Masks are required for all visitors 2+. Vaccines recommended. Plan your visit
After Dark
See for Yourself
Every Thursday Night • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Adults Only (18+)
Note: Free with museum admission—and it's always free for After Dark members and donors. Just bring your membership card and ID. The Tactile Dome is currently closed.
Things look different after dark. Lose yourself in more than 600 interactive exhibits in spacious galleries exploring perception, art, and science. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in everything from a fog bridge to 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!
Members See More After Dark.
Unlimited access to 50+ After Dark evenings a year—for less than the cost of three tickets.
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Upcoming Events
After Dark: Move
Thursday, August 11, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Gear up for a night of cogs and contraptions, analog gadgets and Rube Goldberg chain reactions. Featuring a performative talk by Emmy Award–winning Manual Cinema.
After Dark: Fly
Thursday, August 18, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Tinker with wind tunnels and wind tables, build your own aerodynamic designs, and step into a wind-powered sound garden. Tonight, creativity is in the air!
After Dark: See for Yourself
Thursday, August 25, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Bid farewell to the Exploratorium's Art of Tinkering exhibition before it closes!
After Dark: See for Yourself
Thursday, September 1, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Don’t miss your last chance to see the Exploratorium’s Art of Tinkering exhibition at After Dark!
After Dark: Seaworthy
Thursday, September 8, 2022 • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Have you ever wondered how oceanic buoys operate, or what critters cling to their undersides? Join marine scientists, technicians, and educators as they pull a one-ton NOAA carbon dioxide buoy out of the water.
Learn More
Tinkering at Home
Tinkering is an active, hands-on approach to learning about the world. Try this collection of prompts using everyday materials.
Remember when something wonderful happened… and it was science?
Today, the Exploratorium needs your help. Sustain the wonder for future generations.
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