After Dark

See for Yourself

Every Thursday Night • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Buy Tickets

Free for After Dark Members

Adults Only (18+)

Note: The Tactile Dome and some programs have limited capacity and are available to visitors on a first-come, first-served basis.

Things look different after dark. Lose yourself in over 650 interactive exhibits exploring perception, art, and science. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in everything from a pitch-black dome to a fog bridge, a large-scale kaleidoscope, dazzling light displays, mind-bending mirrors, and more. Or savor adults-only programming featuring unique guest speakers, great music, specialty films, and one-of-a-kind activities. It'll change how you think about the world around you. But don't take our word for it—see for yourself.

 

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Upcoming Events

May
24
After Dark: Sound and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, May 24, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

What is sound? How high a pitch can you hear? Can you measure the speed of sound with a yardstick? Can two sounds add up to no sound? Explore these questions and more in this resonant presentation. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

May
31
After Dark: Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, May 31, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Think of any scenario. Put it into five words or less. Now watch as artist PNosa interprets your words and uses a sewing machine to draw the resulting image on fabric.

Jun
7
After Dark: Today's World of Tomorrow

Thursday, June 7, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Explore emergent ideas and future artifacts at tonight’s After Dark, such as space travel, robots, future foods, and San Francisco’s evolving cityscape.

Jun
14
After Dark: Trick of the Hand, Caffeine, and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, June 14, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join artists Tristan Duke and Richard Tuohy for a conversation and film screenings. Get a deeper understanding of how caffeine affects the human nervous system and shapes behavior. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

Jun
21
After Dark: Zinc and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, June 21, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Come be in your elements with Exploratorium host and scientific raconteur Ron Hipschman. Discover zinc’s history and explore its influence on our metabolism with Dr. Janet King, Executive Director of the Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI). And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

Jun
28
After Dark: Fireworks and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, June 28, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Come ooooo and ahhhh at the science behind these big booms! Where do fireworks come from? Who invented them? What causes their beautiful colors, and how do the bursting shells create such different patterns? Join us for some real illumination, and learn the difference between a jerb and a lance. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

Jul
5
After Dark: Bling

Thursday, July 5, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Lose yourself in over 650 interactive exhibits exploring perception, art, and science at our adults-only After Dark. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in mind-bending experiences and unique, thought-provoking programs.

Jul
12
After Dark: Ice Cream

Thursday, July 12, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join us at Pairings for robust presentations and refreshing conversation—this time about ice cream—designed to inspire your scientific palate.

Jul
19
After Dark: Gallium

Thursday, July 19, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Come be in your elements with Exploratorium host and scientific raconteur Ron Hipschman at Everything Matters: Gallium. Follow tales of intrigue and invention, join in dynamic demonstrations, and uncover fascinating connections between individual elements and our collective human experience.

Jul
26
After Dark: Heat and Temperature

Thursday, July 26, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

How does your thermostat work and how does a Thermos® know to keep a hot thing hot and a cold thing cold? The mysteries will be revealed in this talk.

Aug
2
After Dark: Bounce

Thursday, August 2, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Lose yourself in over 650 interactive exhibits exploring perception, art, and science at our adults-only After Dark. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in mind-bending experiences and unique, thought-provoking programs.

Aug
9
After Dark: Smoked Foods

Thursday, August 9, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join us at Pairings for robust presentations and refreshing conversation—this time about smoked foods—designed to inspire your scientific palate.

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