8 Reasons the Exploratorium Is San Francisco’s Most Iconic Travel Destination

Less than one year ago San Francisco’s Exploratorium—the world’s most experimental and interactive museum—packed up its 43-year history and moved across the city to a new home at Pier 15 on San Francisco’s waterfront. Since then, more than 1 million people have visited the Exploratorium’s spectacular new location to touch, tinker, and play with more than 600 interactive exhibits. So, why is the Exploratorium San Francisco’s most iconic destination?

1. The perfect place to see the city, and the bay. The Exploratorium’s new home is on San Francisco’s historic waterfront, between the Ferry Building and Fisherman’s Wharf. With sweeping views of the city skyline, Coit Tower, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island from our glass-walled Bay Observatory Gallery, you’ll see more of San Francisco—and see it differently—than you will anywhere else.

2. Born out of the mind-expanding idealism of the 1960s, and still a beacon of innovation today. Founded by Frank Oppenheimer in 1969, the Exploratorium is rooted in the independent creativity of San Francisco’s history and our ethos of experimentation and interactivity has made us a world influencer. If you want to understand San Francisco culture—then and now—start at the Exploratorium.

3. Playground to generations of entrepreneurs, makers, scientists, artists, and educators. With engaging interactive exhibits that combine elements of art, science, and human perception, we’ve inspired influential people to see the world differently. Come see what all the fuss is about.

4. A learning laboratory for people of all ages to tinker and play. Whether you’re 6 or 64, our hands-on experiences ignite curiosity and lead to profound learning. We’re always growing and changing, just like you.

5. We love science, but we’re not just a science museum. Some of the most inspired and thought-provoking artists of our day—including Brian Eno, Tauba Auerbach, Ruth Asawa, and Amy Balkin—have created works in the vibrant laboratory that is the Exploratorium. 2014 marks the 40^th anniversary of the Exploratorium’s Artist-in-Residence program.

6. Kids love us, but we’re not just for kids. After Dark on first Thursday nights is one of the few truly interactive adult-only experiences in the San Francisco. Where else can you drink cocktails, dance in a tornado, build a drawing machine, and make your own animations, all in the same night?

7. We’re not just here, we’re everywhere. Our Global Studios team works on projects all over the globe—from Arkansas to Abu Dhabi. Eighty percent of science centers internationally use Exploratorium exhibits, programs, or ideas. Where have you seen us?

8. Get into it. For free. Exploratorium exhibits and experiences spill into the free public space along San Francisco’s vibrant Embarcadero, giving curious passersby a taste of the wonderland that lies inside. Immerse yourself in mist on Fujiko Nakaya’s Fog Bridge, take a ride in the Rickshaw Obscura, or explore Market Days—a series of free events that turn the Exploratorium’s public plaza into a marketplace of ideas and experiences, just steps away from the Ferry Plaza farmer’s market. Curious?