exploratorium

100 Days of Summer at the Exploratorium

Discover and play on the San Francisco waterfront

Thursday, May 23–Monday, September 2, 2019

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All Ages

Note: We're open every day (except June 17) all summer long.

Follow your curiosity this summer to the Exploratorium on San Francisco’s scenic waterfront. All season long, TripAdvisor’s #1-rated museum in San Francisco will stay open to explorers of all ages—so from May 23 to September 2, visit us any day of the week for special summer programming and to tinker with more than 650 interactive exhibits investigating science, art, and human perception.

Here at the Exploratorium, you don’t just look at exhibits—you play with them. Dance with your own shadow, journey through total darkness in our famous Tactile Dome, and spark great conversations at Self, Made: Exploring You in a World of We. Don’t miss Moon Month, our July-long celebration of all things lunar, and revel in adults-only after-hours every week at After Dark Thursday Nights.

Special Summer Hours (May 27–September 2)
Daily (All Ages)
10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Thursday Evenings (Ages 18+)
6:00–10:00 p.m.

NOTE: We are closed Monday, June 17, all day for a private event.

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Upcoming Programs

May
23
Self, Made Cinema

Saturday, May 23–Monday, September 2, 2019

What are the formative experiences and encounters that can root a person's identity? In this collection of short films, the cinematic lens reveals essential and personal stories from a range of people.

May
23
Collage of person
Self, Made: Exploring You in a World of We

May 23–September 2, 2019

Have you ever wondered what makes you you? Explore the many converging facets of identity on this journey to the center of the self.

May
23
After Dark: Self, Made

Thursday, May 23, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Question your assumptions, weigh your psychic baggage, and dare yourself to try on a new persona as you explore both self and society. Come as you are—and let’s take a look in the mirror.

 

May
24
Self, Made collage
Self, Made Opening Weekend

Friday, May 24, 2019–Sunday, May 26, 2019

See and experience our new all-ages summer exhibition, Self, Made: Exploring You in a World of We, on its opening weekend. 

May
25
Members-only Preview
Self, Made Member Morning

Saturday, May 25, 2019 • 9:00 a.m.–noon

See and experience our new all-ages summer exhibition, Self, Made: Exploring You in a World of We, on its opening weekend. This special members-only event will be full of fun activities and special surprises.

May
25
Upcycled Costume Creation

Saturday, May 25, 2019 • 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Want to be a superhero? A queen? A dinosaur? Use found materials to create any identity you want.

May
26
Upcycled Costume Creation

Sunday, May 26, 2019 • 1:00–3:00 p.m.

Want to be a superhero? A queen? A dinosaur? Use found materials to create any identity you want.

May
26
Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Mirrors
Full-Spectrum Science with Ron Hipschman: Mirrors

Sunday, May 26, 2019 • 3:00 p.m.

Why do you see yourself in reverse when you look at yourself in a mirror? Why are you not upside down? Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman reveals the physics behind different types of mirrors and reflects on fascinating aspects of their construction and applications.

May
27
Exploratorium Open Monday Memorial Day

Monday, May 27, 2019 • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

The Exploratorium will be open to the public on Monday, May 27, 2019.

May
30
After Dark: Mirror, Mirror

Thursday, May 30, 2019 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Mirrors, arguably the first “virtual reality” technology, lie at the intersection of nature, culture, and self-recognition. Reflect on the science of mirrors and reflection through a rich collection of exhibits and experiences at After Dark: Mirror, Mirror.

 

Jun
1
Zine-Making 101 Workshop

Saturday, June 1, 2019 • 11:00 a.m.–Noon

The zine format—unencumbered by rules relating to form, function, or purpose—allows makers to share their voices and find the approach that best expresses their unique self. Learn some construction basics and share some approaches for telling your unique story.

Jun
1
Drop-in Zine-Making Workshop and Library

Saturday, June 1, Noon–2:00 p.m.

The zine format—unencumbered by rules relating to form, function, or purpose—allows makers to share their voices and find the approach that best expresses their unique self. Learn some zine construction basics of and share some approaches for telling your unique story.

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