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The Cinema Arts Program

The Cinema Arts Program

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.

Daytime Tickets
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Plan Your Visit

Upcoming Events

There's always something interesting happening here—check out our ongoing events.

Past Events

AV: Artist Videos at the Drive-In

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.

Cinema Arts: Color Visions

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. 

Cinema Arts: Color Visions

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. 

Cinema Arts: Lights, Color, Action!

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.

At Home: Prelinger Archives Home Movie Collection

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.

Cinema Arts: Mechanical Marvels

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!

Cinema Arts: Mechanical Marvels

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!

Cinema Arts: Lights, Color, Action!

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.

Cinema Arts: Mechanical Marvels

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!

Cinema Arts: Mechanical Marvels

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!

Ice Hours

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. 

Cinema Arts: Mechanical Marvels

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!

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The Kanbar Forum
The Kanbar Forum

Experience our state-of-the-art venue for films, music, and more.

Contact Us

For questions about the Exploratorium Cinema Arts Program, please contact us at:
cinemaarts@ exploratorium.edu

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