Our Story

Eugene Science Center strives to engage children, excite their curiosity, inspire them toward a lifelong love of science, and empower them to use science and technology to improve their communities. We envision empowered communities that foster scientific learning and innovation to create a better world. We provide a variety of educational programming including interactive exhibitions, planetarium shows and presentations, school programs, science camps, and special events. We primarily serve children ages 0 to 14 along with their families, teachers, and guardians. Eugene Science Center was founded in 1961 as the southwest branch of the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). It was incorporated in 1977 as the Willamette Science & Technology Center (WISTEC), an independent 501(c)(3) corporation. The name “Science Factory” was adopted in 2002, and then changed to Eugene Science Center in 2018. We are the only science center in Lane and surrounding counties. Creative learning begins at the Eugene Science Center! We want all of our visitors to be excited about learning, inspired to discover more, and empowered to change their communities for the better. In 2019 we had over 37,000 visitors and over 4,500 school children visit for field trips.