights of the prehistoric monsters include:
- A replica skull of a rare Dunkleosteus
- Real fossils of Spiny Trilobites and other invertebrates
- A full replica of a Spinosaurus, an aquatic dinosaur larger than a T.rex
- Several specimens of Mosasaurs, including a replica skull and skeletons
- A full replica skeleton of a classic “sea monster,” the Elasmosaurus
- A full replica skeleton of a prehistoric whale, the Basilosaurus
- A photo opp reconstructed cast jaw of a Megalodon
- And much more!
The exhibit was developed by the Canadian-based Little Ray’s Nature Centre, which is one of the largest exotic animal rescue organizations in North America. All of the live animals in the exhibition were rescued by Little Ray’s or born into human care. Their conservation work emphasizes the importance of animal welfare, habitat preservation, and inspiring action through educational experiences.
Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present is open at OMSI from October 4, 2025 through February 16, 2026. This exhibit is included with the cost of museum admission. Learn more at https://omsi.edu/exhibits/monsters-of-the-abyss/.
Press images and attributions for the exhibit can be found here.
Tickets & Pricing
Museum Admission, including access to Monsters of the Abyss: Adult $20, Youth (ages 3-13) $15, Senior (age 63+) $17. Guests can purchase tickets at omsi.edu.
The exhibit is free for OMSI Members. Learn more about membership at omsi.edu/membership.
Museum Hours of Operation
Tuesday–Friday & Sunday: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Monday: Closed most Mondays between mid-September to mid-June
About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums and a trusted educational resource for communities throughout Oregon and the region. Through museum exhibitions, public programs, traveling exhibitions, and digital learning, OMSI nourishes a lifelong love of science, curiosity, and learning among its diverse audiences. The upcoming OMSI District will be a one-of-a-kind neighborhood with innovation, culture, and science learning at its heart. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. Connect with the museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Little Rays Nature Centre
Little Rays Nature Centre was founded in 1995 as a local, family-based, reptile rescue and educational outreach program. Since then, they have grown to be the largest exotic animal rescue in Canada with growing presence in the U.S. Little Rays operates a rescue facility in Canada as well as nature center open to the public in Syracuse, New York. Through their unique educational exhibit model, their conservation outreach program reaches 1-2 million people each year through museums, zoological facilities, and science centers across the US and Canada. Little Rays is nationally accredited by the Canadian Association of Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) and licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources.