
What is the Exploratorium known for?
The Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s a gateway to exploring science, art, and human perception with every visit. Let your curiosity roam through hundreds of exhibits, many focused on noticing and observation, in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries.
Is the Exploratorium free to visit?
Join us and get free admission all year long! The Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s a gateway to exploring science, art, and human perception with every visit. Let your curiosity roam through hundreds of exhibits, many focused on noticing and observation, in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries.
How do I enter the Exploratorium as a visiting adult?
One visiting adult must be named on the membership card used for entry. Home institutions and the member home address must be at least 90 miles away from the Exploratorium. How do I buy a gift card?
How crowded is Exploratorium?
Exploratorium can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 9 Exploratorium tickets and tours on Tripadvisor

Is the Exploratorium worth it for adults?
Is the Exploratorium in San Francisco for adults? You bet! It's a playground of fun activities for all levels. If you are an adult that loves to play around and learn, you will really enjoy the experience here.
What age is Exploratorium good for?
While the Exploratorium is geared for visitors of all ages, they offer exhibits that are particularly appealing to toddlers. With color, bubbles, light and shadows these installations get a five-rattle rating from toddlers and younger children. Admission is always free for children ages three and under.
Is the Exploratorium for children?
Cool Exhibits for Kids of All Ages You're never too young (or too old) to enjoy the Exploratorium. While our exhibits can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages, look out for these favorites for specific age groups.
Is the Exploratorium After Dark fun?
With special guests, a fog bridge, a large-scale kaleidoscope, dazzling light displays, mind-bending mirrors, and more, Exploratorium After Dark is a fresh and exciting addition to your date-night arsenal.
How much does the Exploratorium cost?
Daytime TicketsAdults (18–64)$29.95Seniors, People with Disabilities, Teachers, Students, Youth (13–17)$24.95Children (4–12)$19.95Children (3 & under)FREEMembers (Join us!)FREE1 more row
How long does it take to visit Exploratorium?
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours - you could probably spend a bit more time to interact with every exhibit . Plan to have lunch or several snakes and you could spend the whole day Kids will love some of the exhibits so much it's hard to get them away.
Is the science museum good for 3 year olds?
An exciting interactive space, created especially for children aged 3–6 and their parents and carers. Inquisitive children can explore the main areas—construction, water, light and sound. While playing, they can find out about floating and sinking, shadows and reflections, and much more.
Does Exploratorium After Dark have food?
Food and drinks will be available to purchase and enjoy in our Seaglass Restaurant and additional bar location during After Dark. Please note that there is no drinking or eating allowed elsewhere in the museum at this time.
Are dogs allowed at the Exploratorium?
Yes, it is a pet friendly museum!!! They don't mention it on the website but we saw a few dogs there and we confirmed it with the staff. The Exploratorium is divided into six different main galleries and each gallery explores a different area.
What is Exploratorium?
Exploratorium definition A museum or similar institution that encourages visitors to explore the exhibits in a hands-on manner. noun.
What can you expect?
All visitors ages 5 and up must provide documentation following the updated COVID-19 Requirements effective February 1, 2022.
Daytime Membership
A membership makes it easier and more affordable for you and your family to connect with your curiosity (and each other) all year long, and pays for itself in as few as two visits .
How big is the Exploratorium?
The Exploratorium campus comprises 330,000 sq ft (31,000 m 2) of indoor and outdoor exhibit space, and includes 1.5 acres (0.61 ha) of freely accessible public space. The exhibits are housed in and around Pier 15, which extends over 800 ft (240 m) over the Bay.
How many pages are there in the Exploratorium?
Since Oppenheimer's death in 1985, the Exploratorium has expanded into other domains, including its 50,000-page website and two iPad apps on sound and color. It has also inspired an international network of participatory museums working to engage the public with general science education.
Where is the Exploratorium in San Francisco?
The Exploratorium relocated from the Palace of Fine Arts to Piers 15 and 17, located between the San Francisco Ferry Building and Pier 39 along the San Francisco Embarcadero, in April 2013. The Piers location was identified by Goéry Delacôte and then-board chairman Van Kasper as a potential space for relocation in 2004.
When was the Exploratorium opened?
The Exploratorium was founded by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer and opened in 1969 at the Palace of Fine Arts, its home until January 2, 2013. On April 17, 2013, the Exploratorium reopened at Piers 15 and 17 on San Francisco's Embarcadero.
How many people visited the Exploratorium in 2012?
In 2012, 570,000 people visited the Exploratorium; 55% were adults and 45% were children. Geographically, 52% were from the Bay Area, 24% from the rest of California, 14% from other states, and 10% outside the US. Some 36% received free or discounted admission, and 44,000 attended on free admission days.
Is the Exploratorium at Pier 15 sustainable?
The Exploratorium at Pier 15 has a net-zero energy goal as part of its overall sustainability efforts. Setting this net-zero goal means that, while in operation, The Exploratorium will produce more energy on-site than it will consume on an annual basis. The museum highlights its sustainability efforts in visible ways throughout the museum as part of a stated intention to lead by example.
Is the Exploratorium a science museum?
Despite being generally thought of as a science museum, the Exploratorium has always incorporated both science and art. As early as 1966, Frank Oppenheimer presented a paper discussing the connections between art and science, and the role of a museum in appealing to both casual visitors and serious students of all ages.
