Masks are required for all visitors 2+. Vaccines recommended. Plan your visit
Exploratorium, Pier 15, Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery
Free, RSVP required. Email reserve@exploratorium.edu, or call 415.528.4444 and choose option 5.
Conversations About Landscape brings together practitioners from the fields of geography, ecology, environmental sciences, policy, design, and the arts to grapple with issues that shape contemporary landscapes. Speakers present their work and engage in a conversation that includes members of the audience.
The series is staged in the Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery, which explores environmental change in the Bay Area and beyond. An informal reception before each talk offers time to explore exhibits and engage with the speakers, Observatory staff, and other guests.
There's always something interesting happening here—check out our upcoming events calendar.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017 • 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Sea level rise offers a rare opportunity to redesign the Bay. Catch up on the science of shoreline restoration and adaptation as the San Francisco Estuary Institute (SFEI) prepares design teams for the Resilient By Design Challenge.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 • 7:00 p.m.
Join a conversation with leaders of the new Resilient by Design Bay Area Challenge, which will develop solutions to threats from earthquakes and climate change.
Wednesday, April 12, 2017 • 6:00 p.m.
The collective impacts of humans on Earth—including the ongoing crises of climate change and biodiversity loss—seem to dwarf our individual efforts to protect the planet. What can we do that will make a difference?
Thursday, March 30, 2017 • 6:00 p.m.
Join a discussion of The Atlas of Emotions, an online tool for visually exploring the human emotional landscape, and talk with its creators about how emotional health and understanding can build cooperation in an increasingly complex world.
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 • 6:00 p.m.
Join us for a discussion of contemporary and historic approaches to rethinking public spaces, with a focus on San Francisco’s Groundplay program of parklets and urban prototyping.
Thursday, December 15, 2016 • 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Join us for a polar perspective on climate change research as we talk with scientists about the changing environment north of the Arctic Circle.
Thursday, August 25, 2016 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.
Learn about lasers at Full-Spectrum Science or pick up a copy of The Sea Forager’s Guide to the Northern California Coast by Kirk Lombad at Conversations About Landscape's talk and book signing.Thursday, August 18, 2016 • 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Join the Chief Scientist for the Independence mission, Dr. James Delgado, Director of NOAA's Maritime Heritage Program in the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, for a preview of the expedition and discussion of the history and archaeology of America's first atomic weapons test.
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 • 6:00–8:30 p.m.
Join a conversation about how designers are helping to envision solutions to sea level rise for the Bay Area.
Thursday, March 31, 2016 • 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Join NOAA historian John Cloud and archaeology researcher Scott Byram for a discussion of how they use archives and ground penetrating radar to study California’s history.
Thursday, December 17, 2015 • 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Join a conversation about how research on walruses, seals, and other marine mammals tells us about the impact of climate change on Earth’s ecosystems.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015 • 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Join a discussion about intimate geology and how understanding deep time can inform a comprehension of our environmental impact on the future.