ORCAS exhibit open at OMSI

INCLUDES VIDEO | Open this article now, and see all about this ‘fin-tastic’ exhibition: Take a ‘deep dive’ into the into the science that surrounds the magnificent orca – apex predator of all oceans …

-1 In their newly opened exhibition, Orcas: Our Shared Future, a OMSI Science Educator explains that visitors that, as large as the lifelike scale models are, they’re much smaller than an actual orca, due to size limitations and most museums.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

On May 13, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) revealed a new exhibition that invites guests to dive into the mysteries of the oceans’ apex predator: Orcas, also known as “killer whales”.

In this, the United States premiere of presentation called Orcas: Our Shared Future, visitors won’t find huge tanks of water and performing orcas.

But, by walking through the two floors of displays in our local science museum, playing immersive games, and viewing the many videos set up in small theaters, those who come to see it will be immersed in the themes of ecological activism, popular culture, and Indigenous beliefs.

Throughout this exhibition, the goal is for you and your family to gain a deeper understanding the connection between orcas and humans – both believed to be intelligent animals.

A family examines some of the many artifacts on display which inform about the life of orca whales.

This visitor to the OMSI exhibition Orcas: Our Shared Future view a portion of the large collection of artwork shared by Northwest Coast First Nations crafters.

“We’re especially excited for visitors to connect with Indigenous knowledge and stories about orcas,” OMSI President Erin Graham expressed.

The exhibitions 100+ artifacts and objects, include:

An Indigenous artist’s Articulated Dance Mask
Carved Gold Killer Whale Box
An especially-commissioned painting in Haida manga (a contemporary style of Haida comics and print cartoons that explores the elements of both traditional North Pacific indigenous arts) by artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas
“Legacy”, a full-size wooden orca skeleton by artist Ken Hall, fashioned of reclaimed cedar, to honor its traditional use by the First Nations.

Take our video highlights tour, and see why you’ll want to visit this unique presentation:

And, discover how orcas received the nickname “killer whale”; what currently threatens these mammals; and how humans can protect them.

Numerous mini-theaters inside OMSI are currently running videos, including this program on “Orca Rights”.

Giant-sized, full-color graphics tell the story of orca whales.

Orcas: Our Shared Future runs through January 28, 2024, and is included with the cost of museum admission.

For more information, their address, or to buy tickets online, see their official OMSI website: CLICK HERE.

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