Masks are required for all visitors 2+. Vaccines recommended. Plan your visit
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.
Saturday, June 18–Monday, September 5, 2022
Celebrate the spirit of playfulness in moviemaking. These shorts explore creative uses of familiar materials, revealing imaginative landscapes, humorous inventions, and curious surprises.
Saturday, July 9, 2022 • 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. PT
An array of animated and kinetic short films explore the inventive ways that amateurs, artists, and tinkerers manipulate the moving image in surprising and/or captivating ways.
Saturday, July 16, 2022 • 1:00 p.m. PT
In celebration of our summer exhibition The Art of Tinkering, we are pleased to be joined by filmmaker Mark Decena for the Bay Area theatrical premiere Me & My Robot, which documents the 2018 World Robot Olympiad in Thailand.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014 • 7:00 p.m.
Enjoy archivist favorites, unexpected gems, and rarely seen treats curated by staff from the Bay Area Video Coalition’s preservation program.
Saturday, May 24, 2014 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
The mystery and allure of outer space have fueled centuries of creative exploration. From works incorporating NASA data to help visualize our place in the universe to artistic imaginings of the unknown, this program showcases inspiring examples of starry-eyed cinema.
Saturday, May 10, 2014 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
In remembrance of Lucia Eames (1930–2014), friend of the Exploratorium, daughter of Charles Eames, and stepdaughter of Ray Eames, we celebrate the innovative films of her family, whose legacy she was committed to expanding and sharing.
Friday, May 5, 2014 • 6:30 p.m
At this year's SF International Film Festival (April 25–May 9), the Exploratorium co-presents the documentary Coast of Death.
Friday, May 3, 2014 • 9:15 p.m
At this year's SF International Film Festival (April 25–May 9), the Exploratorium co-presents the documentary Coast of Death.
Friday, May 2, 2014 • 7 p.m
At this year's SF International Film Festival (April 25–May 9), the Exploratorium co-presents the documentary Coast of Death.
Saturday, April 26, 2014 • 1:00 and 3:00 p.m.
Don’t miss the fourth annual Stop & Go show, a traveling series of stop-motion animations curated by Sarah Klein and David Kwan. This year, “Made from Scratch” serves up a variety of delicious impressions on crafting, horticulture, and food.
April 25–May 9, 2014
At this year's SF International Film Festival (April 25–May 9), the Exploratorium co-presents the documentary Coast of Death.
Saturday, April 19, 2014 • 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Go behind the scenes to learn the fascinating history and techniques of the legendary Joshua Light Show in this unique, all-day workshop. Includes an introduction by founder Joshua White, demonstrations by their creative team, and opportunities for hands-on experimentation.
Thursday, April 17, 2014 • 7:00 p.m.
The legendary Joshua Light Show combines analog methods such as liquid light gels, overhead projection, and mirrors with new video technology to create an immersive and improvisational environment of light accompanied by the musical group Moon Duo.
Saturday, April 5, 2014 • 4:00 p.m.
Both a showcase and a celebration of student filmmaking in the Bay Area, this event will introduce emerging talents to the local film community and include a juried competition as well as an audience award.
Saturday March 29, 2014 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
From a rare 19th century chronophotography experiment by Lucien Bull and Étienne-Jules Marey to a transfixing thrill ride of a car roaring through Paris, these action-packed short films reveal movement that eludes the naked eye.