Learn with us online while the Exploratorium is temporarily closed. You can help us reopen—donate today.
Approaching movies as an active viewing experience, staff in the Cinema Arts Program view the projection screen as a portal to investigation. We engage with filmmakers who create works that inspire the imagination and instigate conversation. Animation, documentary, poetic observations, and abstract visuals serve a broad spectrum of curious audiences while blending the methods and aesthetics of artists and scientists. Through our programming, we aim to provide an opportunity for visitors to explore the compelling people, places, and ideas that extend through the museum and beyond. Our collection of films and events offer a rich resource for public audiences, and also provide an important research collection for both our teaching programs and exhibit development teams.
There's always something interesting happening here—check out our ongoing events.
Sunday, November 1, 2020 • 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Pull up for a one-night, artist-driven extravaganza. The Exploratorium, KADIST, the Institute of Contemporary Art San José, and the San José Museum of Art present a screening of artist videos at the drive-in.
Sunday, February 2, 2020 • Noon and 2:00 p.m.
In this collection of shorts, watch vibrant colors pop off the screen that reflect the pigments of the natural world, conjure saturated landscapes, and creatively display the rainbow spectrum.
Saturday, February 1, 2020 • Noon and 2:00 p.m.
In this collection of shorts, watch vibrant colors pop off the screen that reflect the pigments of the natural world, conjure saturated landscapes, and creatively display the rainbow spectrum.
Saturday, January 11, 2020 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Inspired by our glowing installations, this brilliant selection of short films feature an array of colorful illuminations. Gather around the screen and enjoy their warm radiance.
Tuesday, January 7–Sunday, February 2, 2020
These selections showcase personal stories with universal appeal. From families traveling to far-flung landscapes to birthday parties for toddlers, these intimate films made by strangers feel quite familiar.
Sunday, January 5, 2020 • Noon
Each film constructs its own world of wonder. From epic journeys on a micro-scale to mechanized performances, these movies are geared to drive your imagination!
Saturday, January 4, 2020 • Noon
Each film constructs its own world of wonder. From epic journeys on a micro-scale to mechanized performances, these movies are geared to drive your imagination!
Saturday, December 14, 2019 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Inspired by our glowing installations, this brilliant selection of short films feature an array of colorful illuminations. Gather around the screen and enjoy their warm radiance.
Sunday, December 8, 2020 • Noon
Each film constructs its own world of wonder. From epic journeys on a micro-scale to mechanized performances, these movies are geared to drive your imagination!
Saturday, December 7, 2019 • Noon
Each film constructs its own world of wonder. From epic journeys on a micro-scale to mechanized performances, these movies are geared to drive your imagination!
Sunday, December 1– Sunday, January 5, 2020
Offering a glimpse into the overwhelming majesty of the natural world and crafted from over a decade of video footage, Ice Hours features stunning views of Antarctic landscapes and the surrounding ocean set to an original score.
Saturday, November 23, 2019 • 2:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Each film constructs its own world of wonder. From epic journeys on a micro-scale to mechanized performances, these movies are geared to drive your imagination!