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Aeolian Harp

An eerie orchestral chord floats on the breeze; it’s the shimmering sound of a 27-foot tall harp being strummed by the wind.

Where: Gallery 5: Outdoor Exhibits

Aeolian Landscape

Aeolian Landscape presents a swirling storm of sand inside a large chamber covered by a plexiglass top. A knob on the top of the exhibit rotates a sturdy fan set in the base of the chamber.

Where: Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6, Mezzanine

Braided Stream

Air—not water—erupts through fine powder to sculpt these roiling streams.

Where: Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6, Mezzanine

Cloud Rings

Launch a ring of fog.

Where: Osher Gallery 1: Human Phenomenon

Air blowing over the surface of water inside a large Plexiglas hemisphere mimics the action of the wind over the ocean by generating waves. The waves slowly change and build until the entire volume of water is circulating as one wave. Viewers can adjust the speed of the air blower and influence the building of the waves.

Where: Gallery 4: Living Systems

Fluvial Storm

Swirling water sculpts elaborate patterns of underwater dunes.

Where: This exhibit is not currently on view.

Fog Bridge #72494

In a city notorious for fog, this immense artwork by Fujiko Nakaya intermittently shrouds a pedestrian bridge spanning Piers 15 and 17 with clouds of mist, enveloping all in its gauzy embrace.

Where: Plaza

Tornado

Fans simulate the swirling airflow in a thunderstorm and fog machines make the pattern visible, creating a miniature tornado that you can disturb with the wave of a hand.

Where: Gallery 4: Living Systems

Vortex

A twist of a knob sets water jets in motion, causing water in this giant cylindrical tank to spin. Soon, a tiny vortex appears at the surface, gradually swelling in size as it snakes downward.

Where: Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6, Mezzanine

Wave Organ

Listen to the sound of the sea.

Where: San Francisco Marina jetty