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.
Friday, March 6, 2015 • 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Join us for a night of cinematic excitement at the Spring Members' Night: At the Movies event.
Friday, March 6, 2015
5:30–6:30 p.m.: Donor Reception in the Kanbar Forum
6:00–9:00 p.m.: Member Party throughout the museum
Chairman's Circle, Catalyst Circle, and Innovator donors are invited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Exploratorium, Jon Boorstin’s Academy Award–nominated film, which explores the museum and its exhibits through imagery and sound.
Thursday, March 5, 2015 • 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in visual storytelling that extends the possibilities of cinema, from live film performances to video installations, and even the chance to make your own cinematic toys and sound effects.
Saturday, February 28, 2015 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the life of naturalist A.R. Wallace and his early contributions to the theory of evolution and natural selection.
Thursday, February 19, 2015 • 7:00 p.m.
Filmmakers Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto spotlight a local battle over land that changed the American landscape forever in Rebels with a Cause, a stunningly beautiful documentary narrated by Academy Award–winning actress Frances McDormand.
Saturday, February 14, 2015 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Drawn from StoryCorps’ animation series, this program relates family members’ affection for—and struggles with—one other; life-changing friendships; and a couple considering the power of their relationship in the face of mortality.
Saturday, February 7, 2015 • 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Watch rarely seen Academy Award–winning and nominated short films from the Academy Film Archive collection.
Saturday, January 24, 2014 • 2:30 p.m.
What do we lose when a language dies? What does it take to save a language? Language Matters with Bob Holman broaches these enormous questions, traveling the world to learn about languages at risk and meet those advocating to save them.
Thursday, January 15, 2015 • 7:00 p.m.
Featuring brief bursts from extended scores, as well as immediately recognizable themes, Orchestra Nostalgico will elevate the craft of great cinema scores to take center stage.
Saturday, January 10, 2015 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
From dancing geometric patterns to studies of math in landscapes, these short works take artist frames to the practical application of math.
Saturday, January 3, 2015 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Making use of stop-motion, pixelation, and handcrafted techniques, these short works rely on visual prowess to tell simple, jubilant stories of quiet heroism, emotional reactions, and internal conflicts.
Saturday, December 27, 2014 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Making use of stop-motion, pixelation, and handcrafted techniques, these short works rely on visual prowess to tell simple, jubilant stories of quiet heroism, emotional reactions, and internal conflicts.