Science Factory Children's Museum & Planetarium

The Science Factory, located in Alton Baker Park in Eugene, Oregon, United States, is a science and technology center for children, families, and school groups. The 10000sqft museum near Autzen Stadium features changing interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, camp programs, special events and other science and technology-related education programs. The Science Factory is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. The Science Factory's mission is: "To engage children, excite their curiosity, inspire them toward a lifetime love of science, and empower them to use science and technology to improve their communities."HistoryThe Science Factory was founded in 1961 as the Southwest Oregon Museum of Science and Industry . SWOMSI received initial support from its parent organization, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry of Portland, but soon after became an independent museum with a board of directors composed primarily of local educators.SWOMSI first occupied the Oregon Electric Railway Station, currently the Oregon Electric Station restaurant, located at 5th Avenue and Willamette Street. During its early years in the Oregon Electric Railway Station, SWOMSI offered exhibits and classes and ran planetarium shows in the Spitz Planetarium, a facility operated by OMSI.