Exploratorium — Attraction in San Francisco

The Exploratorium is a renowned museum in San Francisco, California, dedicated to science, technology, and the arts. Established in 1969 by physicist and educator Frank Oppenheimer, it originally resided in the Palace of Fine Arts before relocating in 2013 to Piers 15 and 17 along the Embarcadero waterfront. EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Exhibits and Galleries:

Visitors can explore over 1,000 interactive exhibits across various galleries, each focusing on different themes:

Physics of Light and Sound: Engage with exhibits that delve into the principles of light and acoustics.

Human Behavior: Discover interactive displays that examine aspects of human psychology and social dynamics.

Living Systems: Explore the complexities of biological systems and the natural world.

Tinkering Studio: A hands-on space encouraging creativity and innovation through building and experimentation.

The museum also features an Outdoor Gallery and a Bay Observatory Gallery, offering insights into the local environment, climate, and landscape.

Annual Events:

The Exploratorium is known for hosting engaging events throughout the year. One notable celebration is Pi Day, held annually on March 14th (3/14), honoring the mathematical constant π (pi). This tradition began at the Exploratorium in the late 1980s, initiated by physicist Larry Shaw. The 38th Annual Pi Day Celebration in 2025 includes activities such as demonstrations, discussions on pi's applications, a pi-digit parade, and musical performances, along with servings of pie and moon pies. SFCHRONICLE.COM

Visitor Information:

Location: Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94111.

Hours: Typically open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Extended hours are available on Thursdays for the "After Dark" adult program. EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Admission: Various ticket options are available, including general admission, discounts for youth, seniors, students, and free entry for children under specific ages. Membership packages offer additional benefits.

For the most current information on exhibits, events, and visiting guidelines, please visit the official Exploratorium website.

Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, the Exploratorium provides an enriching experience that sparks curiosity and fosters a deeper understanding of the world through...

The Exploratorium is one of the most incredible museums I’ve ever experienced, and it’s easy to see why it’s such a beloved San Francisco landmark. This isn’t just a museum you walk through, it’s a place that pulls you in, challenges your mind, and lets you interact with science and art in ways you never forget. From the moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by hundreds of hands-on exhibits designed to spark curiosity and wonder for all ages.

Every corner of the Exploratorium has something new to discover. You can experiment with light and shadow, play with mirrors and optical illusions, learn about sound, explore motion, touch and feel textures, or step into exhibits that explore the natural world. The Tactile Dome is a one-of-a-kind adventure in complete darkness that challenges your sense of touch, and the outdoor exhibits along the waterfront let you engage with science while enjoying stunning views of the Bay Bridge.

What makes the Exploratorium so special is that it’s fun for absolutely everyone. Kids run from exhibit to exhibit with wide-eyed excitement, while adults find themselves just as fascinated, laughing and learning as they dive into experiments. Teachers, families, scientists, and curious minds all come together here, and every visit feels unique because there’s always more to explore than you can fit into a single day.

The location on Pier 15 right along the Embarcadero is beautiful, with plenty of space inside and outside. The building itself feels modern and open, filled with natural light, and the views of the bay add even more to the experience. The staff is friendly, helpful, and passionate about making science engaging.

The Exploratorium is more than a museum, it’s an experience that leaves you inspired. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or someone who has been coming for years, it never loses its magic. For anyone visiting San Francisco, this is an absolute must-see...

I enjoyed the creativity behind the exhibits and the thoughtful spacing and organization throughout. My favorite section was Plantistica (I think I mispelled that) and I really enjoyed the vignette feature on a beloved local gardener. I regret not writing a note about what gardening means to me and who gave me that precious gift. Visitors will enjoy the intermittent coverage of FRANK Oppenheimer, museum founder. I thought I knew how light and sound behaved, but I saw, read and heard so much I realize I knew and still know, nothing! Am in this fascinating city for work and am so, SO grateful I had the opportunity to see this museum after ordinary office hours. I expect that during the day the space is steadily busy with school aged children and teens. If I had raised my son here I would have visited this museum often. The interactive exhibits are delightful. Brilliant marketing move to offer evening access for adults, given at least one large conference this week drew a flood of talented tech sprites to SF, and much of that same young, professional crowd filled the building tonight. The energetic joy was infectious as they enthusiastically approached every installation. By 10PM some who had generously availed themselves of the pop-up bar were... "extra", but the crowd was still very polite and exited at the closing hour without hesitation. Staff were pleasant, and speedy and efficient but honestly all looked like they had already worked a full day when I arrived after 7PM. Staff, all of them, looked utterly exhausted when I left. I had wished that there were some acoustic tiles, or more of them, between certain exhibits, to isolate sound and dampen the echoing din. As visitors could not hear eachother clearly, they all spoke louder and louder to the point that ears were ringing as I left. I could tell some were hoarse from their marathon of...