Imagine a place where science, art, and curiosity collide in the most exciting ways. That's exactly what you'll find at the Exploratorium San Francisco. Located on the bustling Embarcadero at Pier 15, this innovative museum invites you to unleash your inner explorer.
With over 700 interactive exhibits spread across six spacious galleries, the Exploratorium San Francisco offers a hands-on adventure that will captivate visitors of all ages. You'll have the chance to dive into fascinating topics ranging from human perception to climate science, all while enjoying breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay.
The Exploratorium San Francisco isn't your typical museum experience. Here, you're encouraged to touch, play, and experiment. Whether you're marveling at mind-bending optical illusions or creating your own tornado, each exhibit is designed to spark your curiosity and inspire learning through direct experience. It's no wonder this unique destination has been rated the #1 museum in San Francisco.
Exploratorium San Francisco: Fun-Filled Family Adventure by the Bay
History and Founding
The Exploratorium's journey began with a visionary physicist's dream and evolved through different locations in San Francisco. You'll discover how this unique museum came to be and how it found its current home on the waterfront.
Frank Oppenheimer and the Vision
Frank Oppenheimer, a brilliant physicist and educator, founded the Exploratorium in 1969. His goal? To create a place where you could explore science, art, and human perception in exciting, hands-on ways.
Oppenheimer believed that traditional teaching methods weren't enough. He wanted to make science accessible and fun for everyone. After spending time in Europe on a Guggenheim Fellowship, he returned with fresh ideas for a new kind of museum.
The Exploratorium San Francisco opened its doors in the fall of 1969, during a time of significant cultural and scientific change. As you walked in, you'd find yourself surrounded by interactive exhibits that invited curiosity and experimentation.
From Palace of Fine Arts to Pier 15
The Exploratorium's original home was the stunning Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. This beautiful building, with its iconic dome and lagoon, housed the museum for over four decades.
In 2013, the Exploratorium San Francisco embarked on its biggest adventure yet – moving to a new location on Piers 15 and 17. This waterfront site offered more space and exciting opportunities for outdoor exhibits.
The move allowed for expansion, with over 1.5 acres of outdoor space and 20 new exhibits exploring the built and natural world around the piers. You can now enjoy breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay while engaging with science and art in new ways.
Exhibits Overview
The Exploratorium offers a diverse array of hands-on experiences that engage visitors of all ages. You'll discover interactive exhibits, immersive environments, and unique opportunities to explore science, art, and human perception.
Interactive Exhibits
At the Exploratorium San Francisco, you'll find hundreds of hands-on exhibits designed to promote science discovery. These interactive displays cover a wide range of topics, from physics and biology to psychology and sensory perception.
You can experiment with light and sound waves, explore the properties of magnetism, or observe living organisms up close. Many exhibits allow you to manipulate variables and see the results in real-time, fostering a deeper understanding of scientific principles.
Don't miss the chance to create your own stop-motion animation or investigate the mysteries of fog formation. Each exhibit is carefully crafted to spark curiosity and encourage active learning.
Tactile Dome
The Tactile Dome offers a unique sensory adventure that you won't find anywhere else. This pitch-black, twisting tunnel challenges you to navigate using only your sense of touch.
As you crawl, slide, and feel your way through the dome, you'll encounter various textures and shapes. This experience heightens your awareness of tactile sensations and spatial perception.
The Tactile Dome is a favorite among visitors, providing an exciting and memorable journey through darkness. It's a perfect way to explore how your senses work together to help you understand your environment.
Living Systems
In the Living Systems gallery, you'll encounter a fascinating array of biological exhibits. Here, you can observe living organisms and learn about the intricate processes that sustain life.
You'll find aquariums teeming with colorful marine life, terrariums showcasing diverse plant species, and microscopes revealing the hidden world of microorganisms. Interactive displays help you understand concepts like photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and ecosystem dynamics.
Don't miss the chance to witness the life cycle of butterflies or explore the complexities of DNA. The Living Systems gallery brings biology to life in engaging and accessible ways.
Tinkering
The Tinkering Studio is a creative playground where you can unleash your inner inventor. This hands-on workspace encourages experimentation, problem-solving, and artistic expression.
