Portland, Ore. (June 15, 2022) — On June 18, the major immersive exhibition James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP opens at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). The exhibition immerses visitors in an underwater environment using cinema-scale projections, artifacts and specimens from the expeditions of Academy Award-winning director and deep-sea explorer James Cameron.
“James Cameron’s passion for the deep oceans and scientific pursuits have placed him at the forefront of underwater exploration. He continues to challenge the deep oceans to unlock their secrets and shines a light on one of the most important and least explored parts of the Earth,” said Erin Graham, President and CEO of OMSI. “We’re excited to showcase how he has merged creative and technical achievements in deep-ocean science, engineering and exploration.”
Cameron has had a lifelong fascination with the deep oceans. He has led eight major deep-sea expeditions and many submersible dives, setting world firsts, including the first solo dive to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench, the first exploration of the interior of the wreck of the RMS Titanic, and the first seafloor-to-surface live broadcast. He has also explored deep ocean phenomena such as black smoker hydrothermal vents and discovered new species from the lowest point on earth.
Visitors to the exhibit at OMSI can:
- Enter the exhibit through a recreation of a MIR submersible.
- See artifacts from Cameron’s rarely seen personal collection, including some from the design and construction of the DEEPSEA CHALLENGER, which was built to withstand water pressure of 16,000 pounds per square inch.
- Explore the spectacular and mysterious abyss and discover the shipwrecks of Titanic and the German battleship Bismarck.
- Learn about how technologies pioneered by Cameron for underwater recording, lighting, communication and diving are employed both in his filmmaking and exploration.
- See original film props and costumes from The Abyss and Titanic, including the iconic Heart of the Ocean diamond.
James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP is at OMSI through September 25. Access to the exhibit is included in OMSI general museum admission. Purchase tickets online at omsi.edu, via phone at 503.797.4000 or in person at the museum.
About OMSI
Founded in 1944, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) is one of the nation’s leading science museums and a trusted educational resource for communities throughout Oregon and the region. Through museum exhibitions, public programs, outdoor programs, traveling exhibitions, digital learning, and learning research and design, OMSI nourishes a lifelong love of science, curiosity and learning for diverse audiences in every county in Oregon and throughout the region. OMSI recently released updated plans for its upcoming OMSI District, a one-of-a-kind neighborhood and destination for Oregonians – with innovation, culture and science learning at its heart. The OMSI District is a collaboration of local, Tribal and regional government entities, nonprofits and businesses. OMSI’s museum is located at 1945 S.E. Water Avenue, Portland, OR, 97214. For general information, call 503.797.4000 or visit omsi.edu. Connect with the museum on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP
James Cameron – CHALLENGING THE DEEP is a travelling exhibition produced by the Australian National Maritime Museum, in association with the Avatar Alliance Foundation, and is toured internationally by Flying Fish. A USA Programs exhibition supported by the USA Bicentennial Gift Fund.
