PORTLAND, Ore. (November 14, 2018) –  This holiday season, jingle all the way to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to see towering sculptures, sweet science demonstrations and build-it-yourself workshops at the third annual Gingerbread Adventures, opening Nov. 17.

Local architecture firms and bakeries have teamed up to design and build gingerbread sculptures focused on the theme “Egypt”:

•    Soderstrom Architects & Bon Appetit Management Company with “Despicable Megypt”
•    Lewallen Architecture & New Seasons with “Fa La La La Ra”
•    Scott Edwards Architecture & Sugar Cubed Cakes with “Sweet AfterLife”
•    LRS Architects & Love Bites by Carnie with “Under Wraps”
•    Walker Macy & Sarah’s Cookies with “Khepri Rising”
•    LEVER Architecture & Pix Patisserie with “Ain’t No Party Like an Afterlife Party” 
•    WRK Engineers & Ankrom Moisan Architects & Delice Chocolate & Confections with “A Game of Cat & Mouse-oleum”

Gingerbread Adventures, sponsored by New Seasons with support from Bob’s Red Mill and Macy’s, 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. 

“The last two years of Gingerbread Adventures have been so much fun, and I’m always impressed by the creativity of the teams,” said Melony Beaird, OMSI events manager. “The architect firms really push the boundaries of what the bakers can accomplish with edible materials, and you will see new and innovative ways to use gingerbread and sugar.” 

There will be more than just amazing sculptures on view. Located in OMSI’s Auditorium, guests can learn how to make an origami Sphinx, decode hieroglyphs, design a winter scene 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. Workshops will be held Dec. 13, 18 and 20; 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 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 from Nov. 17 through Jan. 1, 2019. For more information, visit 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.