Exploratorium | A hub for science, technology, & innovation
The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a world-renowned interactive science museum, where hands-on exhibits combine science, art, and human perception. The museum, founded in 1969 by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, sparks curiosity and encourages exploration for visitors of all ages. Situated on the city's scenic waterfront, it's a must-visit destination if you’re eager to get into the wonders of the natural world through fun, engaging, educational experiences.
Why visit the Exploratorium in San Francisco
Innovative interactive exhibits: The Exploratorium’s hands-on exhibits challenge your thinking, encouraging you to experiment with science, art, and human perception in completely new ways.
Pioneering legacy: Founded by Frank Oppenheimer, the museum is rooted in a rich history of scientific innovation, making it a hub for creativity and intellectual curiosity.
Tactile Dome experience: Step into total darkness and navigate by touch alone in this one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that redefines sensory perception.
Prime location at Pier 15: Soak in views of the San Francisco Bay as you explore the exhibits, with a backdrop of iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
Exploration of big ideas: Delve into complex topics such as climate change, the human brain, and the physics of light, presented in accessible, thought-provoking ways.
Adult-only After Dark events: The museum offers special evening events where adults can explore the exhibits in a more relaxed setting with cocktails, music, and other fun activities!
A glimpse into the museum zones
Bernard and Barbro Osher Gallery 1: Human Phenomena
Dive into the quirky ways we perceive, think, and interact with the world. This gallery will have you questioning your senses and discovering just how unique—and shared—our human experiences are.
Gallery 2: Tinkering
If you love to build, experiment, or just make things work, this is your playground. Get hands-on with tools and materials to bring your creative ideas to life in a fun, inventive space.
Bechtel Gallery 3: Seeing & Reflections
Prepare to be amazed by how your eyes and brain collaborate to shape your view of reality. Play with light, mirrors, and lenses to uncover surprising optical effects that will make you see the world differently.
Gordon and Betty Moore Gallery 4: Living Systems
Explore the intricate balance of life all around us. From ecosystems to individual organisms, this gallery brings nature’s complexity right to your fingertips, reminding us just how connected everything really is.
Gallery 5: Outdoor Exhibits
Step outside and become one with the elements! Experience wind, water, and sunlight in interactive exhibits that use nature itself to teach you about the forces shaping our planet.
Fisher Bay Observatory Gallery 6: Observing Landscapes
With the striking San Francisco Bay as a backdrop, explore the dynamic relationship between urban life and nature. This zone lets you delve into the history, geology, and ecology of the region while observing its beauty in real time.
Plan your visit
Operating hours:
Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 5pm
Thursday (Ages 18+): 6pm - 10pm
Closed: Mondays
Best time to visit: Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, giving you a more relaxed experience with plenty of time to explore the exhibits. If you’re interested in a unique, adults-only experience, visit during their After Dark events on Thursday evenings.
Address: Pier 15 Embarcadero at, Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94111, United States | Find on Maps
By bus: Take the F-Bus or LOWL bus and alight at Green Street. The bus stop is right outside the Exploratorium.
Nearest stop: The Embarcadero & Green Street (1-minute walk)
By BART: Take the Blue-N or Blue-S lines to get to the attraction.
Nearest station: Embarcadero BART station (14-minute walk)
By car: The Exploratorium is about 15 miles away from the San Francisco International Airport (22-minute drive)
Parking: Parking is not available inside the venue but you will find many nearby parking lots. The closest is the Exploratorium Parking Lot.
Lockers: Coin-operated lockers are available
Dining & shopping: There are two restaurants and one gift shop on site.
Strollers: Strollers are available on a first come first serve basis.
Baby-changing facilities: Family restrooms can be located in Gallery 4 while baby-changing tables are available in all restrooms.
All-gender restrooms: Head to the Crossroads and Moore Gallery 4 if you require all-gender bathrooms.
The Exploratorium is completely wheelchair accessible. For the Tactile Dome, only one portion is wheelchair accessible.
You can also rent wheelchairs if needed (limited availability).
If you require a wheelchair lift or assistive listening devices, please visit the Kanbar Forum.
Tactile maps are available for guests with visual impairments. You can pick them up at the Information Desk at the entrance.
ASL interpreters can be arranged for with one week’s notice. Contact the venue at 415-528-4407.
The strobe lights present within the exhibits are safe for guests who are epileptic.
Service animals are welcome inside the facility.
Filming and photography for commercial purposes are strictly prohibited.
Pets and service animals are allowed inside but they must be on a leash at all times.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Outside food and drink are not permitted in the museum, but there are on-site dining options, including the Seismic Joint Café and the Seaglass Restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal.
The Exploratorium offers two on-site restaurants.
Seaglass Restaurant: Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with pristine water views and a menu focused on fresh, organic ingredients. Enjoy a variety of dishes such as tacos, salads, and Japchae noodles.
Timings:
Tuesday to Sunday: 11am to 3pm
Thursday (After Dark events): 6pm to 9:30pm
Seismic Joint Café: This is a convenient spot for quick snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, perfect for refueling during your visit to the museum.
Timings:
Saturday & Sunday: 10am to 5pm
Tuesday to Friday: 10am to 3pm
*Both restaurants, like the museum, are closed on Mondays.
Step into the Exploratorium Store for a selection of unique and imaginative memorabilia. Here you’ll find a diverse range of games, books, gadgets, and tinkering kits, all designed to stimulate your curiosity for art, science, and technology.
Timings:
Tuesday to Wednesday, Friday to Sunday: 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday: 10am - 10:30pm
The store is closed on Mondays.
If you have the time, consider attending the After Dark event on Thursdays. It's a fun way for adults to explore the museum in an intimate setting, complete with cocktails, music, and unique activities.
Spend ample time in the Tinkering Gallery to create an innovative contraption using the tools provided. This hands-on experience is one of the highlights of the museum.
Once you’re done exploring the exhibits in the outdoor gallery, spend some time soaking in the view of the San Francisco Bay. It’s the perfect way to unwind amidst all the fun!
Many exhibits inside are interactive, so keep an eye out for any ‘Try It’ signs and make the most of your visit by engaging with the displays.
Stay back to catch the sunset over the Bay. The views are worth it!
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions like Pier 39 and the Aquarium of the Bay for a wholesome day out.
Aquarium of the Bay: This aquarium features marine life native to San Francisco Bay, showcasing underwater tunnels and interactive exhibits that highlight the region's biodiversity
Pier 39: A bustling waterfront area filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment, Pier 39 is famous for its sea lions and lively atmosphere.
Fisherman’s Wharf: Known for its historic waterfront, this iconic area offers fresh seafood, unique shops, and various attractions, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art: Just a short distance away, SFMOMA boasts an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by renowned artists from around the world.
Cable Car Museum: This museum provides an in-depth look at the history and mechanics of San Francisco’s iconic cable cars, with live demonstrations and vintage cable cars on display.
Frequently asked questions about Exploratium tickets
Your admission tickets give you access to all 6 galleries inside the museum. The Tactile Dome and After Dark event require separate tickets which you can purchase on site.
Children 3 and under do not require a ticket to enter.
Yes, children between the ages of 4 and 17 and seniors above 65 can purchase discounted tickets.
Yes, your admission tickets give you access to the library but please note that the library is temporarily closed for construction.
No, you can visit both the Seaglass Restaurant and the Seismic Joint Café without an admission ticket.
Unfortunately, you cannot cancel or reschedule your tickets.
Yes! Feel free to bring your furry friends along for your visit to the Exploratorium. Please note that you will have to keep them on a leash at all times.
Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult (18+). A minimum of one chaperone is required for a group of up to 10 children.
Ideal for curious minds of all ages, this experience sparks creativity and learning through interactive displays across 6 unique galleries.
Engage with the Tactile Dome and explore human perception through interactive activities like Poking Fun at CXolor Mixing and Deep Blue, testing your senses in fun ways.
Discover how everyday physics works in Gallery 3 with exhibits like Bright Black and Sound Bite, offering a fresh take on light and sound perception through engaging demonstrations.
Immerse yourself in the life sciences in Gallery 4, featuring real-time displays like the Algae Chandelier and live dissections, offering a deeper look into biological systems.
Experience the Bay up close with outdoor exhibits like Fog Bridge and Color of Water. Get hands-on with nature while learning about San Francisco’s local environment.
Inclusions
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Entry to Exploratorium
Multilingual museum map
Access to the Tactile Dome experience
Tip: Visit the outdoor exhibits in the late afternoon to experience the Fog Bridge as the light changes and enhances the visual effect.
Your service animals and pets are welcome at the venue.
This experience is wheelchair accessible.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Tickets
Exploratorium Tickets
Ideal for curious minds of all ages, this experience sparks creativity and learning through interactive displays across 6 unique galleries.
Engage with the Tactile Dome and explore human perception through interactive activities like Poking Fun at CXolor Mixing and Deep Blue, testing your senses in fun ways.
Discover how everyday physics works in Gallery 3 with exhibits like Bright Black and Sound Bite, offering a fresh take on light and sound perception through engaging demonstrations.
Immerse yourself in the life sciences in Gallery 4, featuring real-time displays like the Algae Chandelier and live dissections, offering a deeper look into biological systems.
Experience the Bay up close with outdoor exhibits like Fog Bridge and Color of Water. Get hands-on with nature while learning about San Francisco’s local environment.