You'll find an array of tools, materials, and projects to explore. Try your hand at circuit building, create kinetic sculptures, or design your own contraptions. Friendly facilitators are always on hand to offer guidance and inspiration.
The Tinkering Studio emphasizes the process of creation and discovery. It's a place where you can learn through trial and error, collaborate with others, and develop new skills in a supportive environment.
Educational Programs and Outreach
The Exploratorium offers a diverse range of educational programs and outreach initiatives. You'll find opportunities for hands-on learning, professional development, and engaging experiences for all ages.
For Public School Teachers
You can access valuable resources as a California public school teacher at the Exploratorium San Francisco. Free admission allows you to explore exhibits and gather ideas for your classroom. The museum provides workshops and training programs to enhance your science teaching skills.
The Institute for Inquiry offers specialized workshops to support your professional growth. These sessions focus on inquiry-based learning and help you develop engaging science lessons.
You'll find online resources and curriculum materials to supplement your teaching. The Exploratorium's website offers lesson plans, activities, and educational videos you can use in your classroom.
Youth Programs
Young learners have exciting opportunities to engage with science at the Exploratorium. After-school programs and summer camps provide hands-on experiences in various scientific disciplines.
You'll find workshops tailored for different age groups, allowing children and teens to explore topics like physics, biology, and engineering. These programs encourage experimentation and critical thinking skills.
The museum also offers internship opportunities for high school students interested in science education and museum operations. You can gain valuable experience working alongside Exploratorium staff and educators.
Lifelong Learning
Adults of all ages can continue their scientific journey at the Exploratorium San Francisco. You'll find evening programs like After Dark Thursdays, offering unique experiences and demonstrations for adult visitors.
Lectures and talks by scientists and experts bring cutting-edge research to life. You can attend workshops and classes to deepen your understanding of various scientific topics.
The museum's exhibits and interactive displays cater to all levels of scientific knowledge. You're encouraged to experiment, ask questions, and engage with the hands-on learning environment.
Visitor Information
The Exploratorium offers exciting hands-on experiences for all ages. You can enjoy interactive exhibits, special programs, and stunning Bay views during your visit to this innovative science museum.
Admission Details
General admission to the Exploratorium San Francisco costs $39.95 for adults and $29.95 for children ages 4-17. Kids under 3 get in free. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
On Thursday evenings from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, the Exploratorium San Francisco hosts adults-only (18+) nights with a special admission price of $19.95. This is a great opportunity to explore without crowds.
The Exploratorium is located at Pier 15 on San Francisco's iconic Embarcadero. Don't miss walking across the mesmerizing Fog Bridge while you're there!
Membership and Passes
Becoming a member gives you free admission for a full year plus other perks. Individual memberships start at $95 annually. Family memberships for 2 adults and 4 kids are $175 per year.
You can save money on admission by purchasing bundled attraction passes:
- CityPASS includes Exploratorium San Francisco entry plus 3 more top SF attractions at a 45% discount
- Go City San Francisco pass offers entry to 25+ attractions including the Exploratorium
These passes are perfect if you're planning to visit multiple San Francisco sights during your trip.
Accessibility
The Exploratorium San Francisco welcomes visitors of all abilities. Wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. Service animals are permitted throughout the museum.
Many exhibits have audio descriptions and tactile elements. Assisted listening devices can be checked out from the Information Desk. American Sign Language interpretation is available for some programs with advance notice.
The museum offers sensory-friendly hours on select mornings for visitors who prefer a less crowded, quieter experience. Check the website for upcoming dates and times.
Directions and Transportation
Getting to the Exploratorium San Francisco is easy and convenient. You have multiple options for reaching this exciting science museum on San Francisco's waterfront.
Parking at Exploratorium
You'll find several parking options near the Exploratorium San Francisco. The museum is located at Pier 15 on The Embarcadero, with the address Pier 15, The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA 94111.
Street parking is available along The Embarcadero, but spaces can be limited. For more reliable parking, try nearby garages:
- Pier 15 Parking Garage (right at the museum)
- Pier 19 1/2 Parking Lot (short walk north)
- 55 Francisco Street Garage (2 blocks inland)
Rates vary, so check signs or websites for current pricing. Remember to allow extra time for parking, especially on busy days.
