🔬Science Center🏠 Homeschool ProgramsPaid admission

Exploratorium

Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street)

About

The Exploratorium is a pioneering museum of science, art, and human perception perched on the waterfront at Pier 15 on San Francisco's Embarcadero. Founded in 1969 by physicist Frank Oppenheimer, it has long been recognized as one of the most influential science museums in the world and is consistently rated the #1 museum in San Francisco. With more than 650 all-ages exhibits, the Exploratorium invites visitors to touch, manipulate, and experiment rather than simply observe. The museum's philosophy — that learning happens through direct experience — is built into every installation, from optical illusions and sound chambers to biology exhibits and engineering stations. The Tinkering Studio is a dedicated maker space where visitors build, circuit, and prototype alongside artists and scientists. For a more adventurous sensory experience, the Tactile Dome plunges visitors into complete darkness to navigate a sculptural environment by touch alone. On Thursday evenings, the museum hosts After Dark, an 18+ event that transforms the floor into an adult exploration experience complete with cocktails and special programming. The Exploratorium is accredited through the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) and offers school field trips and educator professional development programs. California public school teachers are admitted free. The museum's location at Pier 15 also provides sweeping views of the bay and access to the outdoor Bay Observatory Gallery.

🏠 Homeschool Programs

This institution offers dedicated programming for homeschooling families. Visit the website for details.

Subject Areas

🔬 Science💻 Technology⚙️ Engineering➗ Math🔧 Making & Tinkering🎨 Art

Best For

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All Ages👶 Early Childhood (0–5)🎒 Elementary (6–10)🧑 Tweens & Teens (11–17)🧑‍💼 Adults👨‍👩‍👧 Families🏫 School Groups

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Hours of Operation

Tuesday–Sunday 10am–5pm; closed Mondays. Thursday evenings 6–10pm (18+ After Dark).

Hours change seasonally — verify before visiting.

Admission

Paid admission

Adults $39.95, Youth (4–17)/Seniors/Teachers $29.95, Children 3 and under free. California public school teachers admitted free.

ASTC

ASTC Travel Passport Program

Members of the Association of Science and Technology Centers' Travel Passport Program offer free or discounted admission to members of other participating institutions. Over 300 science centers worldwide participate.

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47 other places in our directory accept this membership: