ExtraOrdinary!

Everyday stuff. Incredible art.

See ordinary become extraordinary! Nine artists transform LEGO^® pieces, shoes, cardboard, miles of string, and other everyday things into stunning, imaginative installations. Plus explore your inner artist-scientist with hands-on DIY building and programs for all ages.

Overlapping text in vibrant pink and purple colors that reads "EXTRA ORDINARY".

About the Artworks

CLOUD

Become a cloud puppeteer in this exploration of light and social spaces.

Masks

Watch shoes smile in this artwork created from secondhand heels.

saxophone parts assembled to resemble a bird

Yardbird

See saxophones with wings in this piece inspired by jazz and airports.

colorful yarns hanging over smiling couple

Analog Technicolor

Find patterns in miles of hanging yarn and thousands of knots tied by hand.

mythological creations scultped from LEGOⓇ pieces.

Building Black Mythos: DIVINITIES

Meet gods and imaginary mythological creatures built from LEGO ® pieces.

Bamboo Weaving Star

Create a collective work of art by weaving with others on a massive loom.

Building Blocks

Discover a surprising shadow cast by regular wooden blocks.

room with walls covered in brown squares

405 prepared dc motors, cotton balls, cardboard boxes 46x46x46 cm

Listen to a sound sculpture created from everyday boxes.

What's Happening

Pop-Up Workshop

Tinker with delightful DIY exhibits—mini-Exploratorium exhibits built from low-cost materials by Community Science Workshops. You might get inspired to bring one back to your neighborhood!

Visit the pop-up workshop for DIY building and art-making activities with the Explainers, using everyday stuff such as fabric, cardboard, and electronics.

11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. daily
6:30–9:30 p.m. Thursday nights

Learn More

A group of people sitting on cushions in front of a large screen displaying images.

ExtraOrdinary Cinema

In these 10 animated shorts by artists and independent filmmakers, ordinary things—from candy wrappers to old film strips—come to life in creative, funny, and meditative ways.

Take a break on the comfy seats in Gallery 3’s Wattis Studio to enjoy this ExtraOrdinary! playlist of surprising short films at the crossroads of art and science.

10 short films (1–5 minutes)
On loop all day

Learn more

Make It Extra

Name: ExtraOrdinary! | Exploratorium
Start: 2024-06-13T00:00:00-0700
End: 2024-09-08T23:59:00-0700
Location: Exploratorium

Got ordinary stuff? Make it extraordinary! Drag and drop the objects for ideas to get you started.