Public Transit Options
You have plenty of public transit choices to reach the Exploratorium:
- BART: Exit at Embarcadero station and enjoy a scenic 10-15 minute walk along the waterfront.
- Muni: The F-line historic streetcar stops right in front of the museum.
- Bus: Several Muni bus lines stop nearby, including the 2, 6, 14, and 21.
- Ferry: If you're coming from across the bay, the Ferry Building is just a 10-minute stroll away.
For a fun twist, try the San Francisco Bay Ferry or Tideline water taxi services. They'll drop you off close to the museum, adding an extra adventure to your trip.
Experiences and Attractions
The Exploratorium San Francisco offers a variety of unique experiences that blend science, art, and nature. You'll find interactive exhibits that engage your senses and spark curiosity about the world around you.
Fog Bridge
Experience the Fog Bridge, a mesmerizing outdoor installation that creates a walkable cloud. You'll feel like you're floating as you cross the 150-foot pedestrian bridge enveloped in mist. The fog is made using high-pressure nozzles that spray fresh water, mimicking San Francisco's famous fog.
Watch as the wind shapes the fog, creating ever-changing patterns. It's a perfect spot for unique photos and a cool respite on warm days. The Fog Bridge runs several times daily, so check the schedule to catch this ethereal experience.
Fisher Bay Observatory
At the Fisher Bay Observatory, you'll discover the natural and human forces shaping San Francisco Bay. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning panoramic views of the bay and city skyline.
Interactive exhibits help you explore local geography, weather, and tides. You can:
- Track ship movements in real-time
- Observe live feeds from underwater cameras
- Study the bay's ecosystem through digital models
Don't miss the Bay Window, where you can use a periscope to zoom in on distant landmarks.
Central Gallery
The Central Gallery is the heart of the Exploratorium San Francisco, filled with hands-on exhibits that explore human perception. You'll find over 100 experiences that challenge your senses and reveal how your mind works.
Popular exhibits include:
- The Tactile Dome: Navigate a pitch-black environment using only touch
- Colored Shadows: Create colorful silhouettes with your body
- Spinning Blackboard: Draw mesmerizing patterns with centrifugal force
Many exhibits change regularly, ensuring there's always something new to discover on return visits.
Dining and Facilities
The Exploratorium San Francisco offers two dining options to satisfy your hunger while you explore. You'll find delicious food and stunning views at these eateries.
Seaglass Restaurant
At Seaglass Restaurant, you can enjoy innovative comfort foods with a spectacular view of the San Francisco Bay. Chef Loretta Keller creates seasonal menus featuring organic meats, free-range chicken, and specialty rice bowls.
You'll find a variety of salads and sandwiches to choose from as well. The restaurant's stunning, unobstructed views of the water create a unique dining atmosphere.
Seaglass opened in 2013 and is located inside the museum. It redefines museum dining with creative pairings and top-notch culinary expertise.
Seismic Joint Cafe
For a quick bite or coffee break, head to the Seismic Joint Cafe. This casual spot offers grab-and-go options perfect for refueling during your visit.
You can pick up sandwiches, snacks, and beverages to enjoy as you continue exploring the exhibits. The cafe provides a convenient option when you need a quick energy boost.
Its name cleverly references the Exploratorium's location on the earthquake-prone California coast, adding a touch of scientific humor to your dining experience.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Looking for unique gifts and mementos from your visit to the Exploratorium? You're in luck! The Exploratorium Store offers a wide variety of science-themed items that are sure to delight and inspire.
You'll find an array of gadgets, games, and books focused on science, art, and technology. These make perfect gifts for both kids and adults, or unusual San Francisco souvenirs to remember your trip.
The store carries Exploratorium-branded clothing and gift items. Many of these are crafted by local San Francisco artisans or designed in-house, adding a special touch to your purchases.
Store hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. On Thursdays, you can shop until 10:30 p.m., perfect for some after-hours browsing.
Best of all, every purchase you make supports the Exploratorium's educational mission. So you're not just buying a souvenir – you're contributing to science education and discovery!
