Masks and vaccinations are recommended. Plan your visit
Free for Donors and Daytime members and for After Dark members on Thursday nights.
Weekdays: 2:00–5:00 p.m.
After Dark Thursday Nights: 6:00–10:00 p.m. (18+)
Weekends: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Experience the delight of illusion in this new work by artist and inventor Tristan Duke. Created during his two-year artist residency at the Exploratorium, Aperture Lucida is an artwork and optical device that challenges and astounds our perception in novel ways. Upon first encounter, Aperture Lucida presents as a blank, monolithic cube centered in a large white space. As you approach the structure, a holographic ball of light appears, seemingly projecting out of the cube. The ball of light becomes a virtual object that unexpectedly explodes and dissolves as you walk into it. The astonishing effect is achieved without circuitry or digital technology, inviting visitors to question your notions of low and high technology and to experience a moment of wonder.