Prototype the Future with Us

After a half century of innovation, we’re still constantly prototyping the next big idea. We invite you to join us on the journey as we look eagerly ahead to our next 50 years of transforming science education and lifting up the scientists, teachers, and engineers of our shared future.

At 50, we’re still constantly prototyping the next big idea. We invite you to join us on our journey as we look eagerly ahead to our next 50 years of transforming science education.

Save the date!

Browse special events and buy tickets.
View 2019 highlights

Ignite your curiosity

Tinker, touch, dance, and experiment in our “woods of natural phenomena” on Pier 15.

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Join our community

This is the year! Members support our work—and enjoy unmatched value and privileges.

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Be the catalyst

Your gift counts. Impact the next generation of scientists, teachers, and curious ones.

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Explore What We Do View all videos

Experience Our Impact

Engaging girls with STEM

We never stop tinkering with our exhibits. Our recent Exhibit Designs for Girls’ Engagement (EDGE) project uncovered nine design attributes that draw girls ages 8–13 into deeper exploration. (Hint: even we were surprised by what we found.) Now we’re using the data to start iterating our collection to better engage girls in STEM exhibits—and everyone else, too.

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Breaking down barriers

Last year, in partnership with BART and with generous funding from Arthur Rock and Toni Rembe Rock, we experimented with giving teachers free field trip admission and free BART trips to get their kids to the Exploratorium. The increase in access was thrilling: 15,000 more kids, many from schools lacking field trip funding, made it to Pier 15.

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Still ahead of the curve

In 1969, our hands-on, inquiry-driven approach was revolutionary; in 2019, the mainstream is catching on. We’re honored to support the implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) across California with creative, teacher-tested resources and our statewide Science Teacher Leader Network.

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Save the Date View 2019 highlights

Feb
8

Science of Cocktails

Sip your science at our most spirited annual fundraiser.

Feb
14

After Dark: Chocolate

Follow the food of the gods from bean to bar.

Mar
14

Community Pi Day

Celebrate the endless number π with mathematical antics and plenty of pie.

May
3

Party at the Piers: Alchemy

Celebrate our 50th anniversary at this gala fundraiser and after party.

Discover Our Story

In 1969, the Exploratorium opened in San Francisco, upending traditional ideas about what a museum could be. Instead of hushed halls filled with untouchable artifacts, it was a sprawling landscape of explore-for-yourself exhibits.

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