Don't forget to check out their online store if you can't make it in person. You can browse and buy from the comfort of your home, ensuring you don't miss out on these unique scientific treasures.
Science and Exploration
The Exploratorium San Francisco offers a captivating journey into the world of science and human perception. You'll encounter mind-bending exhibits that challenge your senses and reveal fascinating aspects of natural phenomena.
Human Phenomena
At the Exploratorium San Francisco, you can explore the intricacies of human behavior and perception. Interactive displays allow you to test your reaction times and investigate how your brain processes information.
You'll find exhibits that demonstrate optical illusions, showing how your eyes and brain can be tricked. These hands-on experiences reveal the complexities of human cognition and sensory processing.
The museum also features exhibits on social psychology, allowing you to learn about group dynamics and decision-making processes. You might participate in experiments that showcase how people interact and communicate in various situations.
Optical Illusions
Prepare to have your eyes deceived in the most entertaining ways possible. The Exploratorium's optical illusion exhibits are designed to challenge your perception and spark curiosity about how vision works.
You'll encounter classic illusions like the Ames Room, where people appear to shrink or grow as they move across the space. Interactive displays let you manipulate light and shadow to create mind-bending effects.
Some exhibits demonstrate how color perception can be influenced by surrounding hues. Others showcase motion illusions that seem to defy logic. These experiences not only entertain but also educate you about the intricate workings of your visual system.
Weather Station
Step outside onto the museum's outdoor gallery to experience the Weather Station. Here, you can observe and interact with exhibits that demonstrate various atmospheric phenomena.
You'll find instruments measuring wind speed, air pressure, and temperature in real-time. Displays explain how these factors interact to create weather patterns you experience daily.
Interactive exhibits allow you to create miniature tornadoes or observe cloud formation processes. You can learn about climate change and its effects on local and global weather systems.
The Weather Station also features a fog bridge, where you can walk through San Francisco's famous mist and understand the science behind this local weather phenomenon.
Sustainability and Architecture
The Exploratorium's new home at Pier 15 showcases innovative eco-friendly design and green operations. You'll be amazed by how this science museum puts sustainability into practice.
Eco-Friendly Design
When you visit the Exploratorium San Francisco, you're stepping into a green building marvel. The museum's location on Pier 15 isn't just for stunning views – it's part of a clever sustainability strategy. You'll feel the cool Bay breeze, which does more than refresh you. The building's HVAC system uses Bay water for heating and cooling, saving energy and water.
As you explore, look up at the roof. It's covered with over 5,800 high-efficiency solar panels. These help power the museum's exhibits and operations. The building itself is a recycling success story. Much of the historic pier structure was preserved and renovated using recycled materials.
Green Operations
Your visit to the Exploratorium supports its goal to become one of the first zero net energy museums in the world. What does this mean? The museum aims to produce as much energy as it uses annually.
You'll notice energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the exhibits. Behind the scenes, a sophisticated building management system optimizes energy use. Even the restrooms contribute to sustainability with water-saving fixtures.
The museum's commitment to green practices extends to its daily operations. You might spot staff using eco-friendly cleaning products or sorting waste for recycling and composting. These efforts have earned the Exploratorium LEED Platinum certification, the highest recognition for sustainable buildings.
Events and Special Programs
The Exploratorium San Francisco offers exciting events and programs throughout the year. You'll find plenty of opportunities to engage with science, art, and perception in unique ways.
Every Thursday night, you can experience After Dark from 6:00-10:00 p.m. This adults-only event lets you explore over 700 interactive exhibits without the daytime crowds.
Looking for a dazzling experience? Don't miss Glow Fest, celebrating the opening of the Glow exhibition. You'll enjoy special programs like Storytime Science and Light Blocks 3D Theater.
The Exploratorium San Francisco also hosts one-time events that you won't want to miss. These can include festivals dedicated to local landscapes and environments, featuring hands-on activities and performances.
For art enthusiasts, the museum presents stunning exhibitions like the GLOW light art exhibition. You'll be mesmerized by various light artworks created by talented artists.
Remember to check the Exploratorium's calendar regularly for upcoming events. Whether you're interested in science, art, or both, you'll find something exciting to explore at this San Francisco gem.