Masks are required for all visitors 2+. Vaccines recommended. Plan your visit
After Dark
See for Yourself
Every Thursday Night • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Adults Only (18+)
Note: Free with museum admission—and it's always free for After Dark members and donors. Just bring your membership card and ID. The Tactile Dome is currently closed.
Things look different after dark. Lose yourself in more than 600 interactive exhibits in spacious galleries exploring perception, art, and science. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in everything from a fog bridge to a large-scale kaleidoscope, dazzling light displays, mind-bending mirrors, and more. Or savor adults-only programming featuring unique guest speakers, great music, specialty films, and one-of-a-kind activities. It'll change how you think about the world around you. But don't take our word for it—see for yourself!
Members See More After Dark.
Unlimited access to 50+ After Dark evenings a year—for less than the cost of three tickets.
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Upcoming Events
After Dark: See for Yourself
Thursday, July 7, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Wander our galleries, sip a cocktail, and let a DJ from Hip Hop for Change set the vibe. For breathtaking views of the water and city skyline, head to Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6.
After Dark: See for Yourself
Thursday, July 14, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Spark your curiosity at After Dark! Wander our galleries, sip a cocktail, and join us for a soaring conversation between celebrated writer Maria Popova and interdisciplinary artist Lia Halloran.
After Dark: Build
Thursday, July 21, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Meet us at the intersection of possibility and structure. Explore unexpected creations made from everyday materials, and learn about engineering feats in our local landscape.
After Dark: Shine
Thursday, July 28, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Illuminate the connections between art and science during a night devoted to shadow and light. Featuring a premiere performance by Facing West Shadows.
After Dark: Move
Thursday, August 11, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Gear up for a night of cogs and contraptions, analog gadgets and Rube Goldberg chain reactions. Featuring a performative talk by Emmy Award–winning Manual Cinema.
After Dark: Fly
Thursday, August 18, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Marvel at wind-powered whirligigs and aerodynamic designs. Tinker with wind tunnels and wind tables. Tonight, creativity is in the air!
Learn More
Tinkering at Home
Tinkering is an active, hands-on approach to learning about the world. Try this collection of prompts using everyday materials.
Remember when something wonderful happened… and it was science?
Today, the Exploratorium needs your help. Sustain the wonder for future generations.
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