• Where Curiosity Takes You

    Step inside a tornado, turn upside down in a curved mirror, walk on a fog bridge, and explore more than 650 hands-on exhibits.

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  • SEE FOR YOURSELF.
    THURSDAYS AFTER DARK.

    6:00–10:00 p.m. every Thursday night at the Exploratorium. Adults Only (18+)

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  • Inquiry-based learning is at the core of the Exploratorium. We invite people to ask questions, question answers, and discover for themselves how the world works.

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  • Explore our cool, teacher-tested, low-cost activities for the classroom and the curious.

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  • Inflatable: Expanding Works of Art
    Gigantic, fantastic, air-filled creations that expand our vision of art.
    Opens Saturday, May 26, 2018.

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  • Extended Summer Hours
    (May 26—September 3)

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Experience the Exploratorium at Pier 15

Plan Your Visit

Pier 15
(Embarcadero @ Green St.)
San Francisco, CA 94111
Directions & Parking

Today's hours are 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tonight's adults-only hours are 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Extended Summer Hours (May 26–September 3)
Daily (All Ages): 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thursday Evenings (Ages 18+): 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Friday Evenings (All Ages, July 6–August 31): 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

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What's Going On?
May Is for Members

Tuesday, May 1–Thursday, May 31, 2018

We value you every day, but in May we spend the entire month celebrating you. Show your Exploratorium membership (Daytime or After Dark) card to enjoy extra benefits in May.

May
24
After Dark: Sound and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, May 24, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

May
25
Inflatable Members-Only Opening Preview

Friday, May 25, 2018 • 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Daytime and After Dark members, be among the first to explore, play, and wonder at gigantic, fantastical artworks in Inflatable. Experience our new summer exhibition while enjoying one-night-only Store discounts and fascinating programs.
101 Days of Summer in San Francisco

Saturday, May 26–Monday, September 3, 2018

Looking for fun things to do in San Francisco this summer? From activities for kids to nights at the museum, endless possibilities await at the Exploratorium.

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More to Explore

The Exploratorium isn't just a museum; it's an ongoing exploration of science, art and human perception—a vast collection of online experiences that feed your curiosity.

Featured Video

Bacteriopolis

Goopy, bacteria-rich pond mud creates a colorful, changing exhibit.  

more videos
Science Snacks

Low-cost, teacher-tested activities for the classroom and the curious.

What Is the
Wired Pier?

A collection of sensors around the Exploratorium campus is measuring and recording conditions in the environment—the weather, Bay water quality, pollution, and more.

Curious? There’s an App for That

If you haven’t yet downloaded our free apps, then you’re in for a surprise—actually, loads of them. 

Science of Cooking

Explore the science behind food and cooking with recipes, activities, and Webcasts.

Explore our online collection