The Exploratorium’s Beloved Winter Light Art Exhibition Returns Next Week — With 500 Suspended Orbs And A Mind-Bending Optical Illusion

The Exploratorium presents its 2025 rendition of the **fan-favorite winter exhibition *Glow*, opening November 20, 2025 and running through January 25, 2026. This annual exhibition presents luminous sculptural light art by artists from around the world, turning one of SF’s most popular [museums](https://secretsanfrancisco.com/sf-museums-gardens-free-admission-days/) into a compelling landscape of interactive glowing art pieces.** Featured works include optical illusions, hands-on installations, walk-through landscapes, and luminous sculptures to admire from afar. *Glow* 2025 ----------- This year’s *Glow* exhibition showcases a new, exciting collection of artworks that celebrate the union of light, art, and science. Squidsoup’s *Wave * is likely to be a fan favorite, featuring nearly 500 suspended orbs in the shape of an ocean wave, animated through light and sound. Guests can walk beneath the orbs and gaze up at the wave from all angles. Tristan Duke’s *Aperture Lucida * returns after featuring in the Exploratorium’s Artist-in-Residence Program between 2017 and 2019. It’s a fascinating optical illusion where visitors can step inside a dark box containing a holographic ball of light, which transforms as you walk through and interact with it. Another Exploratorium Artist-in-Residence, Bob Miller, created an original exhibit called *Sun Painting * in 1971, where guests can use refracted light from the sun to create a “live” painting. This year’s *Glow* honors and reimagines *Sun Painting* with the addition of new interactive elements and artificial lighting , meaning it can also be used at night and on cloudy days. “With larger-than-life installations and immersive environments, some pieces invite hands-on exploration while others inspire awe from a distance ,” said Allison Roach, Director of Temporary Exhibitions. “We can’t wait to welcome visitors back to experience the surprise, delight, and curiosity that*Glow*brings to all ages.” Visiting the Exploratorium -------------------------- 🗓️ Exhibition dates : Nov. 20, 2025 – Jan. 25, 2026 🕜 Hours : Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm, After Dark Thursdays (18+) from 6-10pm, Sundays from 10am-12pm (members only) and 12pm-5pm (general public) 📍 Location : Exploratorium, Pier 15, Embarcadero at Green St, San Francisco, CA 94111 🎟️ Tickets : *Glow* is included with general admission to the Exploratorium Exploratorium: General Admission 17 reviews November 18, 2025 12:00 AM + more dates Exploratorium $39.95 Buy tickets Exploratorium: After Dark Thursdays 75 reviews December 4, 2025 12:00 AM + more dates Exploratorium $22.95 Buy tickets Source: https://secretsanfrancisco.com/exploratorium-glow-light-art-exhibition/