exploratorium

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

Middle Ground: Reconsidering Ourselves and Others
Is It Genetic? Cells to Self
Immersed in Phenomena
Our Global Impact
Meet the Poppers: Our 50th Members
The Exploratorium: A Gateway to the World
Then and Now
Experience the Tactile Dome
After Dark: Every Thursday | 18+ | 6–10pm

Experience Our Impact

Two people interacting with an exhibit

Partnering around the globe

Far beyond Pier 15, we strive to be a catalyst. We’ve integrated hands-on exhibits into UCSF’s Benioff Children’s Hospital, mentored emerging exhibit developers from Ramallah, sparked dialogue on American civic life at the Smithsonian, and helped San Francisco neighbors envision—and build—a safe, green, well-used urban park. Learn more about our collaborations.

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Humanae

Art as a way of knowing

From artists-in-residence to beloved artworks to special exhibitions, the arts are a fundamental method of discovery at the Exploratorium. Our summer 2019 exhibition was no exception: Self, Made: Exploring You in a World of We included Angélica Dass’s acclaimed Humanae project and work by Kehinde Wiley, painter of Barack Obama’s presidential portrait.

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Teachers learning

Tools for teachers everywhere

Hungry for fresh, fun science activities you can build yourself? Our Science Snacks are hands-on, teacher-tested explorations of scientific phenomena across 40+ subject areas. Or come discover our vast archive of videos, websites, and activities, freely available to learners and educators everywhere—whether you’re exploring sports science or climate change. 

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Save the Date     View 2019 highlights

Pegusus
Curious Contraptions

Mechanical structures called automata perform absurd miniature dramas.

Nov
23
Cinema Arts: Mechanical Marvels

Each film constructs its own world of wonder through clever contraptions and surprising motion. 

Dec
5
After Dark: Glow

Excite your atoms at Glow, our festival of lights.

Dec
6
Kaleidoscope

Experience a landscape of astonishing visual effects in the interactive installation Kaleidoscope.

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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Make the Connection

Eight photos of people at the Exploratorium

#MyExploratorium

What’s your favorite Exploratorium memory? Share it with us.

Diane Whitmore building an exhibit

Behind the Scenes at the Exploratorium

Meet the women behind Exploratorium exhibits.

Wonder Funday

Climate Change Explorer

Discover how researchers study climate change and examine the latest scientific data.

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