Sea predators featured in OMSI’s new ‘Monsters of the Abyss’ exhibition

INCLUDES VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS TOUR | Discover why the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry describes their newest exhibit as ‘Aquatic Predators, Past and Present’ …

Guests are fascinated when visiting OMSI’s Featured Hall exhibition called “Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present”, now open.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

Having opened in October, the newest Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) exhibit, “Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present” continues to attract the attention of both members and guests. And, it looks to be an inviting attraction throughout the Holiday season and through the winter months.

Those venturing into OMSI’s Featured Hall see mosasaurs, a Spinosaurus, and other bizarre creatures as they journey through time and space – learning about the rise and decline of aquatic creatures over the eons – as well as their present-day descendants.

Taking time for a photo at the opening of “Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present” are Aric Wood and Erin Graham, OMSI President and CEO.

Take a tour, by video, of this fascinating exhibition:

“This exhibition is a fun way to invite people in – people who are excited about the sea, interested in animals, and want to learn about science,” OMSI President and CEO Erin Graham told East Portland News at the exhibition’s opening on October 3.

“We believe that visitors will be interested in learning about our natural environment – but, more than that, learning about wanting to help stewarding the ocean and animals around us,” she continued.

These visitors check out Spiny Trilobites fossils.

Admiring the replica Spinosaurus on display are Isle, Keegan and Courtney Campbell.

Live creatures, descendants of “Monsters of the Abyss” captivate guests.

Handling an Eastern Corn Snake is Morgan Kuempel, with Little Ray’s Exhibitions, producers of the “Monsters of the Abyss” exhibition.

Live animals in the exhibition include reptiles and amphibians – ranging from an Asian Water Monitor (the second-largest lizard species, after the Komodo dragon) to a Diamondback Terrapin turtle, and False Water Cobra snake. Trained animal handlers introduce guests to them, up close.

Prehistoric monster specimens include:

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 reconstructed cast jaw of a Megalodon

There’s a lot to see and learn, about sea creatures from long ago as well as the present day, at this unusual exhibition – now open at OMSI.

“Monsters of the Abyss: Aquatic Predators Past + Present” is open at OMSI, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, during regular hours through February 16, 2026. This exhibit is included with the cost of museum admission, too.

Learn more: CLICK HERE.

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