PORTLAND, Ore. (Nov. 21, 2017) -- This holiday season, jingle all the way to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to see towering sculptures, sweet science demonstrations and a build-it-yourself workshops at the second annual Gingerbread Adventures.

Five local architecture firms and bakeries have teamed up to design and build gingerbread sculptures focused on the theme "Illusions":

* Soderstrom Architects & Bon Appetit Management Company with "Keep Portland Meird"
* SRG Partnership & Nothing Bundt Cakes with "Gingerbread City"
* LRS Architects & Jaciva's Bakery with "The Illusement Park"
* ZGF Architects & Papa Haydn with "Once Upon an Elf"
* Dangermond Keane Architecture & Sugar Street Portland with "Ev-illusion"

Gingerbread Adventures, sponsored by New Seasons, highlights the innovation and food science that goes into assembling elaborate gingerbread sculptures. Food science intertwines biology, technology, engineering, architecture and physics in the creation of these artistic creations showcasing Portland's diverse cultural experience, innovative food scene, and architectural expertise.

"Last year was so much fun and everyone really enjoyed it -- the bakers, the architects, our guests and even our staff! Gingerbread Adventures is a great way to blend food science with a beloved holiday tradition," said Andrea Edgecombe, OMSI events director. "We are excited for this to become an event families look forward to year after year."

There will be more than just amazing sculptures on view. Located in OMSI's Auditorium, guests can play with DIY gingerbread building workshops, cookie lab experiments, holiday-themed illusions, brain teasers and more. Visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for the "People's Choice Award," selecting their favorite gingerbread sculpture.

Returning this year is the popular food science workshop: How Does the Cookie Crumble? Adults will spend an evening learning how buildings are designed to withstand earthquakes. Then, they'll have a chance to design, build and test their own quake-proof gingerbread house. Two dates offered: Dec. 14 and 19; 6:30 -- 8:30 p.m. tickets are $18 per gingerbread house (up to 2 people per house).

Gingerbread Adventures is included with general admission to the museum and will be on view in the OMSI Auditorium through Jan. 1, 2018. For more information, visit www.omsi.edu.

About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation's leading science museums, a world-class tourist attraction, and an award-winning educational resource for the kid in each of us. OMSI operates the largest museum-based outdoor science education program in the country and provides traveling and community outreach programs that bring science learning opportunities to schools and community organizations in every county in Oregon and throughout the region. OMSI is located at 1945 SE Water Avenue, Portland, OR 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu.