Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination is now required for all visitors ages 12+. Plan your visit
After Dark
See for Yourself
Every Thursday Night • 6:00–10:00 p.m. PT
Adults Only (18+)
Note: Free for members and donors—only membership card and ID are required for entry.
Things look different after dark. Lose yourself in hundreds of 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
CANCELED After Dark: Discover Wonder
Thursday, January 20, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. PT
We’ll hit the rainbow lights, turn the music up, and open our doors, inviting you to take your imagination out to play. Bring fresh eyes to old favorites and uncover phenomenal new experiences.
After Dark: Glow Closing
Thursday, January 27, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. PT
Join us for the final After Dark before the lights of Glow—a collection of ten luminous sculptures big and small inviting you to connect to, reflect on, and interact with light—dim.
After Dark: See for Yourself
Thursday, February 3, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. PT
Spark your curiosity at After Dark! Fuel up with a cocktail and prepare to roam free through six spacious outdoor and indoor spaces.
After Dark: Sexplorations
Thursday, February 10, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. PT
Looking for a hot night out on the town? From the lengths we’ll go to for sex to the naughty bits of flowers, learn about the creative ways in which the natural world gets it on.
After Dark: Mars!
Thursday, February 17, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. PT
NASA’s Perseverance rover has been hard at work exploring the Red Planet hundreds of millions of miles from our planet. Here on Earth you can experience a full-scale, lifelike model and some out-of-this world programs starting with tonight’s After Dark.
After Dark: Conversations About Landscape
Thursday, February 24, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. PT
We’ll hit the rainbow lights, turn the music up, and open our doors, inviting you to take your imagination out to play. Join a lively conversation with practitioners who grapple with issues that shape contemporary landscapes.
After Dark: Conversations About Landscape
Thursday, March 24, 2022 • 6:00 p.m. PT
We’ll hit the rainbow lights, turn the music up, and open our doors, inviting you to take your imagination out to play. Join a lively conversation with practitioners who grapple with issues that shape contemporary landscapes.
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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