The sweet smell of gingerbread and pastries wafted through the halls of OMSI on Friday as bakers created a holiday exhibit with a scientific twist.
"It's a frenzy of positive energy," Andrea Edgecombe, OMSI director of events said. "It's the first year OMSI has had a display like this."
Six local architectural firms and six local bakeries paired up to build giant gingerbread sculptures that take a sweet and smart look at the science behind gingerbread. The Gingerbread Adventures exhibit is in the Turbine Hall Mezzanine level at OMSI, 1945 S.E. Water Ave. The exhibit planning began in the summer and came to life on decorating day Friday.
The Dessert Tray in Beaverton, owned by Robin Morgan and Angel Bennett, created "Portland Outpost Mars" in partnership with MWA Architects. With the view of a post-apocalyptic Earth in the rearview mirror of the Spaceship KOIN, a group of yetis set a course to Mars. Upon landing, they worked to build a new home, "Portland Outpost Mars." Each detail has been lovingly crafted in the image of the yetis' beloved Pacific Northwest, holding true to its coffee, beer and food culture, its parks, community focus, and, of course, keeping Mars weird.
Gingerbread Adventures at OMSI will feature DIY gingerbread building workshops and cookie lab experiments. Visitors will have the opportunity to vote for the "People's Choice Award."
There will also be science demonstrations and build-it-yourself workshops. The exhibit will highlight the innovation, engineering, and food science aspects of assembling elaborate gingerbread sculptures. Programmatic elements will intertwine biology, technology, engineering, architecture, physics and food science.
"We have long considered a holiday-themed program for OMSI and this was the perfect fit, marrying food science with a beloved holiday tradition," Edgecombe said. "We were delighted with the enthusiasm we received from the baking and architectural communities and can't wait to share this educational and festive exhibit with our guests."
Special programs will include:
• Mission: Infrostable Gingerbread Workshop — Families can learn about different types of structures scientists have designed for future Mars missions, and design and build their own gingerbread Mars house to take home. This workshop is offered from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Nov. 29, Dec. 21 and Dec. 28; the cost is $25 per house, with up to three people per house.
• How Does the Cookie Crumble? Gingerbread Workshop — Adults will spend an evening learning how buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes, then design, build and test their own quake-proof gingerbread house. This workshop is offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 7 and Dec. 14; the cost is $25 per house, with up to two people per house.
• Cookie Lab — To discover the similarities between a recipe and the scientific method, attendees will put on their aprons and enter the cookie lab to bake, dissect and taste how one little recipe adjustment can make a big difference in the quality of a cookie. This workshop is offered from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 19 and Dec. 10; the cost is $10 per person.
• Bite Sized Science — This maker-themed monthly event allows guests to participate in the creation of a common food item. On Dec. 17, this event will feature fermented ginger and how to make non-alcoholic ginger beer; it's free with museum admission and runs from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the hallway outside the Journey to Space exhibit.
• Facilitated demonstrations will be offered from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, and will include: "Odors Aloft," "Science of Ginger," "Spaghetti Tower," and "Building with your Brain."
Ongoing activities in the exhibit will include: "Paper Gingerbread Man Creation," "Interplanetary Structures," "Structural Design," "Local Architecture," and "One-Page Folding House Origami."
The exhibit is scheduled through Jan. 2. Extended winter hours will vary.
Gingerbread Adventures is included with museum admission. Regular admission is $14 adults, $10.75 for seniors (63 and older) and $9.75 for youth (3 to 13).
Gingerbread Adventures is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. For more information, call 503-797-4000 or visit http://www.omsi.edu.