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Exploratorium and its collection

Exploratorium
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The Exploratorium is a museum of science, technology, and arts in San Francisco, United States. It is characterized as a 'mad scientist's playground, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory, all in one.' The participatory nature of its exhibits and its self-identification as a center for informal learning has led it to be cited as the prototype for participatory museums worldwide.

Galleries at the Exploratorium

The interior and the historic exterior of Pier 15 were extensively renovated before the move, and it was divided into several separate galleries mainly by content, including the physics of seeing and hearing (light and sound), human behavior, living systems, games (including electricity and magnetism), the Outdoor Gallery, and the Bay Observatory Gallery, which focuses on the local environment, climate, and landscape.

Exhibits at the Exploratorium

Since the museum's foundation, over a thousand participatory exhibits have been created, approximately six hundred of which are on display at any given time. The exhibit construction workshop space is contained within the museum and is open to view.

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DEExploratorium (San Francisco)

Science & Technology Science & Technology Contemporary art Astronomy Geology Industrial heritage

#2 Science & Technology in San Francisco #3 Contemporary art museums in San Francisco #1 Industrial & heritage museums in San Francisco #5 Science & Technology in California #1 Astronomy museums in California #5 Contemporary art museums in California #3 Geology museums in California #1 Industrial & heritage museums in California #27 Science & Technology in United States #5 Astronomy museums in United States #21 Contemporary art museums in United States #8 Geology museums in United States #11 Industrial & heritage museums in United States

#2 Science & Technology in San Francisco #3 Contemporary art museums in San Francisco #1 Industrial & heritage museums in San Francisco #5 Science & Technology in California #1 Astronomy museums in California #5 Contemporary art museums in California #3 Geology museums in California #1 Industrial & heritage museums in California #27 Science & Technology in United States #5 Astronomy museums in United States #21 Contemporary art museums in United States #8 Geology museums in United States #11 Industrial & heritage museums in United States

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Exploratorium
Green St
Pier 15
CA 94111 San Francisco
California

Images of Exploratorium

Visitor information Exploratorium

Opening hours

Sunday (Daytime Members/Donors Only 10:00 am to Noon): 12:00 pm—5:00 pm
Monday (Open through September 1): 10:00 am—5:00 pm
Tuesday—Saturday: 10:00 am—5:00 pm
Thursday (Ages 18+): 6:00 pm—10:00 pm

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Admission

0 – 3Free
4 – 17$29.95
18 – 64$39.95
65+$29.95
Disabled$29.95
Students$29.95
Teachers$29.95
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Facilities

Wheelchair accessible

Location & Map

Green St, San Francisco

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Exhibitions

No exhibitions in Exploratorium have been found.

Exploratorium Reviews

Exploratorium has 1 rating.

  • Apollo's Insights AI-Generated

    The Exploratorium in San Francisco is a highly regarded science museum that offers a hands-on, interactive experience for visitors of all ages. Located at Pier 15 on the Embarcadero, it provides stunning views of the San Francisco Bay while housing hundreds of exhibits that explore various scientific concepts.

    Visitors consistently praise the museum for its engaging and educational approach to science. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including physics, biology, psychology, and more. Many reviewers appreciate how the museum encourages learning through play and experimentation, making complex scientific principles accessible and enjoyable for both children and adults.

    The Tactile Dome, a pitch-black crawl-through environment, is often mentioned as a standout experience. Other popular exhibits include the tornado simulator, fog bridge, and the large-scale outdoor installations.

    While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some visitors mention that the museum can get crowded, especially during peak times and holidays. A few also note that the admission price is on the higher side, though many feel the experience justifies the cost.

    The museum's commitment to sustainability and its use of recycled materials in exhibits is frequently commended. The on-site cafeteria also receives positive mentions for its quality and variety of food options.

    Overall, the Exploratorium is widely regarded as an excellent destination for those interested in science, offering an immersive and thought-provoking experience that combines education with entertainment.

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  • Aggregated rating

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