Our museum offers a collection of hundreds of exhibits designed to let you explore, discover, and play—either alone or with a friend. Some exhibits, like a giant ring of mist that rises 30 feet into the air, are simple but elegant. Others are less simple but just as compelling—like a calculator powered by the force of gravity.
While you’re here, check out our live demonstrations, catch a film at our theater (free with admission), or take part in one of our many special events and programs. You won’t be able to do it all in one day, so consider becoming a Member. Whether it’s your first time here or your fiftieth, you’ll find something new to try and something new to think about.
Got questions? See our FAQs for visitors.
Exhibitions
The Exploratorium features a collection of over 600 exhibits on just about everything, as well as these current exhibitions:
Are you good at faking a smile? Are you a snoop? Experiment with thinking and feeling at Mind, a collection of exhibits that illuminate the science, art, and experience of our inner lives.
How do you sort through the “sonic soup” of human speech, natural noises, machinery, cars, and music we live in? Investigate your perception of sound at Listen: Making Sense of Sound.
Do we see things as they are or do we see things as we are? Explore more than 70 Seeing exhibits that focus on how we interpret the world through our eyes, brain, and our own subjectivity.
What are the essential elements of life, and how can you distinguish between the living and nonliving world? Explore these questions and more at our collection of life science exhibits, Traits of Life.
Take an amazing journey through total darkness. Feel your way through this sensory environment—walking, crawling and even sliding—using all your senses except your sight. Can you find the mystery objects? Reservations are recommended but not always necessary. More info.
Daily Demos
See a variety of live demonstrations at multiple times daily, involving life sciences, seeing, light, and electricity. Demonstrations are given at multiple times daily, on a schedule that changes from day to day. Check the daily schedule when you arrive.
Most people are happy to just wander through the Exploratorium, but if you’d like to give your visit a little more structure, try taking one of our self-guided floorwalks.
Things to Do Nearby
If you’ve got time, you can definitely make a day of it here. Explore the lovely park at the Palace of Fine Arts and picnic by the lagoon. Walk along the beach at the gorgeous Crissy Field wetland in the Presidio. Visit the Wave Organ or the Outdoor Exploratorium. Shop or dine on nearby Chestnut Street. For more information about what’s nearby, explore San Francisco Visitor Information.
Museum Café
Take a break and watch the action from our Café, located under the skylight area. The Café is open whenever the museum is open, and features both snacks and light meals.
Box lunches for groups are also available by arrangement. Details.
All exhibition spaces, the Exploratorium Store, Café, and all public restrooms are wheelchair accessible. For more detailed information about access and amenities, see Accessibility.
3601 Lyon Street
San Francisco, CA 94123
Easily accessible parking
Hours & Admissions
Open Tuesday—Sunday
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays (except certain holidays).
For details, visit our events calendar.
Contact Us
(415) 561-0360 (general information)
(415) 561-0362 (Tactile Dome reservations)
